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Last Name Cazeles

What is the origin of the last name Cazeles?

The surname Cazelles has roots in France and is derived from a place name. It originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a wooded hill or a hill covered with shrubs, as "cazeau" in Old Occitan means "shrubby", "wooded", or "thicket-covered". The name Cazelles could have been formed by adding the diminutive suffix "-el(le)" to "Caza", which is derived from "casa", meaning "house" in Old Provencal. Therefore, Cazelles would mean "little house in the woods" or "wooded little house".

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cazeles

The meaning and origin of the last name Cazeles

The surname Cazeles is of French origin, derived from various regional place names found in southern France. Specifically, it is believed to originate from the commune of Cazelles, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department. This name is composed of two elements: "cazal" meaning 'a house' or 'dwelling', and the suffix "-es", which denotes a place. It is likely that this surname was originally used as a nickname for someone who came from such a place, or more likely, it was bestowed upon someone who lived near a notable dwelling in their village. Over time, this geographical name evolved into a hereditary surname in the region of southwestern France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cazeles

The surname Cazeles is primarily found in France, specifically in the region of Brittany, where it originated. Historically, the name was associated with the town of Cazelles, located in the Morbihan department. Today, a significant number of individuals bearing this surname can be found in various parts of France, particularly Paris and its surrounding regions due to migration over the centuries. However, there are also instances of the name appearing in other countries, such as Canada and the United States, where French immigrants may have carried the name during their relocation. The distribution pattern suggests a strong association with French-speaking communities, both historically and presently.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cazeles

The surname Cazeles has several variants and spellings due to historical and regional differences in transcription and pronunciation. Some of these variants include Cazalet, Casalet, Casales, Cassalet, and Cazalets. Additionally, the name may also appear as de Cazeles or Le Cazeles as prefixes for noble families. Furthermore, it's important to note that over time, regional dialects and linguistic evolutions might lead to additional spellings. The original root of this surname is believed to be derived from a place name, likely in France, but without specific historical records, the exact origin remains uncertain.

Famous people with the last name Cazeles

Notable individuals with the surname Cazales include:

1. Richard Cazales (born 1947), a French politician who served as a member of the National Assembly from 2002 to 2017, representing the department of Aude.

2. Jean-Pierre Cazales (born 1956), a French actor and director, best known for his role in the French film "La Boum" and his collaborations with director Claude Lelouch.

3. Patrick Cazales (born 1964), a French former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Olympique de Marseille, RC Strasbourg Alsace, and Girondins de Bordeaux.

4. Marc-Antoine Cazalet (1732–1809), a French composer and musician active in the court of Louis XV and Louis XVI. He is best known for his operas and chamber music compositions.

Genealogical research on the last name Cazeles

The Cazelles surname originates from the southwestern region of France, specifically in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne and Haute-Garonne. It is believed to be of Occitan origins, derived from a local place name or personal name. One of the earliest records of the Cazelles family can be traced back to the 13th century in the region of Comminges. The surname has several variations including Casellas, Caseles, and Cazalet, all likely arising due to regional dialects and scribal interpretation. Throughout history, the Cazelles family spread across France, with notable settlements in regions such as Aquitaine, Languedoc, and Provence. The surname also appears in immigration records from the 19th century, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Genealogical research on the Cazelles lineage continues to uncover more details about the family's history and migrations.

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 : 26 July 2025

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