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Last Name Cochard

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What is the origin of the last name Cochard?

The surname Cochard is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "coc" which means a rooster. This name would have originally been used as an occupational name for a farmer who kept a rooster or a nickname for someone with red-gold hair, due to the coloration of a rooster's comb. The surname may also have originated from a personal name popular in France during the Middle Ages.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Cochard

The surname Cochard is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "cocher," which means coachman or driver of horses. Over time, it became a surname for people associated with the occupation of a coachman or those who lived near a coaching inn. The name was primarily found in regions of France where horse-drawn carriages were common, such as Paris and its surrounding areas. Cochard is also known to be a variant of the name Caucher, another French surname related to the occupation. Today, individuals with the surname Cochard can be found worldwide due to historical migration patterns and family lineage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cochard

The surname Cochard is primarily found in France, particularly in regions such as Bourgogne (Burgundy), Franche-Comté, and Alsace, where it originated during the Middle Ages. It is also present to some extent in Switzerland, particularly in cantons like Vaud, Geneva, and Neuchâtel, due to historical migration between the two countries. Smaller concentrations can be found in other French-speaking regions like Belgium and Canada, as well as in countries with significant French influence such as Luxembourg and Senegal. A few Cochard families are also scattered across the United States, predominantly in states with significant French immigrant populations like Louisiana and California. The distribution of this surname reflects historical patterns of French colonization, migration, and cultural exchange throughout Europe and the Americas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cochard

The surname Cochard has several variations and spellings. These include: Couchard, Couhard, Coquard, Cohard, Cocard, Cochart, and Cocqard. The origins of this name are French, derived from the Old Gallo-Roman personal name "Coccus", which means grape or berry, possibly due to a person's complexion being compared to that of a ripe fruit. It was also a nickname for someone who had a red face or hair. The name has been passed down through generations and may have undergone slight spelling changes due to the phonetic differences in regional dialects, as well as the variations introduced over time by scribes and record keepers.

Famous people with the last name Cochard

The Cochard family has produced several notable figures across various fields. Notably, Édouard-Léon Cochard (1840-1909) was a French botanist and mycologist who made significant contributions to the study of fungi. He described more than 3,500 species, many of which are still used in modern medicine. In the world of music, there is Francis Cochard (born 1972), a French composer, pianist, and conductor. Cochard has gained recognition for his work with film scores, having contributed to numerous Hollywood productions. Lastly, Jean-Paul Cochard (1938-1965) was a Swiss rally driver who competed in the World Rally Championship from 1964 until his tragic death in 1965. Known for his skill and sportsmanship, he left an indelible mark on the sport. Each of these individuals showcases the diverse talents and accomplishments within the Cochard family lineage.

Genealogical research on the last name Cochard

The surname Cochard is of French origin and is believed to have derived from the Old French word "coquerel," meaning "young cock." Early records show that the name was first recorded in Normandy during the Middle Ages, with Hugues Coquerel appearing in 1086 as a landholder in the region. The name spread across France and later to other European countries, including Switzerland, Belgium, and England, due to migration and political upheavals. Notable figures bearing this surname include Jean-Baptiste Cochard (1798–1874), a French inventor who developed the first successful photographic process using collodion; and Émile Cochard (1832–1907), a Swiss astronomer known for his work on double stars. Today, the Cochard family is found predominantly in France, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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