What is the origin of the last name Accambray?

The surname Accambray is believed to have originated from France. It is a locality name derived from the town named Accambray in the department of Yonne, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Surnames derived from place names were widely adopted in Europe during the Middle Ages as people began to move from rural areas to urban centers, taking on the names of their villages as a means of identification. The exact origin and meaning of Accambray as a place name are not fully known, but it may be related to various elements such as "ac," an Old French term for oak, and "ambre," amber, indicating a place with amber-colored soil or oaks growing in an area abundant with amber.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Accambray

The meaning and origin of the last name Accambray

The surname Accambray is believed to be of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is derived from various place names containing the elements "Acu" or "Acque," meaning "water," and "Cambe," meaning "bend" or "curve." One such place name is Acquemesnil, which is located in Calvados, a department in Lower Normandy. The surname Accambray may have originated from residents of these areas who migrated and adopted the names of their places of origin as their surnames during the Middle Ages. Over time, variations such as Accambraye, Acquembray, and Acombray may have arisen due to spelling discrepancies in historical records.

Geographical distribution of the last name Accambray

The surname Accambray has a predominant concentration in France, particularly in the eastern region of Franche-Comté, specifically in the department of Doubs. This is where the majority of individuals bearing this name are found, with the commune of Maîche being one of the localities with a high proportion of people carrying the Accambray surname. However, it's also noted that some individuals with the surname Accambray reside in other parts of France and abroad. The distribution outside of France is relatively minor, with traces found in countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Accambray

The surname Accambray has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Acanbray, Accambrai, Accambrey, Accambraie, and Acambray. These variations may stem from changes in spelling conventions, regional dialects, or errors in documentation. The surname is believed to have originated from a place named Accambray or Accambres, which is located in the Orne department of France. It's important to note that each variation represents a unique family lineage with its own history and traditions.

Famous people with the last name Accambray

The Accambray family is not particularly known for having many famous members, but there are a few noteworthy individuals bearing this surname. One such person is Jean Accambray (1842-1903), a Swiss historian and politician who served as the President of the Swiss Confederation in 1896. He was a prominent figure in the development of archaeology, epigraphy, and numismatics in Switzerland. Another notable individual is French actress Marthe Accambray (1874-1940), who had a successful career in silent films during the early 20th century. In the realm of sports, French cyclist Daniel Accambray competed in the Olympic Games in both 1924 and 1928. Although the Accambray family may not be as widely recognized as some others, these individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Accambray

The surname Accambray is believed to have originated from France. It is derived from the place-name Accambray, located in the Loiret department. The first recorded mention of the name was in the 13th century, with Guillaume d'Accambray appearing in records around 1260. Throughout history, the family has been associated with various regions in France, including Normandy and Lorraine. Notable figures bearing this surname include Jean Accambray, a French jurist and academic, and Pierre Accambray, a French painter. The name is less common outside of France, but there are recorded instances of the surname in other countries such as Belgium and Switzerland due to historical migrations.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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