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Last Name Cazard

What is the origin of the last name Cazard?

The surname Cazard is of French origin. It is a habitational name from any of several places called Cazars or Casars, found mainly in the southwest of France, particularly in the Gers and Landes regions. The name of these places may have come from the Occitan word "casal" meaning "farmstead" or "small castle." The surname Cazard is a variant of the more common surname Casar or Cassard, which have similar origins.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cazard

The meaning and origin of the last name Cazard

The surname Cazard is of French origin, specifically from the region of Picardy. It is derived from a medieval occupational name for a watchman or guard, from the Old French "caze" meaning "watchtower" or "garrison," and "-ard," a common suffix denoting a professional. Over time, this surname has spread beyond France due to migrations and historical events. The pronunciation of Cazard in English is roughly [kah-zahr]. Variations in spelling may occur depending on regional dialects and transcription errors over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cazard

The surname Cazard has its origins primarily in France, particularly in regions such as Brittany and Normandy. It is also found in smaller numbers in other French-speaking regions like Quebec, Canada, due to historical migrations. Additionally, the name appears sporadically across other countries with significant French influence, such as Belgium and Switzerland, owing to migration or naming practices. There are also instances of the Cazard surname in Spain, where it could be a result of Basque or Catalan connections. The distribution of this surname is largely concentrated within these regions, but it has spread through migration and settlement patterns over time, with some occurrences in other parts of the world as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cazard

The surname Cazard has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variations include: Caizard, Casard, Cazart, and Cazat. These variations may arise from minor spelling errors during historical record-keeping or from attempts to phonetically represent the name in different languages or dialects. It's essential to consider these variations when researching family history, as they can help uncover connections that might otherwise go unnoticed. Additionally, the French origin of the name suggests possible regional concentrations among descendants in France and its former colonies, such as Quebec, Canada.

Famous people with the last name Cazard

Notable individuals bearing the surname Cazard include:

1. Romain Cazard (born 1986), a French former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, known for his career at AS Monaco and Montpellier HSC.
2. Gaëtan Cazard (born 1956), a French former football player who played as a midfielder and is best remembered for his time with Paris Saint-Germain in the 1980s. He later became the coach of several professional teams, including RC Strasbourg, Paris Saint-Germain, and Stade Rennais.
3. Julien Cazard (born 1987), a French former football player who played as an attacking midfielder. He represented clubs such as Le Havre AC, Grenoble Foot 38, and Valenciennes FC during his career.
4. Mathieu Cazard (born 1985), a French former professional tennis player known for reaching the third round of the 2006 Australian Open and the second round of Wimbledon in the same year. He retired from professional tennis in 2013.

Genealogical research on the last name Cazard

The surname Cazard originates from France and is derived from the Old French word "casalier," meaning one who lives in or keeps a castle. Variations of this surname include Casard, Cazar, and Casserd. The name was brought to England by the Normans following their conquest in 1066. In France, it is most commonly found in the regions of Lorraine, Franche-Comté, and Haute-Normandie. Notable figures with the surname Cazard include Jean Cazard, a French sculptor who was active in the early 20th century, and Claude Cazard, a French footballer who played for Olympique de Marseille and the France national team in the mid-20th century. The family name is believed to be of Norman origin, and it is found in various parts of the world today due to historical migration patterns.

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 : 29 July 2025

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