Surname Poitier - Meaning and Origin
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Poitier: What does the surname Poitier mean?
The last name Poitier is of French origin, specifically from the region of Poitou in western France. It is geographical, indicating that a person's ancestors likely hailed from that area. The name Poitier can be translated as "from Poitou." The region of Poitou is known for its rich history, dating back to Roman times. Individuals with the Poitier surname may have roots connecting them to this western French region. Today, the most famous bearer of the surname is Sidney Poitier, an acclaimed Bahamian-American actor, film director, and diplomat. He made history as the first black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Lilies of the Field" in 1964. Despite the French origin of the name, in Sidney Poitier's case, the surname is linked to his Bahamian ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisPoitier: Where does the name Poitier come from?
The last name Poitier is of French origin and is commonly seen in countries that were colonized by France, such as Haiti, where the name originated from. Today, Poitier is most commonly found in the United States, Canada, France, the Dominican Republic, and other Caribbean nations such as Antigua, Bahamas, and even the French island of Mauritius.
The United States is home to the greatest number of individuals with the Poitier surname. The earliest record of a Poitier in the US dates back to 1733 in a small town near Baltimore, Maryland. Since then, the Poitier surname has spread across the country, with the greatest concentration being in Florida and Georgia. The Caribbean nation of Haiti is also home to many with the Poitier name, and by the 20th century, the name was widespread throughout the African diaspora.
Poitier is now an uncommon surname, with statistics showing little to no growth in popularity over recent decades. Although the surname is primarily associated with people of African descent, the Poitier name transcends ethnic boundaries and is still held by individuals of various backgrounds in many countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Poitier
The Poitier surname has several different variants that all trace back to a single origin. These variants include: Poetter, Poytier, Poyteau, Poitevin, Poitvin, Poiteau, Poitevain, Poiteauvin, Poitau, Poitteau, Poitaux, Poitevin, Poiteauvin, Poitevau, Poitevant, Poyteaux, Poitevin, Poittevin, Poitevain, Poittevain, Poittevin, Poittevau, Poitou, Poitoux and Poiteauvain.
The Poitier surname is typically associated with French heritage, a legacy of the region of Poitou in western France. It is thought that the earliest forms of the surname came from the Latin phrase ‘pus punctum’, meaning ‘point’– referring to a particular geographic area. As the name evolved, it became associated with ‘poitevin’ and eventually, ‘Poitier’.
The Poitier surname has spread far beyond France, courtesy of French Huguenot emigration during the 16th and 17th centuries. Because of this migration, the surname can now be found in countries including Canada, the United States, Australia, South Africa and the Netherlands.
Today, many individuals who carry the Poitier surname encompass a mix of French and other cultural backgrounds, a unique combination that continues to enhance the broader international Poitier community.
Famous people with the name Poitier
- Sidney Poitier: Actor, director, and diplomat, Poitier was the first African-American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor. He has since continued his film and stage career as a highly-regarded actor, as well as writing and directing movies.
- Joanna Poitier: Joanna is the daughter of Sidney Poitier, and an actress who has since appeared in films like Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical, and Bachelor Party Vegas.
- Anika Noni Rose: Anika Noni Rose is an actress and singer who is best known for her role as Tiana in The Princess and the Frog, and as Lorrell Robinson in the 2006 film Dreamgirls. She is also a cousin of Sidney Poitier.
- Eloise Lawrenson: Eloise is a model, actress, and television host who is the daughter of Bill and Lynette Poitier, both of whom are related to Sidney Poitier.
- Joanna Sandi-Poitier: Joanna is a journalist, radio host, and public speaker who is part of the Poitier family, and is the daughter of Directoire Poitier, the older brother of Sidney Poitier.
- Harry Belafonte: Harry Belafonte, the influential singer, songwriter, actor, and civil rights activist, is the son-in-law of Sidney Poitier.
- Sydney Tamiia Poitier: Sydney Tamiia is an actress, best known for her roles in the films Grindhouse, Death Proof, and Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. She is the daughter of Sidney Poitier.
- Veronique Poitier: Veronique Poitier is an actress, best known for her roles in films like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, and Joshua Tree. She is the sister of Sydney Poitier and Anika Poitier.
- Tonya Poitier: Tonya Poitier is an actress, best known for her roles in the films Grand Canyon, and Devil in a Blue Dress. She is the daughter of Sydney Poitier.