Surname Pidgeon - Meaning and Origin

Pidgeon: What does the surname Pidgeon mean?

The surname Pidgeon is of English origin and derives from the Middle English term for the bird "pigeon". It was typically used as a nickname in the Middle Ages, given to someone perceived to possess characteristics or attributes associated with a pigeon, such as timidity or a homing instinct. Like many surnames that originated as nicknames, it may not have always been meant in a friendly or complimentary way. Another possibility is that it could have been an occupational name for a person who bred, cared for, or sold pigeons. The name is first documented back to the 12th Century, and variations of the spelling include Pigeon, Pideon, and Pidgon. Due to a preponderance of dialects and a lack of spelling rules in the Middle Ages, many different spellings of the name occurred. Regardless of the exact derivation, the surname Pidgeon is quite old and has a considerable history from its frequent usage during the Middle Years.

Pidgeon: Where does the name Pidgeon come from?

The last name Pidgeon is not very common today. It is believed to have originated in England and is likely of Norman-French origin. It is most common in Australia and the United Kingdom, although there are also some people with the name living in New Zealand, the United States, Ireland, and Canada.

In Australia, Pidgeon is found mostly in the states Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales, with a smaller concentration in South Australia and Western Australia.

In the United Kingdom, the greatest concentration of the name is found in the region of East Anglia, including the counties of East Sussex, Worcestershire, and Kent. It is also found in Wales, Scotland, and the Island of Jersey.

In the United States, Pidgeon is found mostly in the states of Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia. California, Texas, and Florida also have some people with the surname.

In Canada, Pidgeon is found most commonly in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, followed by Alberta and British Columbia.

To summarize, the last name Pidgeon is most common in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, and Canada. The greatest concentrations of the name can be found in the regions of East Anglia, Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales.

Variations of the surname Pidgeon

The surname Pidgeon has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.

Pidgeon is a French name originating from the word “pigeon”, which was used to describe a person who raised or sold pigeons. Variations of the name include Pigeon, Pidgen, Pidgon, Pidgins, Pidgean, Pidgeon, and Piggon.

In English-speaking countries, the surname Pidgeon is usually found as Pidgeon or Pigeon. In some cases, the spelling is changed to Pigon or Piggon. In Scotland, Pidgen is the most common variant of the surname.

The surname can also be found with other spellings in other countries, including Pygeon, Pigayon, Pejgon, and Pijon in France, Pajón in Spain, and Pagion in Greece.

In some cases, the surname may be translated into other languages, such as Colomba in Italy, Taube in Germany, and Dzwał in Poland.

In England and Scotland, the surname is also occasionally seen as Paddon, Poodon, and Pudon. Variants of the surname Pidgeon are also seen in Canada and the United States, including Pidgin, Pidgein, and Paddon.

Variations of the surname are also found due to varying dialects and pronunciations of the name. In some cases, the o in Pidgeon is dropped, leading to variants Padgen, Pagen, and Paigin. In some cases, the e is dropped, leading to variants such as Pidgin or Pagidon.

Overall, the surname Pidgeon is a French surname that can be found with various spellings across many countries, as well as in some cases a different spelling due to regional accents or certain dialects.

Famous people with the name Pidgeon

• Jennifer Pidgeon: Actress most known for her roles in ‘Hannibal’, ‘The Reader’, ‘The Iron Lady’ and ‘Cursed’. 2. Robert Pidgeon: an American illustrator renowned for his illustrations for books by authors including T.S. Eliot, John Steinbeck and Ernest Hemingway.
• Gordon Pidgeon: professional indoor soccer player in the United States for teams such as the Detroit Rockers, Philadelphia KiXX and Charlotte Eagles.
• David Pidgeon: Grand Master in the martial art of Aikido, and Shihan in several affiliated arts.
• Brian Pidgeon: voice actor and songwriter, best known for voicing Casey Guerrero in ‘One Piece’ and acting of Snowman in ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’.
• Kelly Pidgeon: professional surfer from Shell Beach, California, founder and CEO of women’s surf apparel Koru.
• Lawrence Pidgeon: British landscape painter noted for his watercolour sketches of Buckinghamshire.
• Bart Pidgeon: American stand-up comedian well known for his appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and Comedy Central's Premium Blend.
• Jon Pidgeon: British film producer and director, responsible for the film ‘Car Genius’ as well as many documentaries.
• Stephen Pidgeon: American politician, lawyer and author, well known for his books on Islamic culture.

Other surnames

Pidgen