The surname Cacheux has French origins and is derived from the Old French word "cacheus," which means "hairy" or "bearded." This surname was likely used as a nickname for someone with a prominent beard or thick hair. Nicknames were common in medieval Europe, often serving as an alternative form of identification when formal names were not sufficient to distinguish individuals within a community. Over time, these nicknames evolved into hereditary surnames. The use of surnames became widespread in France during the Middle Ages, starting around the 10th century.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Cacheux
The meaning and origin of the last name Cacheux
The surname Cacheux is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "cacheus," which means "handsome" or "comely." It was originally used as a given name and later evolved into a hereditary surname. Over time, it has been adopted by families across various regions in France, with notable bearers including Jacques Cacheux, a 17th-century French engraver, and Pierre Cacheux, a French composer from the Baroque period. The surname is relatively rare outside of France but can be found among the French diaspora due to emigration events such as the Huguenot exodus in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Geographical distribution of the last name Cacheux
The surname Cacheux is primarily found in France, with significant concentrations in regions such as Picardy and Normandy. Historically, the name was most prevalent in the northern regions of France, particularly around the cities of Amiens and Rouen. Some French Canadian families also carry the Cacheux name, having emigrated from France during the 17th and 18th centuries. In recent times, members of the Cacheux family can be found in various parts of North America, Europe, and Australia due to migration and diaspora. However, a substantial number still reside in France, reflecting the origins of this surname.
Variants and spellings of the last name Cacheux
The surname Cacheux has various spelling variants due to historical and regional differences in transcription and pronunciation. Here are some common versions:
1. Cacheux - This is the original French form of the name, which originated from the Old French word "cacheus" meaning "handsome."
2. Cachoux - A variant spelling of Cacheux, found primarily among French and French-Canadian families.
3. Cacheaux - Another variation of the surname, possibly emerging as a result of Anglicization or typographical errors over time.
4. Cacheuxe - An uncommon misspelling or alternate form of the name.
5. Cacheaux-Roberts - A compound surname formed by combining Cacheux with another family name, Roberts, indicating a marriage between two families in the past.
6. Cachoix (or Cachoixe) - A less common variant found among French Canadian families that may have evolved over time due to linguistic changes or regional dialects.
7. Cacheu - An uncommon Portuguese and Spanish surname, though it's not related etymologically to the French Cacheux; instead, it comes from the city of Cacheu in Guinea-Bissau.
8. Cachaux - A rare variant of the name that could be another result of spelling variations or errors over time.
Famous people with the last name Cacheux
The most renowned individuals bearing the surname Cacheux include:
1. François Cacheux (born 1946), a French politician who served as Mayor of Cannes from 2001 to 2014 and was also a member of the National Assembly for the Var department from 2007 to 2012.
2. Philippe Cacheaux (born 1961), a French businessman and banker who is best known for his involvement in the Bank Assya scandal, where he was accused of fraud and money laundering.
3. Hervé Cacheux (born 1958), a French journalist and television host who has worked for various networks such as TF1 and France 2. He is also an author and has written several books on historical and political subjects.
4. Alain Cacheux (1924-2006), a French sculptor, painter, and engraver known for his abstract art. His works have been exhibited internationally, including at the Venice Biennale in 1958.
These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of politics, business, journalism, and art, and their names are associated with various aspects of French culture and society.
Genealogical research on the last name Cacheux
The surname Cacheux is believed to have French origins, derived from the Old French word "cachier" meaning "to hide" or "secret." It was initially a nickname given to someone who was secretive or reticent. The first recorded instances of this name can be traced back to the 13th century in France. Some notable figures bearing the Cacheux name include Antoine Cacheux, a French naval officer during the reign of Henry III and IV, and Nicolas Cacheux, a French painter active in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The Cacheux family also had significant presence in New France, with many members emigrating to Canada and contributing to its early development. Today, the Cacheux name can be found primarily in France, Canada, and the United States.
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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