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Last Name Cayeux

What is the origin of the last name Cayeux?

The surname Cayeux is of French origin. It derives from a place name, specifically from various locations named "Cayeu" or "Cayé" found primarily in the northwestern region of France, such as in Normandy and Brittany. Toponyms formed the base for many European surnames, as people often took their names from the places where they lived or worked. In this case, the name Cayeux is likely a habitational name taken by someone who lived in one of the places named Cayeu or Cayé.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Cayeux

The meaning and origin of the last name Cayeux

The surname Cayeux is a French name, rooted in Norman ancestry. It originates from the Old French word "cai(e)," meaning "goat" or "kid." In medieval times, it was common for surnames to be associated with an occupational or geographical reference, and Cayeux may have been a nickname given to someone who owned a goat or lived near a place where goats were kept. Over time, the name evolved from its original spelling of Caie, Kaie, Kai, or Kaye to the modern form of Cayeux. Today, it is most prevalent in France and regions inhabited by French settlers, such as Canada and Louisiana, USA.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cayeux

The surname Cayeux is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in France and Quebec, Canada. It originates from Normandy, a region in northern France, where it was originally a topographical name for someone who lived near a small river or stream known as "le Cai" in Old French. Over time, the name spread to other parts of France, including Picardy and Brittany. In Canada, it is most common in Quebec, especially in areas where French settlers from Normandy and elsewhere in France settled, such as Montreal and the surrounding region. Additionally, there are minor concentrations of individuals with the surname Cayeux in other parts of the world, including the United States, due to immigration from France and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cayeux

The surname Cayeux has several variations and spelling derivatives due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some common variants include Caieux, Caioux, Kayeux, Cayeus, Kayeus, Kaiois, and Keious. These variations may originate from regional dialects, errors during census recordings, or individual preferences when emigrating to other countries. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different origins of the family but are rather phonetic adaptations to local pronunciation rules or scribal errors.

Famous people with the last name Cayeux

Notable individuals with the surname Cayeux include:

1. Paul Cayeux (1868-1943), a French sculptor known for his decorative arts, particularly his bronze and terracotta work. His designs were often used in public buildings and monuments.

2. Philippe Cayeux (born 1950), a French writer who has published several novels, including "Le Livre noir de l'Otan" (The Black Book of NATO) and "L'Empire de la terreur" (The Empire of Terror).

3. Jérôme Cayeux (born 1980), a French professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various teams, including Montpellier HSC, RC Lens, and Valenciennes FC. He also represented the France national team at the under-20 level.

4. Paul-Émile Cayeux (1876-1935), a French architect who was instrumental in the development of modernist architecture in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s. His designs emphasized functionality, simplicity, and a rejection of historical styles.

Genealogical research on the last name Cayeux

The surname Cayeux is believed to have originated from the region of Normandy, France. Historically, it's associated with the town of Vienne-en-Val, in the Calvados department. The name is thought to be derived from a topographic or occupational name, possibly meaning "a house by the willow," from Old French "chay," meaning "willow," and "eix," meaning "house" or "dwelling."

The Cayeux family migrated to Canada in the 17th century, with many settling in Quebec. Pierre Cayeux, a ship carpenter, arrived in Quebec City in 1634 as part of the Carignan-Salières regiment. The family continued to expand in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick.

In the United States, the surname Cayeux is most prevalent in Louisiana, with a significant number of descendants from Acadian exiles who were expelled from Nova Scotia in 1755 and resettled in Louisiana by the British. The surname remains common in both Canada and the United States to this day.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 25 July 2025

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