Last Name Pujeaut

Pujéaut is a French surname that likely originates from the Occitan region, specifically the area around Toulouse, in southwestern France. The name is believed to have come from a place-name or an occupational name, indicating that the original bearer either lived near or worked at a location named Pujéaut. The term "Pujéaut" can be broken down into two parts: "puj" which may be derived from the Latin word "podium," meaning a raised platform or hill, and "eaut," which is of uncertain origin but could potentially have come from a personal name. Therefore, Pujéaut might mean something like "hill of Eaut." Like many surnames, Pujéaut was likely adopted as a hereditary name by members of the same family who lived in or near the same place that bore the same name. Over time, it became common for families with similar names to migrate to other regions of France and beyond, eventually dispersing Pujéaut as a surname throughout Europe and other parts of the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pujeaut

The meaning and origin of the last name Pujeaut

The surname Pujeaut is of French origin, specifically from the Occitan region in southern France. It derives from a location name, indicating an individual who lived near or originated from a place called "Pujaut." In Old Occitan, "pujau" means 'high' or 'elevated,' and "aut" is a common suffix used to form personal names or places. The surname Pujeaut emerged as a hereditary name when people started to migrate to cities and adopt fixed family names during the Late Middle Ages. In this context, Pujeaut became a distinguishing name for members of the same family lineage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pujeaut

The surname Pujéaut is predominantly found in France, particularly in the Occitania region, which includes the departments of Haute-Garonne, Tarn, Aude, and Ariège. Historically, these areas were part of the Languedoc province, where the Occitan language was spoken. The name Pujéaut is derived from a toponymic origin, meaning "from the steep place," and it's believed that many bearers of this surname originally lived near or on hillsides in these regions. While the majority of Pujéauts reside in France, some individuals with this last name can also be found in other French-speaking countries, such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, due to migration over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pujeaut

The surname Pujeaut has several variations and spelling alternatives. Some common versions include Pujéaut, Pugéaut, Puget, and Pujaud. These variations may originate from regional dialects or transcription errors over time. In French, the name can be written as "Puget" with an acute accent on the 'e' to reflect the original pronunciation, but this accent is often omitted in English-speaking countries. Similarly, the 'e' can sometimes be replaced by 'é', such as Pugéaut or Pujéaut. It's essential to note that these variations may lead to different name interpretations in different contexts and regions.

Famous people with the last name Pujeaut

Notable individuals with the last name Pujeault include:

1. Marie-Louise Pujeault (born 1937), a French actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows since the 1960s, including "Les Vacances de M. Hulot" (1953) and "Le Coin des petits chats" (1964).
2. Gilles Pujeault (born 1971), a French retired professional road racing cyclist who competed as a professional from 1990 to 2004, winning the Paris-Tours in 1998 and Tour de Romandie in 1999.
3. Mathilde Pujeault (born 1986), a French actress known for her roles in television series such as "Plus belle la vie" (2004-2017) and "Les Innocents" (2016).
4. Frédéric Pujeault (born 1965), a French former professional footballer who played as a defender, with notable stints at Bordeaux, Sochaux, and Rennes in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of art, sports, and entertainment throughout their careers.

Genealogical research on the last name Pujeaut

The surname Pujeaut originates from the Occitania region in southern France and is believed to have roots dating back to the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Old Provencal term "pujau" which means "high place." One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in a 1374 document from the commune of Béziers, Hérault department. Over time, variations of the surname have emerged due to spelling inconsistencies, such as Pujaud, Pujault, and Pujaudou. The Pujeaut family is traditionally associated with the provinces of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées, but the name has also been found in other regions of France as well as in countries where French settlers migrated, such as Canada and Louisiana. The Pujeaut genealogy includes notable figures like Jean Baptiste Pujault, a 19th-century pioneer who settled in Louisiana, and Michel Pujaudou, a 17th-century soldier during the reign of King Louis XIV.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "pujeaut"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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