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Last Name Poiraudeau

What is the origin of the last name Poiraudeau?

The surname Poiraudeau is a French patronymic name derived from the given name Pierre, which means "rock" in French. The suffix "-aud(e)" is a diminutive form, often used to create pet names or affectionate nicknames. Over time, these pet names became hereditary and were passed down from father to son, forming a surname. In the specific case of Poiraudeau, it is likely that the original bearer was known as Pierre Aud(e), and his descendants continued to use this name as their surname. The name appears in various regions of France, with concentrations in Normandy, Brittany, and the Loire Valley. It became more common during the Middle Ages as a result of the widespread usage of personal names as hereditary surnames.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poiraudeau

The meaning and origin of the last name Poiraudeau

The surname Poiraudeau is of French origin, derived from various place names in France, primarily in Normandy and Brittany regions. The name is composed of two elements: "poir(e)" meaning pear tree in French, and "audu" or "autu," which could originate from either "haut" (high) or a personal name such as Alduin or Odo. Hence, the name Poiraudeau translates to something like 'High Pear Tree' or 'Pear Tree of Alduin/Odo.' The surname Poiraudeau is one of several names created from descriptive terms about land, occupation, physical characteristics, or personal attributes that were common in medieval Europe during feudal times.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poiraudeau

The surname Poiraudeau is primarily found in France, where it originated. It is most concentrated in the Brittany region, particularly in the departments of Finistère and Morbihan, reflecting its Breton origins. Historically, the name may have been associated with the town of Ploërdut, from which some families claiming the name are believed to have originated. Outside France, there are small communities of Poiraudeau descendants in various countries, including Canada, the United States, and Australia, due to French emigration over the centuries. In these countries, the distribution is generally centered around urban areas with strong French-speaking communities or regions that received significant French immigration, such as Quebec in Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poiraudeau

The surname Poiraudeau has several variations and spellings, some of which include: Poiraud, Poirot, Poirault, Poirot, Peraudeau, Pouradeau, Poraudeau, and Perraudou. These variations may arise from differences in spelling, phonetic changes over time, or regional dialects. The name is of French origin and is derived from the occupational name "Poireaud," meaning "pear-tree owner." It can also be a locative name for someone who lived near a pear tree orchard. However, it's important to note that the exact variations may depend on specific family histories and geographical locations where the name originated.

Famous people with the last name Poiraudeau

Notable individuals sharing the surname Poiraudeau include:

1. Jean-Pierre Poiraudeau (born 1946), a French film director, best known for his movies "La Femme de ma vie" and "Le Hussard sur le Toit."
2. Stéphane Poiraudeau (born 1958), another French film director, recognized for the films "Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran," "Le Placard," and "Les Choristes."
3. Nicolas Poiraudeau (born 1972), a former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for teams like Olympique de Marseille and Racing Club de Strasbourg.
4. Jean-Michel Poiraudeau (born 1955), a French politician and member of the National Assembly for Loiret since 2017, representing La République En Marche! party.
5. Gilles Poiraudeau (born 1963), a former professional tennis player from France who reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 38 in 1986.
6. Édouard Poiraudeau (born 1947), a French actor, known for his roles in films such as "La Guerre des boutons," "Les Misérables," and "Germinal."
7. Mathieu Poiraudeau (born 1982), a French rugby union player who played as a wing or fullback for clubs like Clermont Auvergne, Biarritz Olympique, and the France national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Poiraudeau

The surname Poiraudeau originates from France and is a variant of the more common surnames Porée or Pouré, which are derived from the Old French word "poré" meaning 'threshing floor'. The name is predominantly found in the regions of Bretagne, Poitou-Charentes, and Normandy. One notable figure with this surname is Jean-Baptiste Poiraudeau, a Breton general who played a significant role during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. In genealogical records, variants of the name include Poréeau, Pouréau, Poreaud, and Poureaud, among others. Notable migrations from France to the New World include settlements in Louisiana, Canada, and the Caribbean islands such as Martinique and Guadeloupe. In the United States, the highest concentrations of Poiraudeaus can be found in Louisiana, followed by Florida, Texas, California, and Massachusetts.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 30 July 2025

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