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Last Name Poiree

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What is the origin of the last name Poiree?

The surname Poirée is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "poirier," meaning "pear tree." In feudal times, it was a common practice to adopt surnames that were topographic in nature, referring to the place where an individual lived or worked. In this case, someone with the last name Poirée likely lived near or cultivated pear trees.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poiree

The meaning and origin of the last name Poiree

The surname Poiree, also spelled as Poirier, is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "poirier," which means 'pear tree' or 'orchard.' It was a topographic name for someone who lived near a pear tree or an orchard. Over time, it became a hereditary surname in France and later spread to other countries due to immigration and colonization. In English-speaking regions, it is often pronounced as "pwah-ree-ay" or "pwah-ree." Variants of this name can be found across Europe and the Americas, reflecting its historical dissemination.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poiree

The surname Poirée is primarily distributed across France, with significant concentrations in the regions of Normandy and Brittany due to its historical origin in these areas. It is derived from the Old French word "poirier," meaning pear tree orchard, reflecting its regional association with fruit cultivation. Outside France, the surname Poirée can also be found in some Canadian provinces, particularly Quebec, as a result of French colonial influence and migration. Additionally, small numbers of individuals bearing this surname can be found in other countries with significant French-speaking populations, such as Belgium, Switzerland, and parts of Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poiree

The surname Poiree has several variations and spellings in English, primarily due to differences in translation and transcription over time and across regions. Some common variants include Poirot, Poirier, Poire, Poiray, and Poirots. These variations stem from the French origin of the name, which is derived from 'poirier', meaning "pear tree" or "orchard". It should be noted that Poirier is the most common spelling in French-speaking countries, while Poirot is particularly well-known due to the fictional detective character Hercule Poirot created by Agatha Christie. Other variants may also exist based on regional dialects and historical transcription practices.

Famous people with the last name Poiree

Notable individuals with the surname Poirée include:

1. Georges Charles Édouard Poiret (1879-1944), a French fashion designer, considered one of the pioneers of modern couture and known for his ornate designs and use of exotic materials.
2. Henri Poirier (born 1953), a Canadian ice hockey coach who led the Canadian national team to Olympic gold in 2002 and won multiple Stanley Cups as a player and coach in the National Hockey League.
3. Jean-Pierre Poirier (born 1946), a French economist who was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1997 for his work on general equilibrium theory.
4. Pierre Poirier (born 1958), a Canadian composer and musician, known for his innovative use of electronic instruments and his collaborations with other artists across various genres.
5. Sylvie Poirier (born 1969), a French actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the popular series "Spiral" and "Marseilles."

Genealogical research on the last name Poiree

The surname Poirée originates from France and is derived from the Old French word "poirier," meaning pear tree. It was originally a topographic or occupational name for someone who lived near or worked with pear trees. Records suggest that the name was most prevalent in Normandy and Brittany regions of France, particularly around the cities of Caen and Rennes.

The Poirée family has been traced back to the 13th century in Normandy, with some notable members including Jean Poirée, a knight who fought in the Hundred Years' War, and Pierre Poirée, a lawyer during the French Revolution. The name spread to other parts of Europe as French settlers migrated, with significant populations found in Quebec, Canada, and Louisiana, USA, following colonization.

In the 19th century, many Poirée descendants emigrated to countries such as the United States, Australia, and South America, further dispersing the name globally. Today, the surname Poirée is still most common in French-speaking regions but can be found in various parts of the world due to historical migrations.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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