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Last Name Poyer

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What is the origin of the last name Poyer?

The surname Poyer is of French origin and comes from the Old French word "poier," which means pear tree. This name was often given to someone who lived near a pear tree or to a person who was known for having a nickname related to pears. It is also possible that the name could have been occupational, referring to someone who was a keeper of pear trees or a seller of pears.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poyer

The meaning and origin of the last name Poyer

The surname Poyer is of French origin, derived from various place names in France such as Poiré-sur-Vie, Poiriers, and other localities that bear the name "Poiré," which means "orchard" or "pear tree farm." Over time, the spelling has evolved into different forms, including Poirot, Poiret, and Poyer. The name may have also been a nickname for someone who worked on a pear orchard or had characteristics associated with pears, such as being strong and robust like a pear tree. This surname is common in France but can also be found among French Canadian and Acadian populations due to migration patterns and settlements from the 17th century onwards.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poyer

The surname Poyer is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Brittany and Alsace. It's also common in some parts of Switzerland, specifically Vaud and Geneva, which have historical ties with the French region of Franche-Comté where the name originated. Small pockets of Poyers can also be found in Canada, primarily Quebec, due to French colonization and immigration. In the United States, there are significant numbers of individuals bearing the surname Poyer, particularly in Louisiana and other states with a strong French influence, such as Maine and Michigan. Additionally, the name has appeared sporadically in countries like Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands due to migration over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poyer

The surname Poyer has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variants include Poirot, Poirier, and Puyer, which are derived from the Old French word "poirier," meaning "pear tree." Another variant is Peirer, which could be a simplification or anglicization of the original French form. Other variations may also exist due to misspellings, typos, or phonetic transcriptions in historical records. It's important to note that these variations don't necessarily indicate different familial lineages, as surnames were often modified over time and across borders.

Famous people with the last name Poyer

Notable individuals with the surname Poyer include:

1. Jean Poyet (born 1942), a French politician who served as Mayor of Toulon from 1983 to 2008.
2. Michel Poyet (1926-2017), a French actor known for his roles in films such as "The 400 Blows" and "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg".
3. Jean-Jacques Poyet (born 1950), a French journalist, author, and political commentator.
4. Alexandre Poyet (born 1978), a Swiss football manager who has managed clubs like Bordeaux, Saint-Etienne, and Sion in his career.
5. Claude Poyet (1920-2016), a French painter known for his abstract works.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as politics, entertainment, journalism, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Poyer

The surname Poyer is of French origin, derived from the occupation of a potter or a maker of pots and jars. The name can be traced back to the medieval period in France. Early records show that the name was spelled variously as Poirier, Poirot, and later Poyer, due to regional variations and changes in spelling over time. The family is believed to have migrated from France to other parts of Europe and the Americas throughout history. In England, the Poyers are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. In North America, some of the earliest known bearers of the name include Pierre Poirier, who settled in Quebec, Canada in 1635, and Jean-Baptiste Poirier, who was a soldier in the French and Indian War. Today, the Poyer family can be found in various countries around the world, with high concentrations in France, Canada, and the United States.

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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