| ![Show Contents]() Poureau History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
France
Etymology of PoureauWhat does the name Poureau mean? The name Poureau dates back to the days of Medieval France, in the region of Normandy. It is derived from their residence in Normandy. The name Poureau could also be derived from the Old French word "poirier," meaning "pear tree," and was used to distinguish a person who lived near such a tree. In some cases the name may have also been used to indicate a person who sold pears or owned an orchard. 1 Early Origins of the Poureau familyThe surname Poureau was first found in Normandy (French: Normandie), the former Duchy of Normandy, where they held a family seat in the seigneurie of Amfreville. Vincent Poirier, born in 1628, son of François and Michelle (née Bonar), came to New France in the 17th century and is recorded as the first person in Canada with the name Poirier. He married Françoise Pinguet on 8th February 1655. He married again to Judith Renaudeau on 6th December 1662. Vincent died in Quebec on 28th April 1703. 2 Early History of the Poureau familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Poureau research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1097 and 1167 are included under the topic Early Poureau History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Poureau Spelling VariationsFrench surnames were subject to numerous alterations in spelling because of the various cultural groups that inhabited specific regions. Eventually, each region possessed its own local dialect of the French language. The early development of the French language, however, was also influenced by other languages. For example, Old French was infused with Germanic words and sounds when barbarian tribes invaded and settled in France after the fall of the Roman Empire. Middle French also borrowed heavily from the Italian language during the Renaissance. As a result of these linguistic and cultural influences, the name Poureau is distinguished by a number of regional variations. The many spelling variations of the name include Poirer, Poirrer, Poirier, Poirrier, Poiré, Poirré, Poirière, Poirrière, Poirez, Poirrez, Poiriez and many more. Early Notables of the Poureau familyMore information is included under the topic Early Poureau Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Poureau familyFrance was active as a cultural leader in the early 16th century. One particular area in which they lead was the exploration of the New World. The explorers, like Jacques Cartier in 1534, led the way to North America. Champlain, in 1608, made the first of twenty voyages to France to attract settlers and brought the first migrant in 1617. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec, and 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 Poureau 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 Poureau were Vincent, who arrived in Quebec from Ile-de-France in 1665; Jean, who arrived in Quebec from Guyenne in 1668; Jean, who arrived in Quebec from Béarn in 1669.
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Oncques ne fauldray
Motto Translation: Never falter.
- Dauzat, Albert, Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionaire Étymologique des Noms et Prénoms de France. Paris: Librairie Larousse, 1987. Print.
- Olivier, Reginald L. Your Ancient Canadian Family Ties. Logan: The Everton Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 368, 1972. Print
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