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Last Name Compere

What is the origin of the last name Compere?

The surname Compère (pronounced kom-pehr) has French origins and is derived from the Old French word "compaire," meaning companion or fellow. It was often given as a nickname to someone who shared work, goods, or food with another person, implying companionship. This name can be found in various regions of France, and it has been brought to other countries by French settlers over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Compere

The meaning and origin of the last name Compere

The surname Compère, variantly spelled as Comper or Compher, is of Old French origin. It is an occupational name for a compère, a term denoting a colleague, partner, or comrade, particularly in the context of a troupe of performers. This name would have been given to someone who worked alongside others, perhaps as a jester, musician, or actor during the Middle Ages when such professions were common and required collaboration among performers. The French word 'compère' is derived from the Latin 'comparare,' which means 'to compare.' Over time, this surname has been carried to various parts of Europe and eventually spread globally due to migration and colonization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Compere

The surname Compere is predominantly found in France, with a significant concentration in its northern regions such as Normandy and Picardy. It originated from the Old French word "compeir," meaning companion or equal, indicating its historical roots in feudal society. Outside of France, the name has also been found in Belgium due to historical ties and migration. In the United States, Compere is less common but can be traced back to immigrants from France and Belgium. The distribution of the surname Compere reflects the historical migrations and cultural exchanges between these countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Compere

The surname Compère has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common variations include Compar, Comper, Compereaux, Comperey, Compaire, Compairre, and Compaîre. These variations may arise due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, or simply typos over time. The French origin of the name suggests it is derived from the occupation of a compare, or umpire, in medieval France. It is also possible that the name could have been shortened from the French Compagnon, which means companion. Despite these variations, the original spelling and pronunciation of the surname Compère remains widely recognized.

Famous people with the last name Compere

Notable individuals with the surname Compère include:

* Jean-Pierre Compère (1946–2018), a French professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like Lens and Reims, and was part of the France national team during the 1970s.
* Jérôme Compère (born 1953), a French musician, best known as the lead vocalist and bass guitarist of the band Héritage des Cendres. He is also a solo artist and has collaborated with other artists like Manu Chao.
* Christophe Compère (born 1967), a French actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows, such as Les Guignols de l'info, Le Bureau des Légendes, and Tous en scène. He is also known for his work as a voice actor.
* Gérard Compère (born 1946), a French author who has written several novels, including "Les Champs d'honneur" (Fields of Honor) which was adapted into a film in 2003.
* Thierry Compère (born 1957), a French politician who served as the Mayor of Clermont-Ferrand from 2008 to 2014, and as a Member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2019.

Genealogical research on the last name Compere

The surname Compère, variantly spelled as Comper, Compeer, and other forms, is of Old French origin. It is derived from the personal name Compain (meaning companion), which was commonly used during the Middle Ages. The family name Compère emerged when individuals with this first name began to be identified by their surnames in the 13th century. One notable bearer of the name, Simon le Compere, was a knight who fought in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Over time, the Compère family spread across various regions of France, and some members immigrated to England, Scotland, Ireland, and North America during the late Middle Ages and Early Modern period. Notable Compères include French architect Louis-François Compagne (1759–1820) and Canadian politician Arthur LeCompte (1843-1911). Today, the surname Compère can be found in significant numbers in France, Canada, and the United States.

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 : 27 July 2025

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