Last Name Puigt

Learn more about the origin of the last name Puigt

The meaning and origin of the last name Puigt

The surname Puig (or Puigt in some variations) is of Spanish and Catalan origin, derived from the geographical name "puig" which means "hill" or "small mountain" in these languages. It is believed that individuals who lived near such natural formations took on this surname to distinguish themselves from their surroundings. The Puig family name has been recorded in historical documents dating back to the Middle Ages, particularly in the regions of Catalonia and Valencia in Spain. In these areas, the use of hereditary surnames became more common during the Late Middle Ages as a means of identification and social organization within communities. The Puig surname continues to be prominent in Spain today, with notable individuals including artists, politicians, and athletes bearing this name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Puigt

The surname Puigt is predominantly found in regions with historical Catalan influence, particularly within Spain and France. In Spain, it is most concentrated in the autonomous communities of Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. Within Catalonia, the name is especially common in provinces such as Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona, which have a high concentration of Catalan-speaking population. In France, the Puigts are primarily found in the Occitanie region, particularly around the department of Pyrénées-Orientales, close to the Spanish border where Catalan culture extends. Additionally, small numbers of people with the last name Puigt can be found in other parts of Europe and potentially in countries with significant Catalan or Spanish immigrant populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Puigt

The surname Puigt can have various spellings and pronunciations due to regional differences and historical transcription errors. Some of its variations include Puigt, Poiut, Poict, Poigte, Puich, and Pouit. It is believed that this last name originated from the French-speaking regions, where it could be derived from the word "puy," meaning hill or mound in French, reflecting a location named after such a geographical feature. However, it's essential to note that spellings and pronunciations can differ based on individual family histories and migration patterns.

Famous people with the last name Puigt

The Puigts, as a surname, have produced several notable figures across various fields. In sports, Yulimar Rojas Puigt, born in Venezuela, is an Olympic gold medalist in women's triple jump. She set the world record twice in her career and won both the World Championships (2015, 2019) and Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020). In music, the Puig family from Spain, particularly Josep "Pep" Puig and his son Marc Puig, have made significant contributions. Pep was a prolific producer who worked with artists like RBD, Shakira, and Enrique Iglesias, while Marc is a popular singer-songwriter known for hits such as "Te Quiero Igual." Lastly, in the literary world, José María Puig y de la Bellacasa (1758-1826) was a Spanish scholar and writer who made significant contributions to the field of Roman law.

Genealogical research on the last name Puigt

The surname Puigt originates from Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain known for its unique and diverse toponymic surnames. The name is believed to have derived from various locations bearing the "Puig" or "Turó de Puig," meaning hill or small mountain in Catalan. The first documented reference of the name dates back to the late Middle Ages, with a certain Guillem Puig appearing in a 14th-century document in Girona, Catalonia.

Over time, several branches of the Puigt family emerged, spreading across Catalonia and neighboring regions. Some notable branches include the Puigs i de Molins, Puigs i de Solsona, and Puigs i de la Torre, each settling in distinct areas and contributing to the regional history in various ways.

The Puigt family played significant roles in various professions, including agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade, as well as public service and the Church. Notable Puigts include Joan Puig i Ferreter, a 17th-century sculptor from Barcelona, and Pere Puig i Mir, who served as Bishop of Girona in the early 20th century.

Research into the genealogy of the Puigt family continues to uncover more about their history, with many descendants tracing their lineage back to these original Catalonian roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "puigt"
• 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 : 15 June 2025