| ![Show Contents]() Pilier History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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France
Etymology of PilierWhat does the name Pilier mean? The French name Pilier has a history dating as far back as the Middle Ages. The name is thought to derive from the Old French word "pelon," which referred to the spiky outer shell of a chestnut; and from this, it has been suggested that the name was a nickname for a quick-tempered or unpleasant person. The history of this surname is intrinsically entwined with that of the region of Normandy, where the earliest records of the Pilier family were found. Early Origins of the Pilier familyThe surname Pilier was first found in Normandy (French: Normandie), the former Duchy of Normandy. The name can also be traced to Brittany, where individuals of the Pillet family were lords of Hérconnais, such as Pierre, who was given noble status in 1435, and was father of Jean, secretary of the duke. Germain Pilon, who was born in 1515 and died in Paris, was a sculptor. Jean-Baptiste Pilon, born around 1653, son of Jean-Baptiste and Marie (née Roussell), arrived in New France in the 17th century. After settling in Canada he married Elizabeth Bertaut, daughter of Jacques and Gillette (née Bonne), at Repentigny, Quebec on 29th February 1688. They had nine children together, five daughters and four sons. 1 Early History of the Pilier familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pilier research. The years 1771, 1772, 1792 and 1801 are included under the topic Early Pilier History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Pilier Spelling VariationsThere were a great number of spelling variations in French surnames. One reason for this was the wide variety of cultural influences present in France during the early development of the French language. The many spelling variations of the name include Pilon, Pile, Pilet, Pillet, Pilot, Pillot, Pillon, Pilier, Pillier, Dupillier, Pilaire, Pilard, Pillard, Pilleux and many more. Early Notables of the Pilier familyRené-Martin Pillet, born in 1771, who was a general in Tours at the time of the Revolution; Claude-Marie Pillet, born in 1771, was a literary hack in Chambéry. He studied law and became a lawyer, but this trade never became his passion and instead he turned to mathematics. Fabien Pillet, born in Lyon in 1772, was...
Another 55 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Pilier Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Pilier familyIn 1643, 109 years after the first landings by Cartier, there were only about 300 people in Quebec. Migration was slow. The fur trade attracted migrants, both noble and commoner. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year the French Acadian presence in the Maritimes had reached 500. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The family name Pilier has made many distinguished contributions in France and New France to the world of science, culture, religion, and education. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Pilier were 350 individuals who arrived from France onto Canadian shores between 1600 and 1900. Among them were Antoine Pilon, who was married in Montreal in 1689.
- Olivier, Reginald L. Your Ancient Canadian Family Ties. Logan: The Everton Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 368, 1972. Print
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