Peltier
A French occupational surname, originally referring to a furrier or dealer in pelts.
The #4,927 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 43,242 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Peltier is an old French occupational name tied to pelts and fur. The historical sources connect it with French terms for fur or skins, pointing to someone who worked with, sold, or handled pelts. It is also closely related to Pelletier, a more common French form with the same basic sense.
History
The name is well established in French surname tradition and appears in historical lists as a French equivalent of other occupational names. In English-language records it is also known through individuals such as M. Peltier, the French refugee and journalist involved in the famous 1803 libel trial concerning Napoleon. In North America, the surname is especially familiar in French-descended communities, including Quebec and Acadian lines.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The name shows up in early surname discussions as a close relative of Pelletier, and several 19th-century writers grouped the two together as fur-related French occupational names.
From the historical record
“— Surnom d'épileur ou de barbier. Peltereau, Peltier. Dérivés et forme de Pelletier. Peltzer. Pelletier fAllem.). De Pelz: fourrure.”
— Dictionnaire des noms (French surnames)