What is the origin of the last name Bussiere?

The surname Bussière is of French origin. It originated from various places in France that bear the same name, such as in the departments of Calvados, Manche, and Orne. The name is believed to be derived from either a geographical location named "Buis-sèche" meaning 'dry hedge' or 'dry thicket', or from the occupational name for a man who maintained boundaries, from Old French "buse" (hedge) and "sier" (servant). The name was brought to England by Normans after the 1066 Conquest and is also found in other countries where French settlers have migrated.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bussiere

The meaning and origin of the last name Bussiere

The surname Bussière is of French origin, derived from various place names across France, most notably in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. The name originates from medieval Latin "buscarium" or Old French "boscier", meaning "dweller in a wooded area." Over time, it evolved into the modern form Bussière. It is also found spelled as Busseray, Busserie, Busseyrat, and other variations due to regional differences in pronunciation and spelling during the Middle Ages. The surname Bussière, like many French names, was brought to other countries by immigrants, spreading its usage globally.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bussiere

The surname Bussière is primarily concentrated in France, particularly in the regions of Brittany and Normandy. It originates from the Old French term "busse" which means "bend" or "curve", likely referring to a topographical feature where the surname holder lived. In addition to France, variations of the name such as Busser, Busserie, Bussiére, and Buissonnier can also be found in Canada, particularly in Quebec, due to French immigration during the 17th and 18th centuries. The name has also appeared sporadically in other countries with significant French populations, like Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. In North America, the United States and Canada show higher frequencies of this surname compared to other countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bussiere

The surname Bussiere has several variants and spellings, mostly due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Busser, Busseret, Busseire, Busserie, Bussert, Bussertier, Busseron, Busserolles, Busseronnet, Bussertel, Busset, Busseteau, Busseteauville, Bussetier, Bussetot, and Bussetou. These variations may also appear with minor differences in spelling, such as Busseray, Busseira, Busserais, or Bussery. The name is of French origin and often associated with the regions of Normandy and Brittany, although it can be found across France.

Famous people with the last name Bussiere

Notable individuals bearing the surname Bussière include:

1. René-Charles Bussière (1746–1839), a French Revolutionary military officer who served as a general and was a companion of Napoleon Bonaparte during the Italian campaigns.

2. François Bussière (1754-1820), another French Revolutionary military officer who also served under Napoleon Bonaparte, participating in the Siege of Toulon and the Egyptian campaign among others.

3. Joseph Louis Bussière (1826–1915), a French entomologist known for his work on the Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera orders of insects.

4. Marie-Claire Alain (1926–2013), a French organist and pianist, daughter of Alfred Cortot and winner of the prestigious Prix de Genève in 1947. While not sharing the surname Bussière by birth, she was married to Claude Bussière.

5. Claude Bussière (born 1930), a French conductor and musicologist, son-in-law of Alfred Cortot, and husband of Marie-Claire Alain.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields including military leadership, entomology, music, and musicology.

Genealogical research on the last name Bussiere

The surname Bussière is a French occupational name derived from the Old French term "bouchier," meaning butcher. It originated among artisans who were professional butchers. The name has various spellings, including Busseye, Busseray, and Busserole, due to historical spelling variations in French and Latin script.

The Bussière family can be traced back to the 12th century, with early records indicating a presence in Normandy and later Brittany. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Enguerrand le Busseur (the Butcher), Lord of Carentan in Normandy during the late 12th century. The family's lineage expanded throughout France, with notable members serving as knights, lords, and local officials.

The Bussière family migrated to other European countries during the Middle Ages, such as England, Scotland, and Belgium, due to wars and political instability in France. Descendants of these families eventually immigrated to North America during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly to Canada and the United States.

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NomOrigine Team
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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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