Last Name De-gaillande

The surname "de Gaillande" is of French origin and it derives from a place name. Specifically, it originated from Galland or Gallande, which was the name of several places in France during the Middle Ages. These places were named after the Gallo-Roman term "gallus" meaning "rooster," likely due to the presence of a rooster or cockerel in the area as a landmark. The addition of "de" before the place name was a common practice during the feudal period, denoting that the bearer was a member of a family who lived on an estate or manor located near that place.

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The meaning and origin of the last name De-gaillande

The surname De Gaillande is of French origin, derived from a place name in France. Specifically, it is believed to originate from the region of Gatinais, where the commune of Gaillonville can be found. The name Gaillonville comes from the Gallo-Roman word "gallus" meaning rooster and "villa" meaning farm or settlement, implying a place associated with roosters. Over time, as families migrated or moved, some individuals took on their place of origin as a surname, leading to the formation of the last name De Gaillande. It is a relatively uncommon surname today, but it remains a significant part of French heritage and genealogy.

Geographical distribution of the last name De-gaillande

The surname De-Gaillande has its origins in France, specifically in the region of Picardy, where it is most concentrated around the city of Amiens. Over time, the name spread to other parts of France due to migrations and population movements. In addition, the surname can also be found in Belgium, particularly in the Flemish-speaking regions close to the French border, as a result of historical ties between the two countries. In North America, De-Gaillande is primarily found in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization and subsequent immigration waves. In the United States, it is most common in Louisiana, where many Acadian families settled after being displaced from their homeland in Canada in the 18th century. In other parts of the world, such as Australia and South Africa, the surname can be found among descendants of French emigrants who left Europe during various periods of history.

Variants and spellings of the last name De-gaillande

The surname De Gaillande exhibits variations and alternate spellings due to historical transcription errors, regional dialects, and migration influences. Some variations include De Gailonde, De Galland, De Galende, De Gaillant, De Gaillande-Vaubois, De Gaillande-Mareuil, De Gaillandet, and De Gaillandeau. These variations stem from the original French form "De Galande" which is derived from a place name meaning "valley of the calends" or "valley of the gallants." The calends were an ancient Roman term for the first day of each month, and the surname was likely given to someone who originated from or had connections to a settlement in a valley associated with these terms.

Famous people with the last name De-gaillande

One notable individual with the surname De Gaulle is Charles de Gaulle, a prominent French statesman who served as France's President from 1959 to 1969. Born in Lille, France in 1890, de Gaulle was instrumental in establishing the Free French Forces during World War II and played a significant role in liberating France from Nazi occupation. After the war, he continued to advocate for French independence and resistance against what he perceived as overreliance on the United States and Britain. De Gaulle's efforts culminated in his election as President of the Fifth Republic, where he implemented policies aimed at strengthening France's international stature and promoting economic development. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in modern French history. Another notable figure with the surname De Gaulle is Philippe de Gaulles, a Belgian professor of philosophy, who has contributed to the fields of metaphysics, aesthetics, and ethics.

Genealogical research on the last name De-gaillande

The surname De Gaillande originates from France and is a locative name derived from places named Gailland or Gaillande, found in various regions such as Brittany, Normandy, and the Rhône-Alpes. One of the earliest records of the name appears in the 13th century in Normandy, with Hugo de Galando mentioned in historical documents. Over time, spelling variations of the name emerged due to differences in transcription and translation, including De Gaillande, De Gallande, De Galando, and others. The family spread across France and later migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066, where they were granted land holdings by William the Conqueror. Descendants of the original De Gaillandes also immigrated to other parts of Europe and the British colonies in North America, most notably Canada and the United States, in later centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "de-gaillande"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

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