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Last Name Aucoin

What is the origin of the last name Aucoin?

The last name "Aucoin" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "coigne," meaning "wedge" or "corner." The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who either had a pointed or prominent chin, or perhaps lived near or worked with wedges or corners. Over time, variations of the name developed, including Aucoin, Decoin, or Aucoing. The name is relatively common in French-speaking regions, such as France, Canada (particularly in Quebec), and Louisiana in the United States.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Aucoin

The meaning and origin of the last name Aucoin

The surname Aucoin has its origins in France, particularly in the region of Poitou-Charentes. Derived from the Old French word "coing" meaning "corner," Aucoin was initially used as a nickname for someone who lived near a corner or in a remote area. Over time, this nickname evolved into a hereditary surname. Another possible origin of the surname is from the word "coin" in Old French, which referred to a wedge or a coin-like object. This could suggest that the name was given to someone who worked as a blacksmith or a metalworker. The migration of individuals bearing the surname Aucoin took place during the 18th century when French nationals, known as Acadians, were expelled from their Canadian homeland. Many of these Acadians settled in Louisiana, where the name Aucoin remains prevalent today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Aucoin

The last name Aucoin has a predominantly French origin and is most commonly found in the region of Acadia in eastern Canada, particularly in the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. This is not surprising since Acadia was historically settled by French immigrants. The name Aucoin is also quite prevalent in Louisiana, United States, due to the Acadian diaspora known as the Great Expulsion or Le Grand Dérangement in the 18th century. Many Acadians were forced to leave their homeland and settled in Louisiana, where the name Aucoin became established. Additionally, there may be smaller concentrations of individuals with the surname Aucoin in other regions with historic French settlements, such as Quebec and parts of France. It is important to note that while these areas may show a higher concentration of the last name Aucoin, individuals with this surname can be found in various other parts of the world due to migration and globalization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Aucoin

The last name Aucoin, originating from France, has several variations and spellings throughout history. Variants include Acoin, Aquin, Acqui, Auquain, and Hocquincourt. These variations reveal the diverse phonetic interpretations and accents encountered by the name when it travelled to different regions. Over time, scribes and immigration officers may have recorded the surname based on their perception of the speaker's pronunciation, leading to even more alternate spellings such as Auquoin, Aucoing, Aquain, or Aquen. Some instances also show the name spelled with a silent "n," reflecting the tendency to Anglicize French names during immigration. It is important to note that these variations and spellings are not necessarily separate branches of the family tree, but more a reflection of the historical development and adaptations of the Aucoin surname across different countries and time periods.

Famous people with the last name Aucoin

One notable figure with the last name Aucoin is Kevyn Aucoin (1962-2002), a highly influential and globally recognized makeup artist. Kevyn Aucoin revolutionized the world of fashion and beauty through his innovative techniques and talent. He worked with numerous renowned celebrities, including Cher, Madonna, and Janet Jackson, enhancing their natural beauty and creating iconic looks. Aucoin's career was marked by his dedication to inclusivity and diversity, as he believed that beauty exists in all forms. He authored several best-selling books, such as "The Art of Makeup" and "Making Faces," which continue to inspire aspiring makeup artists around the world. Kevyn Aucoin's immense impact on the beauty industry and his artistic vision earned him the title of one of the greatest makeup artists of all time.

Genealogical research on the last name Aucoin

The surname Aucoin originates from France and has a rich genealogical history. The name is derived from the Old French word "coin," meaning "corner" or "angle." The earliest known records of the Aucoin family can be traced back to the 17th century in the region of Poitou-Charentes. It is believed that the Aucoin family were French Huguenots who migrated to Acadia (present-day Nova Scotia, Canada) in the 1600s to escape religious persecution. Over time, the family established themselves in Acadia and became part of the vibrant Acadian community. The Aucoins experienced the significant events of Acadian history, including the Great Upheaval of 1755 when many Acadians were forcibly deported by the British. Despite these challenges, the Aucoin family survived and eventually spread to other parts of North America, including Louisiana and New Brunswick. Today, the Aucoin surname remains an important part of Acadian heritage and is proudly carried by many descendants around the world.

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 : 11 April 2025

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