Last Name Poy

The surname Poy is of French and Spanish origin. In French, it derives from the given name Poix, a diminutive form of Pierre (Peter), while in Spanish, it could be a variant of the name Pedro. It's also found as a surname in Ireland, where it's often an anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Puadháig, meaning "descendant of Pedro." The exact origin and migration pattern for each individual bearing this surname can vary significantly.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poy

The meaning and origin of the last name Poy

The surname Poy is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "poe" meaning "field" or "open country." It was initially a topographical name for someone who lived in a field or open area. Over time, it has been anglicized and adopted by various families across Europe, including those in France, England, and Spain. In some instances, the surname may also be of Occitan origin, where "pogh" means "high place" or "hill." Today, the Poy surname can be found worldwide, with notable concentrations in France, Belgium, the United States, Canada, and the Philippines.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poy

The surname Poy is primarily distributed across several countries, with notable concentrations in Spain and France, both in Europe. In Spain, it is particularly prevalent in regions such as Castile-Leon, Extremadura, and Galicia. In France, the name can be found in areas including Alsace, Lorraine, and Franche-Comté. Outside of Europe, Poy is also present in the Philippines, a result of Spanish colonization, and to a lesser extent, in the United States, Canada, and Australia, where Filipino immigrants have settled. Additionally, there are smaller clusters of individuals with the surname Poy in Latin America and Africa, particularly in countries with historical ties to France or Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poy

The surname Poy has multiple variations and spellings. Some common spelling variations include Poey, Poi, Poei, and Poiy. These variations may be due to differences in regional pronunciation or historical spelling conventions. Additionally, some people with the name Poy may have anglicized the original surname from different languages. For example, it could originate from Spanish (Puy), French (Poitou), or Chinese (蒲, Pū). It's essential to consider these possibilities when searching for records or information related to the last name Poy and its variations.

Famous people with the last name Poy

Notable individuals with the surname Poy include:

1. Cándido Fabri Poy (1897-1964), a Dominican lawyer and politician who served as President of the Dominican Republic from 1952 to 1953.

2. Richard Poy (born 1960), a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for the New York Islanders, Quebec Nordiques, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

3. Yuri Poy (born 1987), a Russian-American actress known for her role as Kendra Young in the American science fiction series "Eureka."

4. Marcos Poy (1908-2005), a Chilean diplomat who served as Ambassador of Chile to Argentina and Peru, and was a key figure in the negotiation of the Treaty of Lima that ended the War of the Pacific between Chile and Peru.

5. Pauline Poy (born 1942), an American artist known for her vibrant abstract paintings, prints, and sculptures. She has exhibited widely in museums and galleries across the United States.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, reflecting the diverse talents and achievements of people with the surname Poy.

Genealogical research on the last name Poy

The surname Poy originates from France and is derived from various places bearing the same name, such as Pouy-de-Tarbes, Pouy-Saint-Étienne, and Pouy-Guaraman, all located in the Occitanie region. It's also found in other regions like Normandy, where it may have been a variant of the surname Poitevin, originating from Poitou, another region in western France. The earliest known records of the name date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, with early bearers including Adam de Poi and Guillaume Poi in various church records and census data. Over time, the spelling has evolved, with variations such as Poey, Poie, and Poi appearing throughout history. The family migrated to other parts of Europe, such as England, Belgium, and the Netherlands during the Middle Ages, establishing new branches and extending their lineage. Today, the name Poy is most common in France, England, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Poy"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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