The surname Cointre is of French origin. It comes from a variety of places in France, such as Cointres and Cointré, both located in the Rhône-Alpes region. The name is derived from the Old French words "coing" meaning corner or bend, and "terre" meaning land, indicating that the original bearer lived near a bend in a river or road. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple origins and spellings can change over time due to various factors like transcription errors, regional dialects, or migration.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Cointre
The meaning and origin of the last name Cointre
The surname Cointre is of French origin, derived from various locations named Coingt, Cointe, or Cointet, found primarily in the departments of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardie in northern France. The name of these places is believed to originate from the Old French word "coing" meaning corner or angle, indicating that these locations were situated at a bend in a river or road. As a surname, Cointre would have been adopted by individuals who lived near one of these places, or by those who migrated from them. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have evolved due to various historical factors such as regional dialects and the influence of other languages. Today, the surname Cointre is found in France and among its diaspora around the world.
Geographical distribution of the last name Cointre
The surname Cointre is primarily found in French-speaking regions, particularly in France and Belgium. In France, it is most concentrated in the eastern departments of Doubs, Jura, Ain, Haute-Saône, and Territoire de Belfort, which border Switzerland. This distribution suggests a possible origin from the Swiss side of the border. In Belgium, the surname Cointre is found mainly in the Wallonia region, particularly in the provinces of Liège and Namur. Additionally, there are smaller groups of individuals with the surname Cointre scattered across other French-speaking countries like Switzerland, Canada, and Africa. It's worth noting that the surname may also be found in other parts of the world due to migration, but these regions represent its primary geographical distribution.
Variants and spellings of the last name Cointre
The variations and alternative spellings of the surname Cointre include:
These variations may have originated from regional dialects, phonetic changes over time, or errors in documentation. It's important to note that surnames can also be spelled differently in different countries due to differences in language and transcription rules.
Famous people with the last name Cointre
Notable individuals with the surname Cointre include:
1. Pierre-Louis Cointre (1824-1905), a French artist known for his landscapes and seascapes. His works are displayed in various museums, including the Louvre.
2. Henri Cointre (1868-1947), a French physician who made significant contributions to the field of pediatrics. He was the president of the French Pediatric Society and authored several influential books on child health.
3. Yvonne Cointre (born 1925), a French actress who had a prolific career in both film and theater, earning recognition for her roles in films such as "The Crimson Pirate" and "The Witch".
4. Michel Cointre (born 1943), a French historian specializing in the Middle Ages. He has written numerous books on medieval history, including "The Capetian Kingdom: Birth of a Monarchy" and "The Crusades: The Kingdom of Jerusalem".
These individuals demonstrate diverse talents and achievements across various fields, reflecting the versatility within the Cointre family.
Genealogical research on the last name Cointre
The Cointe surname originates from France, specifically the region of Savoie. It is an occupational name for a notary or scribe, derived from the Old French word "cuniste," meaning notary. The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the 13th century, with the appearance of "Raimundus Cunista" in historical documents from the county of Savoie. Over the centuries, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved due to various factors such as regional dialects and transcribing errors. Variants of the surname include Conte, Coindre, Cointet, and others. The Cointe family played significant roles in local politics and religious institutions throughout their history in Savoie. Some notable members include Pierre Cointe, who served as a judge during the French Revolution, and Léonard-Hyacinthe Cointe, a prominent historian and archivist in the 19th century. The family's origins can still be traced to the town of Aiguebelle in Savoie, France.
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