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Last Name Alzac

What is the origin of the last name Alzac?

The surname Alzac or Alzaga has Basque origins. In the Basque region spanning parts of Spain and France, it is a toponymic name derived from a place named Altsasu, located in Navarra, Spain. The name Altsasu translates to "the high house" in English. The surname can be found in various forms such as Alzaga, Alza, Alzate, and Alzac, depending on regional dialects and historical spelling variations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Alzac

The meaning and origin of the last name Alzac

The surname Alzac is of French origin, specifically from the region of Alsace, located in northeastern France near the border with Germany. The name is derived from the place-name "Alsace" itself, which comes from the Old High German "alaz," meaning "elf," and "ahsa," meaning "homestead" or " clearing." It is possible that early bearers of this surname lived in or near the region of Alsace. Over time, the spelling of the surname has varied, including forms such as Altschach, Altzacher, and Alzacker, reflecting differences in regional dialects and scribal interpretation. The surname Alzac is now found throughout France and among French-speaking communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Alzac

The Alzac surname is primarily distributed in France, particularly in the eastern region, with significant concentrations in the Grand Est and Alsace regions, due to their historical and cultural associations. This indicates that the Alzac lineage may have originated from these areas. Beyond France, the surname has also been found in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, especially Quebec, as a result of migration and colonization. In the United States, there are notable populations of Alzacs primarily in Louisiana, due to French settlements during the colonial period. Other occurrences can be found across North America, but at much lower frequencies compared to their presence in France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Alzac

The surname Alzac has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common versions:

1. Alzack
2. Alzak
3. Alzacky
4. Alzacque
5. Alzacca
6. Alzaq
7. Alzaccio
8. Alzaghi
9. Alzasca
10. Alzacco
11. Alzacchi

These variations may stem from regional dialects, errors in transcribing names, or intentional modifications over generations. It's also possible to find alternate spellings based on the country of origin or immigration records. For example, some French-Canadian families with this surname might have variants like Alzacq or Alzacque due to regional linguistic influences.

Famous people with the last name Alzac

Paul Alvarez Alazo and Pablo Picasso are two well-known individuals sharing the surname Alzate, though they are not related by blood or profession.

Paul Alvarez Alazo, born in Mexico City in 1932, was a renowned Mexican painter known for his surrealist and symbolic works. He co-founded the Grupo de los Siete (Group of Seven), which aimed to promote contemporary art in Mexico during the 1950s. His notable works include "La Muerte" (The Death) and "El Quinto Sol" (The Fifth Sun).

Pablo Picasso, born in Malaga, Spain, in 1881, is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He co-founded the Cubist movement alongside Georges Braque. Picasso's prolific career spanned various styles, including Blue Period, Rose Period, African art-inspired Period, and Cubism. His masterpieces include "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," "Guernica," and "The Weeping Woman." Despite their different nationalities and artistic specialties, both Alvarez Alazo and Picasso left lasting impacts on the art world.

Genealogical research on the last name Alzac

The surname Alzac originates from France and is a variant of the original name Alzace, which was used to identify individuals from the historical region Alsace. The region, now partially in modern-day France and Germany, has been subject to numerous political changes throughout history, leading to variations in spelling and pronunciation of surnames among its inhabitants. The Alzac family is believed to have migrated from the Alsace region to other parts of Europe and North America over the centuries due to wars, religious persecution, and economic opportunities. Notable individuals with this surname include Jean-Baptiste Alziari, a French painter, and Charles-Louis Alzon, a Roman Catholic priest who was declared Venerable by the Catholic Church. Genealogical research on the Alzac family can be traced through various online databases, historical records, and genealogy websites, providing valuable insights into the history and ancestry of people bearing this surname.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

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