Papilon History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
France

Etymology of Papilon

What does the name Papilon mean?

From the historical and enchanting region of France emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Papilon family. Originally, the French people were known only by a single name. The process by which hereditary surnames were adopted in France is extremely interesting. Surnames evolved during the Middle Ages when people began to assume an extra name to avoid confusion and to further identify themselves. Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames. Nickname surnames were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The name Papilon is a nickname type of surname for a dainty person, being derived from the Old French word "papilon," which meant "butterfly".

Early Origins of the Papilon family

The surname Papilon was first found in Maine where they held a family seat in the seigneurie of Braiteau and were included amongst the aristocracy of that province on the southern borders of Normandy in the north of France.

The movie Papillon (1973) starring Steve McQueen was based on the 1969 autobiography by the French convict Henri Charrière. "Papillon was Henri Charrière's nickname.

Early History of the Papilon family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Papilon research. Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1680 is included under the topic Early Papilon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Papilon Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Papillon, Papilon, Papillin, Papilin, Papillo, Papilleau, Papillault, Papillaud, Papillot, Papilot, Papillote, Papillots, Papilotes, Parpillon and many more.

Early Notables of the Papilon family

More information is included under the topic Early Papilon Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Papilon family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: François Papillon who settled in Louisiana in 1712; Etienne Papillon, who settled in Quebec in 1691; Genevieve Garnier Papillon, who arrived in Quebec in 1691.