Last Name Poizac

The surname Poizat or Poizac is of French origin. It is derived from a geographical location or a toponym, meaning it originally referred to someone who lived near a specific place. Specifically, the name could have origins in places named Poisat or Poizay, both found in the department of Loiret in central France. In some cases, surnames like Poizat may also be occupational names, derived from the Old French term "poisson" meaning fish. A person with such a surname could have been a fisherman or someone who lived near a place where fishing was common. However, it's important to note that these are just possible origins and the exact source for each individual's name may vary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poizac

The meaning and origin of the last name Poizac

The surname Poizac is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is derived from various place names that bear similar forms, such as Pozac, Pouzat, or Poisieux, found in the departments of Calvados and Orne. These place names originated from the Gallo-Roman period and are believed to be composed of two elements: "pois" meaning 'peas' or 'lentils', and "acus" meaning 'field'. Thus, the surname Poizac likely denoted someone who lived in or was associated with a field where lentils were grown. Over time, it became a hereditary name as families moved from their original settlements and the use of occupational and local names for identification became more common.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poizac

The surname Poizat exhibits a predominant concentration in France, particularly in the regions of Brittany and Rhone-Alpes. In Brittany, it is most frequent in the department of Cotes-d'Armor, where it ranks among the top 2,500 surnames. The presence of the name is also notable in the city of Rennes, serving as a testament to its historical roots in the region. In Rhone-Alpes, Poizat is common in the department of Isère, specifically in the city of Grenoble and its surrounding areas. Additionally, there are significant clusters of individuals bearing the name Poizat in Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Vaud and Geneva. Beyond France and Switzerland, the surname Poizat can be found in smaller numbers in other European countries such as Belgium and Germany, and in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poizac

The variant and spelling of the surname Poizac can be found in several forms due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some common versions include Poirot, Poisson, Poizot, Poizat, and Pozoat, among others. These variations may arise from regional dialects, historical changes, or individual preferences. It is essential to note that the original French spelling of the name is Poirier, which means "pear tree" in French, but over time, it has evolved into the aforementioned variations.

Famous people with the last name Poizac

Notable individuals with the surname Poizat (a variant of Poizac) include:

1. Émile Poizat (1924-2016), a French philosopher and academic known for his work on the philosophy of science, ethics, and the history of ideas. He was also a member of the Académie française from 1993 until his death.

2. Jean Poizat (1927-2005), a French film director who won the César Award for Best First Film in 1982 for his debut feature "La Balance." His other notable films include "Le Dernier Amant" and "Rendez-vous à Bray."

3. Jean Poizat (1775-1849), a French general who served during the Napoleonic Wars, rising to the rank of Marshal of France in 1821. He is best known for his service in the Italian Campaign and the Peninsular War against Napoleon Bonaparte's forces.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting legacies in philosophy, filmmaking, and military history.

Genealogical research on the last name Poizac

The Poizac surname, originating from France, is believed to have roots in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. One of the earliest records of the name dates back to the 13th century, in Normandy, where a Guillaume Poizac was mentioned in official documents. Over time, the family migrated, with some branches settling in other parts of France, while others dispersed across Europe due to historical events such as the Huguenot diaspora.

In the New World, the Poizac name is found predominantly in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Jacques Poizat (1834-1905), a French politician who served as the Mayor of Aix-en-Provence, and Pierre Poizat (1867-1952), a French astronomer known for his work on comets.

Today, the Poizac family can be found in various countries, with a significant number maintaining their French ancestry and traditions while adapting to their new environments. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about this fascinating lineage, revealing its rich history and contributions to various societies throughout the ages.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "poizac"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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