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Last Name Cognard

What is the origin of the last name Cognard?

The surname Cognard is of French origin. It is derived from a given name, which was common in France during the Middle Ages. The name "Cognard" may have been a diminutive form of the personal name Cône or Cogon, both of which are believed to be derived from the Old Norse name Ketil, meaning "kettle" or "barrel." Over time, the surname Cognard has been spelled in various ways, including Cognard, Cognart, and Coignard. It is most commonly found today in France and Belgium.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cognard

The meaning and origin of the last name Cognard

The surname Cognard is of French origin, derived from various locales named "Cognart" or "Cognac" in France. These places are located in the departments of Aisne and Charente, respectively. The name of these locations comes from the Gallo-Roman villa "Cognatum," meaning "belonging to Cogno." The surname Cognard arose as a way for individuals to identify their ancestral origins or occupational connections with these places. Over time, it became a hereditary name, passing down through generations and migrating with French settlers to other regions around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cognard

The last name Cognard is predominantly found in France, particularly in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. These two regions account for a significant percentage of individuals bearing this surname. Historically, the name is believed to originate from the town of Cognard, located in the Eure-et-Loir department of central France. Beyond France, there are also pockets of individuals with the last name Cognard in countries such as Canada, Belgium, and the United States, due to historical migration patterns. In these diaspora communities, the surname tends to be concentrated in urban centers with strong French-speaking populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cognard

The surname Cognard has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include Cognart, Cognarde, Cogneart, Cognardet, Cognaert, and Cognardet. These variations may have originated from minor misspellings, phonetic interpretations, or even geographical influences. Additionally, it is worth noting that French surnames like Cognard typically have a patronymic origin, meaning they were originally derived from the father's given name. For instance, a person named Jean Cognard might have had a father named Cogn(e) (a short form of the name Jean). However, it is essential to remember that these historical patterns are not hard and fast rules, and surnames can sometimes be influenced by other factors as well.

Famous people with the last name Cognard

Notable individuals with the surname Cognard include:

1. Pierre-Joseph Cognard (1792-1884), a French sculptor known for his works such as the statue of Napoleon on St. Helena and various monuments in France.

2. Jean-Baptiste Cognard (1805-1863), a French painter who specialized in historical subjects and landscapes, with notable works like "The Last Day of Sodom" and "The Miraculous Drought of Jabes."

3. Marc Cognard (born 1974), a French musician and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the band Superbus.

4. Christophe Cognard (born 1950), a French actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including "The Return of Martin Guerre" and "Les Misérables."

Each of these individuals made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts in art, music, and film.

Genealogical research on the last name Cognard

The Cognard surname originates from France and is primarily found in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. The name is derived from the Old French "cognart" or "coignart," which means "little corner."

One notable early bearer of the name was Robert de Coignart, who lived during the 13th century and held important positions within the Church. Another significant figure was Pierre Cognet, a Norman knight who participated in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

Over time, variations in spelling such as Cognard, Coignard, and Coignart emerged due to factors like regional dialects, individual preference, and historical recording methods. The name was brought to North America by French colonists, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries, with significant populations found in Quebec, Louisiana, and other parts of the French-speaking New World.

Today, Cognard is a relatively rare surname, but it remains widespread among the French-Canadian community, as well as in France itself. Genealogical research for this name can be challenging due to its various spellings and the historical lack of consistent recording methods; however, resources such as parish records, census data, and immigrant passenger lists can provide valuable insights into the Cognard family history.

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 : 28 July 2025

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