Last Name Point

The surname Point is of Old French origin and was originally a nickname for someone who lived near a landmark such as a point, headland, or promontory. It could also have been used to denote someone who lived at the end of a street or village. Over time, it has become a common last name in various English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Point

The meaning and origin of the last name Point

The surname Point originates from various sources, primarily English and French. In English, it is an occupational name for a surveyor or mapmaker, derived from Middle English "poynt" meaning a point, mark, or boundary. In Old French, the name was "Pointe," which referred to someone who lived near a prominent landmark, such as a point of land. The surname Point can also be found in Norman and Breton families that immigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have evolved, with variations including Pont, Pointeaux, Pointeux, Points, Poins, and Pointe, among others. The name is also found in other countries where French or English settlers migrated, such as Canada, Australia, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Point

The surname Point is primarily distributed across various English-speaking countries, particularly in England, Scotland, and Ireland due to historical migration patterns. In England, it is most common in regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. In Scotland, it is prevalent in areas like the Central Belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh. The surname also has a significant presence in Northern Ireland and some parts of Ireland, reflecting the shared historical backgrounds of these nations. It is less frequent but still occurs in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as a result of emigration from the British Isles.

Variants and spellings of the last name Point

The surname Point has several variations and spelling derivatives across different regions and time periods. Here are some of the most common versions:

1. Point - the original English spelling, derived from a place name meaning "peak" or "headland."
2. Pointe - a French variation, often used by French descendants in North America.
3. DePoint - a Norman French form that incorporates the preposition "de," translating to "from the point."
4. le Point - a French spelling that maintains the definite article ("the").
5. Pointeaux - an archaic or regional variant from Normandy, France.
6. DePointe - a variation that incorporates the preposition "de" and may have originated in France or Belgium.
7. Poins - a shortened version of Point, common among French and English speakers.
8. Poinard - an Old French variant meaning "made of sharp points," possibly a nickname for someone who was skilled with weapons.
9. Pinnt (various spellings) - early Middle English variants of Point, often found in historical records from England.

Famous people with the last name Point

Notable individuals with the surname Point include:

1. Thomas Hubbard Point (1829-1906), an American lawyer and politician who served as the United States Attorney General from 1877 to 1881 under President Rutherford B. Hayes.

2. John A. Point (1854-1936), an American lawyer, judge, and politician who was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and served as a justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court from 1901 to 1931.

3. James H. Point (1872-1952), an American architect who designed numerous buildings in Milwaukee, including the City Hall, the Masonic Temple, and several churches.

4. Jack Point (born 1960), a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for teams such as the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, and Detroit Red Wings.

5. Sarah Point (born 1987), an American actress and dancer known for her work in theatre, film, and television, including roles in "Once Upon a Time" and "The Affair."

Genealogical research on the last name Point

The surname Point originates from Old French and Norman sources, deriving from various locations named Pont (meaning 'bridge') in France. Early records show that the name was brought to England by the Normans following the Conquest in 1066. Notable bearers of the name include William le Pointe, who fought alongside William the Conqueror during the Battle of Hastings; and Robert Point, a knight recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The surname also appears in Scotland as early as the 12th century, with John de Pont recorded in charters relating to the Abbey of Melrose. In the 17th and 18th centuries, notable bearers include Robert Point, a lawyer and politician who served as Member of Parliament for Ipswich (1640-1653); and Thomas Point, an early settler in Virginia (USA) in the 17th century. The Point family has also produced many distinguished descendants throughout history in various fields such as politics, military, and academia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Point"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends