Last Name Chagnon

The surname "Chagnon" is of French Canadian origin. It is a variant of the original name "Chaigneau," which comes from Normandy, France. Over time, due to phonetic changes and regional dialects, the spelling evolved into various forms such as Chagnon in Quebec, Canada. The name is derived from the occupational name for a maker or repairer of shoes, from Old French "chaigne" meaning shoe, and "au" indicating a worker in that trade.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Chagnon

The meaning and origin of the last name Chagnon

The surname Chagnon is of French-Canadian origin, specifically from the province of Quebec. It is derived from the word "chagnot," which means "a person who is always angry" or "tempestuous" in Old French. Over time, this name has been adapted and slightly modified to its current form, Chagnon. The name was likely given to someone who possessed these qualities to reflect their behavior or to remind them of the need for self-control. The spread of the surname Chagnon is primarily attributed to French colonization in North America during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the Chagnon family name can be found not only in Quebec but also in other parts of Canada, the United States, and France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Chagnon

The surname Chagnon is predominantly distributed in French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, where it is one of the most common surnames originating from this province. Additionally, significant concentrations can be found in other French-speaking territories such as Louisiana, United States, and New Brunswick, Canada. The name also has presence in France, especially in the region of Brittany, and to a lesser extent, in French Guiana, South America. In the United States, outside Louisiana, it can be found in states with large French-American populations such as Maine, Vermont, and Wisconsin. The distribution pattern suggests that the name Chagnon is primarily of French origin, with significant diaspora in North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Chagnon

The surname Chagnon has several variations and spellings. It is primarily derived from French-Canadian roots, with some branches also found among French people in other parts of the world. Some common spelling variations include Chagon, Chagnon, Tshaghon (Cree language), Shagon, and Shagun. These variations may arise due to differences in transcription, regional dialects, or the use of different writing systems. Additionally, some individuals may have anglicized versions of the surname such as Chagnon-Wilson, Chagnon-Thompson, or Chagnon-Jones. It is important to note that these variations can also be found among people with diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultural heritage.

Famous people with the last name Chagnon

Notable individuals bearing the surname Chagnon include:

1. Napoleon Chagnon (b. 1938), an American anthropologist and ethnographer, best known for his long-term study of the Yanomamö people in South America. He is considered one of the preeminent ethnographers of the 20th century.

2. Robert Chagnon (1956-2018), a Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played professionally for teams such as the Quebec Nordiques, Winnipeg Jets, and Philadelphia Flyers. He was twice named to the NHL All-Star team during his career.

3. Émile Chagnon (b. 1947), a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Bécancour—Napierville from 1993 to 2008, representing the Bloc Québécois party. He also worked in various roles within the Quebec government.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, showcasing the diverse talents and accomplishments of people sharing the Chagnon surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Chagnon

The surname Chagnon is of French Canadian origin, specifically from the province of Quebec. It is derived from the Occitan term "chanoine," which means canon or church official. The first recorded instance of the name appears in New France (present-day Quebec) in the 17th century, with Nicolas Chagneau appearing in a notarial act in Quebec City in 1653. Over time, variations such as Chagnon, Chagnonnay, and Chaignon emerged due to regional dialects and spelling differences. Notable individuals bearing the name include anthropologist Napoleon Chagnon, known for his work among the Yanomami people of South America, and former Canadian ice hockey player Éric Cháneur. The family is believed to have originated from a region in southwestern France before emigrating to North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Chagnon"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 14 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends