Last Name Bague

The surname "Bague" is of French origin. It derives from a occupational name for a maker or seller of rings, which comes from the Old French word 'bague' meaning ring. This name was also found in some parts of Spain and Portugal.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bague

The meaning and origin of the last name Bague

The surname Bague is believed to have French origins, where it is derived from the Old French word "bague," which means ring or loop. This suggests that the initial bearers of this name were likely individuals associated with something shaped like a ring or loop, possibly in reference to a physical feature, occupation, or location. The name could also be an occupational surname for a jeweler who made rings. The use of occupational names was common during the Middle Ages when people often took their professional identities as part of their surnames. Over time, the spelling of the surname Bague has evolved to include variations such as Bagot, Beaugué, and Baugué in different regions due to local dialects and scribal errors.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bague

The surname "Bague" is predominantly found in French-speaking regions and their diaspora. According to the FamilyNamesDatabase, it is most frequent in France, particularly in the western region of Brittany. In France, it ranks among the top 15,000 common surnames. The name has also been exported through French colonization and immigration, with significant populations in former French colonies such as Quebec (Canada), Louisiana (USA), Haiti, and various islands in the Caribbean. It is also found in small numbers in other countries where French is spoken, including Belgium, Switzerland, and various African countries. The name "Bague" is derived from the Old French word "baguette," meaning "stick" or "wand."

Variants and spellings of the last name Bague

The surname Bague (pronounced: bah-goo) has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origin and evolution over time. Some common variants include Bagot, Bagou, Baguet, and Bagueau. These variations may be due to regional dialects, historical events, or personal preferences in spelling. The name is of French origin and derives from the word "baguette," meaning "stick" or "rod." It may have originally been given as a nickname to someone who resembled a stick or rod in shape, or whose family coat of arms featured this symbol. Bague is also found among the Jewish population, with Sephardic Jews adopting it as a surname due to its similarity to Baguel or Bagul, Hebrew names meaning "leper." This diversity in spelling and origin demonstrates the rich cultural history associated with the name Bague and its many descendants worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Bague

The Bague surname is relatively uncommon among the worldwide population, but it has produced several notable figures. One of the most renowned is René Lacoste, a French tennis player who won a record eight Grand Slam singles titles in the 1920s and 1930s. He is often referred to as the "Grand Slam Champion" and is known for designing the Lacoste L.12.12 polo shirt. In literature, Jean Bague was a French author who wrote under the pseudonym of Georges Darien. His most famous work, "The Voyage of the Beagle," shares similarities with Charles Darwin's "Voyage of the Beagle" but is not directly related to it. Lastly, in the world of music, Jean-Pierre Beque was a French singer and songwriter who had success in the 1960s and 1970s with songs like "Le Clown" and "Je suis un homme libre." Although not as numerous as other surnames, the Bague family has made significant contributions across various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Bague

The surname Bague is of French origin, derived from the Old French term "bague" meaning ring. It is believed to have been originally a topographical name for someone who lived near a small circular enclosure or hillock. Some early records show the name being spelled as Bagge and Baggeau in the 13th century, likely due to local dialect variations. Notable bearers of this surname include Jean Bague, a French goldsmith active during the reign of King Louis XIV, and Édouard-Gabriel Bague, a French military officer who served under Napoleon Bonaparte. The family is primarily found in Normandy, France, with later migrations to Canada and the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the Bague surname can be found worldwide among descendants of these early French settlers.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bague"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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