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Last Name Poirel

What is the origin of the last name Poirel?

The surname Poirel is of French origin. It is derived from a nickname or occupation, possibly referring to a pear seller or grower. In Old French, "poir" means 'pear' and "-el" is a common suffix for occupational names. As with many surnames, it likely originated as a way to identify individuals within a community by their profession or appearance.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poirel

The meaning and origin of the last name Poirel

The surname Poirel is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "poirier," which means pear tree. It is therefore likely that an early bearer of this name lived near or on a property with a pear tree. Over time, it became a hereditary name passed down through generations. The surname Poirel can be found predominantly in France and regions with a strong French influence. Variations of the name include Poirier, Porel, and Poriel. It is estimated that over 450,000 people worldwide carry this surname. Notable individuals with the surname Poirel include Jean-Pierre Poirier, a Canadian journalist and politician, and Émilie Poirier, a French actress and comedian.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poirel

The last name Poirel is predominantly found in France, with significant concentrations in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. Historically, these regions have been known for their rural communities and agricultural traditions. The name Poirel is derived from the Old French word "poirier," meaning pear tree, reflecting its origin from inhabitants living near pear orchards. Smaller clusters of individuals with this surname can also be found in other French-speaking regions such as Alsace, Lorraine, and Quebec, Canada. Occasionally, the name appears in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland due to historical migration patterns. Overall, the distribution of the Poirel surname is primarily concentrated in Western Europe, with a significant concentration in France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poirel

The surname Poirel has several variations and spellings, including Poirier, Poirot, Poiré, Pourrel, Poriel, and Poriel-Boisseau. These variations may stem from differences in regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or intentional alterations to fit cultural norms. Poirel is a French name that originates from the Old French word "poirier," meaning pear tree, reflecting its association with the fruit or the tree itself. The surname Poirier is one of the most common variations and can be traced back to various regions in France. Poirot is perhaps best known as the given name of the fictional detective character Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie's novels. However, it may also serve as a variant of Poirel or Poirier. Despite these differences, all of these variations share a common root and can be considered related names.

Famous people with the last name Poirel

Pierre Poirier, born in Quebec, Canada, is a renowned journalist and author. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the Governor General's Award for French-language non-fiction. Poirier has also been a member of the Canadian Parliament and served as President of the Quebec Liberal Party. In France, Alain Poiret is a well-known figure in the world of fashion. He founded the luxury label Céline in 1942, which was later purchased by LVMH. Poiret was known for his innovative designs and was a pioneer in women's ready-to-wear clothing. Lastly, Marie-Christine Poirel is a French politician who has served as the Mayor of Villeurbanne since 1989. She is also a Member of the National Assembly of France, representing the Rhône department. Marie-Christine Poirel has been a prominent figure in French politics and has held various government positions throughout her career.

Genealogical research on the last name Poirel

The Poirel surname originates from France, specifically in regions such as Normandy and Picardy. It is a toponymic name derived from various places called Poiré or Poirault, which mean "pear tree" in French. The earliest recorded occurrence of the name dates back to the 12th century in Normandy, where Villain Porel was mentioned in records around 1180 AD. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved and variations like Poirier, Poireaux, Poirelle, and Poiruel can be found across France. Some notable figures bearing this surname include Michel Poiret (1569-1648), a French mathematician and philosopher, and Édouard Poirel (1876-1945), a French physicist who made significant contributions to the understanding of X-rays. The Poirel lineage has been traced to several other European countries through migration, with many descendants residing in Canada, the United States, and Australia today.

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 : 14 June 2025

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