Surname Pigeon - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling My Ancestors: A Journey Into the Pigeon Surname Through iGENEA DNA Test

A recent dive into my genetic history via an iGENEA DNA test has profoundly influenced my understanding of my surname, the Pigeon, and my family's identity. The knowledge gleaned from this genetic adventure has unveiled a fascinating tale of diverse European ancestry and a history tied to the pigeon training trade during the Middle Ages.

W. Pigeon

Pigeon: What does the surname Pigeon mean?

The last name "Pigeon" is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "pigun" or "pyjon", which means 'young fowl' or 'young bird'. It's considered a metonymic occupational surname for a person that kept domestic birds or was a hunter or catcher of wild birds. Additionally, it could also be a nickname for a gentle or naive individual, echoing the traits often associated with pigeons. Some of the early variants of the last name include Pigeon, Pidgen, Pidgeon, and Pegon. Over time, the family migrated to different countries such as England, Ireland, and later to the New World, where the name adapted and evolved into different forms. Thus, this surname is common in many English and French-speaking countries today.

Pigeon: Where does the name Pigeon come from?

The last name Pigeon is commonly found in France and French-speaking areas of Canada, particularly in areas of Quebec and the Maritime provinces.

In France, the surname Pigeon has a long and ancient lineage, with records dating back to the 14th century. The family originated in the southeast and soon expanded across the country. The earliest known record of the name is in 998AD when Guillaume Pigeon was mentioned in a troll document of the year. The Pigeon family was also involved in numerous military campaigns in France and was celebrated for their contributions in the battlefield.

In Canada, the surname Pigeon is most commonly found in Quebec and the Maritime provinces. The earliest known records of a Pigeon family in Canada are from the late 1600s. The earliest known Pigeon was Pierre Pigeon, a French settler who arrived in New France in 1678. Since then, the Pigeons have remained present in the area, and have made their home in small towns and rural communities.

Today, the surname Pigeon is still present in both France and Canada. It is especially prominent in French-speaking areas of Quebec and the Maritime provinces, where it is among the most common surnames in the region.

In addition, the last name Pigeon can also be found in the United States and various other countries around the world.

Variations of the surname Pigeon

The surname Pigeon has many variants, spelling variations and surnames of the same origin. These variations can be categorised into several distinct spellings, which include Pigion, Pigeon, Pigionne, Pigon, Pijon, Pijonneau, Pegeon, Pigeonneau, Pigione, Pigioni, Pigionni, Pigiono, Pigionneau, Pigeonneau, Piguionne, Pegeonneau, Pigunneau, and Pigonne.

The origin of the Pigeon surname is uncertain. Some believe it originated from the French word for a dove or “pigeon”, while others are of the opinion that it was derived from the Latin “pigiones”, which was a term used to describe a messenger, courier or traveller.

The Pigeon surname may also have derived from the old French word for a small bird, “pigeonneau”, which was used in medieval times as a nickname for a small, agile man. Additionally, this surname may also be of occupational origin, derived from someone who worked as a “piegonne”, which was someone who was responsible for taking horses to and from the royal palace.

Other variations of the surname Pigeon include Picion, Pecon, Pigman, Pigmy, Pigneau and Peggon.

Overall, the Pigeon surname is an ancient one with many possible origins and various spellings and variants. It is believed to have first appeared in France in the 12th century and later spread to other parts of Europe and the New World.

Famous people with the name Pigeon

• Justin Pigeon, an American professional ice hockey player.
• Philippe Pigeon, a professional French speed skater.
• Maki Pigeon, an Australian actress and model.
• Jean Pigeon, a Canadian serial entrepreneur and investor.
• Yannick Pigeon, a professional Canadian snowboarder.
• Julien Pigeon, a popular French DJ and producer.
• Claude Pigeon, a professional French ski jumper.
• Carina Pigeon, a Spanish fashion model.
• Cyril Pigeon, an Argentinian slalom canoer.
• Max-André Pigeon, a Canadian Paralympic athlete.
• Luc Pigeon, a French mountain climber.
• Sébastien Pigeon, a French contemporary artist.
• Philippe Pigeon-Aigrain, a French-Moroccan intellectual.
• Laurent Pigeon, a French venture capitalist.
• Benjamin Pigeon, a professional French cyclist.
• Édouard Pigeon, a French racer who holds numerous records.
• Jennifer Pigeon, a Canadian music producer and sound engineer.
• Josephe Pigeon, a French diplomat and politician who served as the Minister of Health.
• Charles Pigeon, a French painter.
• Jean-Julien Pigeon, a professional French football (soccer) league player.

Other surnames

PaalPaalenPaalsPaandiPaapPaapePaaschPaaschePaaschenPaavilainenPabstPäbstPabstmannPabusPacaciPaceleyPacettiPacettyPachPachecoPachicoPachmannPachmayerPachmayrPachtelPachtellPachterPächterPaciecco