Surname Pellem - Meaning and Origin
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Pellem: What does the surname Pellem mean?
The last name Pellem is a patronymic surname derived from the Latin name Petrus or Peter. This surname is believed to have been given to the son of a man named Peter or Petro, and it eventually formed into the last name Pellem.
The meaning of the name Pellem is not entirely known. However, there are some speculations that it may be related to Middle French, in which it means a headdress or hat worn by men. Alternatively, it may have been derived from the Italian word pellemon, which means tortoise shell.
The exact origin and meaning of the last name Pellem are unknown, although it is believed that it originated in the Picardy region in France. In the Middle Ages, Pellenes were part of a powerful family in Picardy, and the family's name was immortalized in its coat of arms, which reads Pelles Nobilitas Hoc Coeleste.
In the modern day, Pellem is still a common surname in France and some other European countries as well as in North and South America, where it is usually found among French-Canadian and Spanish-speaking populations. In the United States, it is most common in Louisiana, New York, and California.
Overall, the last name Pellem is likely derived from Latin, Middle French, or Italian, and its exact meaning remains a mystery. Nevertheless, it is a widely-used last name among many different peoples, and its bearer can look to it as part of their family history.
Order DNA origin analysisPellem: Where does the name Pellem come from?
The last name Pellem is traditionally found in the Basque region of northern Spain and southwestern France. Over time, it has spread to other countries, particularly the United States, Canada, and Argentina. In the US, particularly, it is most common in California, Texas, and Nevada.
According to the US Census Bureau, currently, there are around 500 people in the US with the last name Pellem. In Canada and Argentina, the surname is equally scarce, with fewer than 100 individuals in each country.
In the US and Canada, the surnames are family names, most likely references to the Basque region. This is evidenced by the fact that the pronunciations vary from region to region. In many parts of the US and Canada, the last name is pronounced “pell-um.”
In Argentina, the surname ties to Irish immigration during the 19th century. The Irish Pellems made their way to Argentina and South America through the name’s original Spanish spelling of Pellim.
Overall, the last name Pellem is a rare name, particularly outside the Basque region where it originated. To date, the surname has only spread to a few other countries, such as the US, Canada, and Argentina, and even there, it remains a relatively uncommon name.
Variations of the surname Pellem
The surname Pellem is derived from the Latin word pelle, meaning fur. There are several variants, spellings, and surnames of this origin, including Pellam, Pellim, Plam, Pelem, and Phelle.
Pellam is the most common spelling variant of Pellem. This variant is used in France and Italy, as well as in parts of Switzerland and Germany. The name originated as a regional nickname for people who worked as or had a connection to fur traders.
The spelling variant Pellim is used in parts of the Netherlands and Germany. This variant originated as a derogatory term for the people involved in the fur trade. The meaning of this variant is similar to that of Pellam, but connotes a disparaging attitude towards the fur traders.
The spelling variant Plam is also used in France and the Netherlands. This variant of the name has origins in the word “peelam,” meaning “skin.” This variant likely emerged as a reference to the fur coats worn by fur traders.
The spelling variant Pelem is used in parts of France and Belgium. This variant is derived from the French word “pleu,” meaning “elegant.” This variant likely emerged as an affectionate descriptor of the fur traders’ sense of style.
Finally, the spelling variant Phelle is used in parts of Latin America. This variant is derived from the Latin word “pela,” meaning “thief.” This variant likely emerged as a reference to the illegal trade of furs during the Middle Ages.
In conclusion, the surname Pellem has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These variants include Pellam, Pellim, Plam, Pelem, and Phelle. Each variant has its own unique origin and connotations that range from respectful to disparaging.
Famous people with the name Pellem
- Loredana Pellem: TV and Radio presenter in Italy
- Sergio Pellem: archeologist, author and professor at the Ronald Reagan Institute in Argentina
- Guilherme Pellem: Brazilian footballer
- Heron Pellem: Brazilian physicist
- Charles Pellem: British Royal Navy Admiral from the 16th century
- Ken Pellem: American poet
- Dasha Pellem: Russian chess grandmaster
- Michael Pellem: American contemporary abstract sculptor
- Filippo Pellem: Italian Baroque painter
- Leonora Pellem: British sculptor from the 20th century