What is the origin of the last name Artigues?

The surname Artigues is of Occitan origin, specifically from the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France. It is derived from a place name, with "Artigues" being a toponym meaning "the artisans' settlement." This name could have been originally given to someone who lived near or originated from such a place, or it may have been used as an occupational name for a craftsman. The spelling and pronunciation of the surname may have evolved over time due to various factors such as migration, language shifts, and administrative record keeping.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Artigues

The meaning and origin of the last name Artigues

The surname Artigues is of Occitan origin, derived from the place name Artiges, situated in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in southwestern France. It is one of several French and Spanish surnames that originate from places bearing this name. The name can be translated as "small artichokes" or "little thistles," reflecting the agricultural landscape of the region where it was originally used. Over time, families with this surname migrated to other regions within France, as well as to Spain and beyond, carrying their names with them. Today, the name Artigues can be found in various countries, notably in France, Spain, and its former colonies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Artigues

The surname Artigues has a significant presence primarily within Spain and France, specifically in their respective regions of Aragon and Occitanie. In Spain, it is predominantly found in the provinces of Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel. In France, the name is commonly distributed across the Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon regions, which share a border with Spain's Aragon region. The surname also has minor occurrences in Argentina, Uruguay, and other Spanish-speaking countries due to historical migration patterns from Spain. Additionally, some instances of the name can be found in Portugal as a result of similarities between the Portuguese language and Occitan dialect.

Variants and spellings of the last name Artigues

The surname Artigues has various spelling variations due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional pronunciation over time. Some common forms of this name include Artiguez, Artiguet, Artiguesse, Artiguetas, Artiguesa, and Artiguese. These variations may be found across different countries, particularly in regions with Spanish or French influence, given that the name is derived from both the Basque-French "Artiague" and the Catalan-Spanish "Artigue." It's essential to note that surnames can change over generations due to factors such as misinterpretation during census records, immigration, and assimilation processes.

Famous people with the last name Artigues

Notable individuals with the surname Artigues include:

1. Jean-Pierre Artigues (b. 1948), a French professional football coach who managed various clubs including RC Strasbourg and Olympique de Marseille.

2. Jérôme Artigues (b. 1966), a French politician who served as the mayor of Vichy from 2014 to 2020, and is currently a member of the National Assembly representing Allier's 3rd constituency.

3. Marlène Artigues (b. 1976), a French actress known for her roles in films such as "The Last Mistress" and "Seraphine".

4. Julien Artigas (b. 1982), a Spanish-born artist based in Los Angeles, known for his sculptures and installations featuring geometric forms and industrial materials.

5. Jean-Pierre Artigues (b. 1933), a French economist who served as the President of the Council of State from 1995 to 2001. He was also a member of the Commission on Growth, Employment, Investment and Income Distribution (G-EIID).

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields including football, politics, acting, and art.

Genealogical research on the last name Artigues

The surname Artigues originates from the Occitan region of France, specifically from the province of Gascony. It is derived from the Old Occitan word "artiga" meaning "estate" or "farm." The name was originally a toponymic surname, indicating that early bearers of this name lived on an estate or farm with that name.

The Artigues family migrated to Spain during the Middle Ages, where they settled in Catalonia and Aragon. Notable members of the family include Pierre d'Artigues, a French knight who fought in the Crusades, and Bernat d'Artigues, a Catalan nobleman who was a vassal of the Count of Urgell in the 13th century.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, many Artigues families emigrated to the New World, establishing settlements in South America, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela. In the modern era, the Artigues family has spread globally, with significant populations found in France, Spain, the United States, and various countries in South America.

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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