Last Name Colange

The surname Colange does not have a clearly defined origin that can be definitively traced back to one specific source. However, it is believed to be of Italian origins and could be derived from several possible sources. 1. It could originate from the given name Colanzo, which in turn derives from the Latin name Columbia, meaning "the colonizer." 2. Alternatively, it may have originated from a geographical location named Colanga in northern Italy or Colange in Corsica. 3. Another theory suggests that it could be a variant of the surname Collange, which is of French origins and could mean "a little hollow" or "a small valley." 4. It is also possible that the name could have been corrupted from other similar-sounding Italian or French names over time. It's important to note that surnames often evolved as a result of historical events such as religious persecution, war, or migrations, and it's not always easy to pinpoint their exact origins. Researching the specific family history can provide more insights into the particular origin of the Colange surname for a specific lineage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Colange

The meaning and origin of the last name Colange

The surname Colange is of French origin, derived from a variety of place names found throughout France. These places bear the name "Colombage," which means "dovecote" or "place for keeping doves." The surname may have been occupational, referring to someone who worked with dovecotes, or it could have been topographical, indicating that the original bearer lived near a dovecote. The name was brought to England by the Normans during the Conquest in 1066 and has since spread across Europe and to North America. Variations of the surname include Colinage, Collinge, and Colanji (a variation found among people of Indian origin).

Geographical distribution of the last name Colange

The surname Colange is predominantly found in France, with significant concentrations in regions such as Brittany, Normandy, and the Rhône-Alpes. It is believed to have originated from these areas, where it is still common today. Outside of France, the name has also been recorded in other French-speaking countries, particularly in Belgium and Switzerland due to historical migrations. There are also isolated instances of the Colange surname in North America, with a majority being traced back to French Canadian or French immigrant families. In England, it is a rare variant of the English name Collins, indicating possible Norman origin. The global distribution of the Colange surname reflects its historical roots and the migration patterns of French-speaking peoples over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colange

The surname Colange has several variations and spellings. These include Coleange, Collange, Coelange, and Coulange, among others. The spelling may have evolved over time due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or individual preferences. The variations suggest that the name likely originated from a combination of elements in different languages, possibly French (from the word "colange," meaning "polecat" or "ferret") or Italian (from the name "Colomba," meaning "dove").

Famous people with the last name Colange

The Colangelo family has been notable for its contributions in various fields across different regions. One of the most prominent members is Jerry Colangelo, an American sports executive and businessman. He served as the Chairman of USA Basketball from 2005 to 2017, leading the U.S. Olympic basketball teams to gold medals during three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016). In sports management, Colangelo is best known for his tenure as the majority owner of the Phoenix Suns NBA franchise from 1987 to 2004.

In the literary world, Mary Higgins Clark, born Mary Rafferty Colangelo, is a highly acclaimed author. She has written numerous suspense novels and is known for her popular "Rebecca" series. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mystery Writers of America.

These are two notable figures with the last name Colangelo who have made significant impacts in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Colange

The Colange surname is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Tuscany. One variant, Colombaio, is documented in Florence as early as the 13th century, suggesting that the Colange lineage may have roots in this city. Over time, the spelling has evolved due to regional dialects and scribal errors. The name could be derived from various sources; one possible origin is "colombaia," meaning "dovecote" or "pigeon house," reflecting a family's occupation or dwelling place. Another theory proposes a connection to the personal name Colomba, a diminutive of Colombina, which means "dove." As with many surnames, the precise origin of Colange may never be definitively known, but its Italian roots are generally accepted.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Colange"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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