Last Name Quirion

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quirion

The meaning and origin of the last name Quirion

The surname Quirion is of French origin, derived from the Latin term "quercus," which means oak tree in English. The name initially served as a topographic or occupational surname for someone who lived near an oak tree or worked with oak wood. Over time, it evolved into various regional spellings such as Querreau, Querio, and Quirion. The spread of the name can be traced back to France, especially in regions like Normandy, Brittany, and Picardy. It is also found among French Canadian families who emigrated from these regions in the 17th and 18th centuries during the colonization of New France (present-day Canada). The name Quirion carries a connection to nature, reflecting the importance of oak trees in the lives of our ancestors.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quirion

The surname Quirion is predominantly distributed across France, particularly in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, where it represents a significant proportion of the population in certain communes such as Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert and Craponne-sur-Arzon. The name is also found in other regions including Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand Est, and Hauts-de-France. In addition to France, there are notable Quirion families residing in Quebec, Canada, with the name being especially prevalent in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. The presence of the surname is also observed in other countries such as the United States, Switzerland, and Belgium, albeit in smaller numbers compared to France and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quirion

The surname Quirion has several variations and spellings. They include:

1. Quirion: This is the most common spelling. It originates from France, where it might have been derived from the Latin word "quiritium," meaning "a citizen."
2. Quirino: This variant is particularly popular in Italy and Spain. It's believed to be a diminutive form of the Roman name Quintus, which was derived from the Latin word for five (quinque).
3. Querion: A less common variation, it might also have French origins but could be a slight misspelling or regional variant of Quirion.
4. Kwirion: This spelling is more prevalent in regions where English is not the primary language, and it represents an adaptation to the local phonetic rules.
5. Kyriacou: A Greek variation of the name, which may have originated from a different root but shares similar pronunciation with Quirion and its variations.

Famous people with the last name Quirion

Among notable individuals with the last name Quirion are:

1) Dr. Wilder Penfield (1891-1976), a Canadian neurosurgeon renowned for his pioneering work on the brain, especially the cortical mapping technique. His research contributed significantly to the understanding of neurological function and epilepsy.

2) Stéphane Dion (born 1955), a Canadian politician who served as the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 2006 to 2008 and was Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2004 to 2006. He is also a professor at McGill University in Montreal.

3) Marc Quirion (born 1977), a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played for several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers, during his career.

4) Marie-Josée Quirion (born 1952), a Canadian actress known for her roles in films such as "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" and "Souvenirs, Souvenirs." She has also worked extensively in television.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields including neuroscience, politics, sports, and entertainment, reflecting the versatility within the Quirion family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Quirion

The surname Quirion has roots primarily in France, specifically the region of Normandy and Picardy, where it is believed to have originated from the medieval personal name "Girard," which means "spear-brave." Over time, this name evolved into various forms such as Girardon, Guirardin, and Quirion. The first recorded instance of the surname in France was in the 13th century.

During the late Middle Ages, many French-speaking descendants of the Quirion family emigrated from France to other European countries, particularly Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy, where they continued to bear the surname. The Quirions were also among the many French colonists who settled in North America, particularly in Quebec, Canada, during the 17th century, contributing significantly to the French-Canadian population.

The Quirion family is also present in other parts of Europe and even in South America, where their descendants have established themselves over the centuries. The name's diversity and widespread distribution across time and space make it challenging to trace a single, definitive genealogical lineage for the Quirion family but provides a rich tapestry of historical and cultural connections among its members.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quirion"
• 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 : 11 June 2025