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Last Name Talon

What is the origin of the last name Talon?

The surname Talon has French origins. It is derived from the Old French word "talon," which means heel or claw, possibly given to someone with a distinctive feature resembling this. In some cases, it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a small promontory shaped like a heel or claw. Another possible source is the occupational name for a maker of heels or spurs, known as a talonnier in Old French.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Talon

The meaning and origin of the last name Talon

The surname Talon has French origins and is derived from the Old French word "talon," which translates to heel or nail. It was often given as an occupational name for a cobbler, as they would work with sharp tools resembling talons, or claws. Over time, it could also have been used metaphorically to describe someone who was quick and agile, like a hawk's talon. The Talon surname is primarily found in France but can also be found in other French-speaking regions such as Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland. As with many surnames, the Talon family has a rich history and numerous branches, some of which have migrated to other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Talon

The surname Talon has a significant presence primarily in French-speaking regions, with France being its most concentrated location. A substantial number of individuals with this last name can be found in Brittany, Normandy, and other regions of the country. The name also appears in Canada, particularly in Quebec where it shares similarities with the French influence. In addition, there are pockets of Talon family members in Belgium, Switzerland, and other French-speaking areas of Europe. The diaspora has led to smaller communities in the United States, primarily in states like Louisiana and Michigan, reflecting historical immigration patterns from France. Furthermore, you may find individuals with this last name in countries that were once French colonies or have had substantial French cultural influence, such as Haiti, Tunisia, and North Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Talon

The surname Talon can be found with various spellings and pronunciations due to differences in regional dialects and historical record keeping. Some of the most common variants include Talon, Talaun, Tallon, Talhouen, Tallen, Talonas, and Thalon. These variations may stem from misspellings over time, or regional pronunciation differences that have been recorded differently in different places. Regardless of spelling, the surname Talon is of French origin and can be traced back to the Old French word "talon," meaning heel or peg. It is also possible for individuals with this name to find variations in their family tree due to immigration, where names may have been anglicized or recorded differently.

Famous people with the last name Talon

Notable individuals with the surname Talon include:

1. Jean Talon (1626-1694), a French Canadian clergyman and politician who served as Intendant of New France from 1665 to 1675, during which time he implemented significant reforms in the colony's administration and finances.

2. Jean-Louis Talon (born 1947), a French mathematician and engineer who made contributions to the field of numerical analysis, particularly in the development of high-order finite element methods for solving partial differential equations.

3. Régine Talon (born 1952), a Canadian singer-songwriter who achieved success in the 1970s with her hits "Ma Chanson" and "Les Enfants de la chance".

4. Paul Talon (born 1963), a French actor, voice actor, and television presenter best known for his roles in French TV series such as "Nestor Burma" and "Les Hommes de l'ombre".

5. Jean Talon Jr. (born 1970), a Canadian politician who served as the mayor of Longueuil, Quebec from 2006 to 2013, and was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2014.

Genealogical research on the last name Talon

The surname Talon is of French origin and is believed to have derived from the Old French word "talon," meaning heel or peg. It was originally used as a nickname for someone with short, sturdy legs or someone who resembled a peg in some way. The Talons were first recorded in Normandy during the Middle Ages, where they held significant influence. They migrated to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066 and were among the earliest settlers in what is now known as Yorkshire. The Talon family later expanded into other regions of England and eventually immigrated to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and North America. Notable Talons include John Talon, a member of parliament during the reign of King Charles I in England; and Jean-Pierre Talon, a French Canadian businessman and philanthropist. The Talon name is now found worldwide, with significant populations in France, Canada, United States, and the United Kingdom.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 12 June 2025

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