The surname "de la Caze" is a toponymic French name derived from a place named La Caze. It is possible that the original bearer lived near such a location or owned property there. Toponymic names are surnames that were given based on the name of a geographical location, such as a town, village, field, or river. The origin of the place name "La Caze" can be traced back to Old Occitan, a Romance language spoken in southern France during the Middle Ages. It is composed of two elements: "casa" meaning house, and "de" which indicates that the place belonged to someone. Therefore, "de la Caze" originally meant "from the house" or "of the house." This surname can be found among populations in France, Spain, and other countries with French or Spanish influence.
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The meaning and origin of the last name De-la-caze
The surname De La Caze is of French origin, derived from a place name. It is composed of two elements: "de" which means 'of' or 'from', and "La Caze", which refers to a specific location. In medieval France, it was common for individuals to take their surnames from the locality where they lived or held lands. The exact origin of "La Caze" is unclear; however, it might be derived from "cassis," meaning "chestnut tree" in Old Provencal, indicating an original location with many chestnut trees. Over time, this surname has been spelled in various ways, including De La Case, Delacaze, and others, as a result of transliteration and transcription errors. Today, the De La Caze name is present in several countries, particularly France and its former colonies.
Geographical distribution of the last name De-la-caze
The surname De-la-Caze is predominantly found in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in the Basque region and nearby areas. Its origin can be traced back to the medieval period when it was often associated with nobility or knighthood due to the "de" prefix, meaning "of" or "from," and the place name "La Caze" or "Casa" denoting a specific location. Over time, members of this family migrated across the Spanish Empire, spreading the name to various parts of Latin America, particularly in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Caribbean islands. Smaller numbers of De-la-Cazes can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Argentina, Venezuela, and the Philippines, reflecting historical movements of people under Spanish rule. In recent years, there have been instances of De-la-Caze immigrants settling in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Variants and spellings of the last name De-la-caze
The surname De La Caze has various spelling and pronunciation variations. The most common are De la Caze, De LaCaze, Delacaze, DelaCaza, and DeleCaze. These differences arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and personal preference in spelling. Regardless of the specific spelling, the name originates from French and means "from the castle." It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally a nickname for someone who lived near or worked at a castle. This surname can be found across various countries where French influence is strong, including France, Belgium, and Canada.
Famous people with the last name De-la-caze
Two notable individuals sharing the surname De La Caze are Marcelino de Sada y De La Caza (1867-1924) and Louis-Albert De La Caze (1913-1977).
Marcelino de Sada y De La Caza was a Mexican lawyer, politician, and diplomat who served as President of Mexico from 1904 to 1908. Known for his efforts to modernize the country's infrastructure and economy, he also worked to promote peace during the Mexican Revolution.
Louis-Albert De La Caze was a French entomologist and malacologist who made significant contributions to the study of mollusks. He authored numerous scientific papers and books on the subject, including "Les Mollusques de la Guyane Française." His work expanded the understanding of mollusk diversity in French Guiana and the surrounding regions. Both figures have left lasting legacies in their respective fields.
Genealogical research on the last name De-la-caze
The surname De la Caze, originating from France, is believed to have derived from various localities named "Cazes" or "La Caze" in the Occitanie region. The first known mention of the name dates back to the 14th century. Notable figures bearing this name include the French mathematician Pierre de Fermat and the philosopher Pierre Bayle, both from the 17th century. The surname spread across Europe during colonial times, with various De la Cazes settling in England, Spain, Portugal, and the Americas. In the New World, the family played significant roles in the colonization of Louisiana, where they were among the first French settlers. Today, the name is most prevalent in France, but also has a presence in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
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