Surname Petitpierre - Meaning and Origin
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Petitpierre: What does the surname Petitpierre mean?
The last name Petitpierre has French roots, and is believed to have originated in the 14th century. It is derived from the French words 'petit', meaning 'small', and 'pierre', meaning 'stone'. As such, the surname Petitpierre is likely to have been a nickname given to someone who was of small or short stature, or even to someone who was from an area known for small stones or pebbles.
Alternatively, it could also have been a name taken on by an individual who lived near a landmark with a small stone at its centre. Over time the name spread across France to areas such as Normandy, where it is still widely found today.
The name Petitpierre is still found throughout Europe and parts of North America. It is common in Belgium, Switzerland, France and Canada, with some bearers even migrating to the United States during the 19th century.
The basic form of the name is still popular, but there are many spelling variations that have developed over time. Popular spellings of the name now include Petit-Pierre, Petit Pierre, LePetitpierre and even Pisutepieru. In all cases, the simple translation remains the same: 'small stone'.
Order DNA origin analysisPetitpierre: Where does the name Petitpierre come from?
The last name Petitpierre is most commonly found in Europe today, particularly in France, Switzerland and Belgium. It is also found in some parts of Canada, especially around Quebec.
In France, the highest number of people with the last name Petitpierre are located in the northwest regions of Finistère and Aisne. However, they can also be found throughout the country, especially in the east in Bas-Rhin and Alsace. In Switzerland, the name is most commonly found in Geneva and Valais, as well as in the canton of Vaud and the canton of Fribourg.
In Belgium, the name is most prevalent in the provinces of East and West Flanders, but can also be found in other regions such as Liege and Wallonia.
In Canada, the majority of people with the last name Petitpierre live in Quebec, with some also residing in New Brunswick and Ontario.
The origin of the Petitpierre surname is believed to be French, derived from the words “petit” and “pierre” which mean “small” and “rock” respectively. Thus, the name would be a reference to a “small rock” or a “small stone”, possibly referring to a location where the family lived or where they originated.
Variations of the surname Petitpierre
The surname Petitpierre comes from French origins, and its variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin could include:
- Petit-Pierre
- Petit Pierre
- Petitpierres
- Petite-Pierre
- Pettipierre
- Pettepierre
- Petipiert
- Petitpierr
- Petitpierer
- Petat-Pierre
- Petit-Peer
- Petit-Peire
- Petit Piarre
- Petit Piere
- Petit Pieree
The French language is known for its many unique dialects, all of which can have different versions of the same word or phrase. For example, the word "petit" might appear differently in different dialects, with different spellings such as "petit" or "petitPierres" as well as different sound variations. Furthermore, the use of diminutives (smaller versions of the word) is common in French, meaning that the spelling may appear as "-ette" (Petitette) or "-on" (Petiton) following the word petit.
When the surname spreads to other countries, such as to the United States or Canada, it is common for local or regional customs to influence the spelling of the name when it is adapted to those countries. This can cause names such as Petipierre, Pettipierre, and Pettepierre to appear in the records of French-Canadian citizens, all of which are believed to be alternate spellings stemming from the same French roots.
When investigating the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Petitpierre, it is important to keep these dialect and local customs in mind, as well as to review official records for any changes in spelling, in order to identify all potential versions of the surname.
Famous people with the name Petitpierre
- Chantal Petitpierre Billuart, Swiss women's rights activist
- Jérôme Petitpierre, 19th-century Swiss politician and cantonal president
- Julie Petitpierre, French-Swiss actress
- Louis Etienne François Petitpierre, Swiss federal councillor
- Madeleine Petitpierre, French-Swiss violinist and teacher
- Pierre Petitpierre, Swiss francophone television presenter
- Théophile Petitpierre, Swiss aviator and explorer
- Tom Petitpierre, American actor and cinematographer
Other surnames
Comments or additions to the name "Petitpierre"
24.03.2024
We in France have a very special Petit Pierre, real name is Pierre Avezard. A man born with Treachers-Colins handicap, socialy isolated due to that handicap, but very ingenious, to the point he spent all his life making objects with garbage (i.e; thematics handicap, recycling, art), objects that he assembled in a merry-go-round, visited every sunday by many families from 1958 to 1985. More details (sorry, in French) thru the website www.petitpierre.club