Pidgeon

Pidgeon is an English surname that can be traced back to the medieval period. The name is of Norman origin, derived from the Old French word "pijon," which means a young dove. The surname likely originated as a nickname given to someone who resembled a pigeon in some way, such as having a gentle or innocent demeanor.

The earliest recordings of the surname Pidgeon appear in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a survey of England and parts of Wales commissioned by William the Conqueror. Over the centuries, the surname has undergone various spellings, including Pidgeon, Pigeon, Pidgen, and others.

Individuals with the surname Pidgeon have been found throughout England, with concentrations in areas such as London, Sussex, and the West Country. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries through emigration, particularly to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable individuals with the surname Pidgeon include actors such as Walter Pidgeon, who was a Canadian-born star of Hollywood's golden age, known for his roles in classic films like "Mrs. Miniver" and "How Green Was My Valley."

As with many surnames, the history of the Pidgeon name is rich and varied, reflecting the complex tapestry of British history and migration patterns. Today, individuals with the surname Pidgeon can be found across the globe, carrying on the legacy of this ancient and enduring name.

There are approximately 2,014 people named Pidgeon in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,197th most common surname in Britain. Around 31 in a million people in Britain are named Pidgeon.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Anne
  • Claire
  • Emily
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Jennifer
  • Judith
  • Julia
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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