Last Name Desjardins

The last name "Desjardins" is of French origin. It derives from the word "des jardins," which in French means "of the gardens." The name is a toponymic surname, implying that it was originally used to indicate someone who lived near or worked in gardens or cultivated land.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Desjardins

The meaning and origin of the last name Desjardins

The surname Desjardins has both a French meaning and origin. It comes from the combination of the words "des" and "jardin," which translate to "of the garden" in English. The name likely originated as an occupational surname, indicating that the bearer was involved in gardening or horticulture. It could have referred to someone who worked in a garden, a cultivator of plants, or even a landowner or resident near a garden.

The name Desjardins is widely found in France and Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec. Many individuals bearing this surname can trace their ancestors back to French settlers who emigrated to New France (now Quebec) during the 17th and 18th centuries. These settlers, known as the "habitants," were predominantly farmers and artisans, which makes the Desjardins surname common among their descendants. Today, the name continues to be held by numerous families, reflecting their historical ties to gardening or their ancestral connection to the original French settlers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Desjardins

The last name Desjardins is primarily found in the French-speaking regions of France and Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec. In France, it is most commonly found in the regions of Brittany, Normandy, and Pays de la Loire. The name's origin can be traced back to the medieval era, and it is derived from the Old French word "des jardins," meaning "of the gardens." This suggests that the early bearers of the name may have been associated with gardening or living near gardens. Due to historic migrations and colonization, the name has also spread to other parts of the world, including the United States and various French-speaking countries. However, it remains most concentrated in France and Quebec, reflecting the strong cultural ties and historical connection between these two regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Desjardins

The last name Desjardins, originating from French descent, has several variations and spellings due to regional dialects and historical changes in spelling. Variations of Desjardins include Desjardin, Dejardin, Désjardins, and D’Esjardin. These variations may be present in different countries or regions with a French-speaking population.

The spelling "Desjardins" is commonly used in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec, where it is a prominent French-Canadian surname. However, it can also be found in other French-speaking regions around the world. The spelling "Desjardin" without the final "s" is sometimes seen in English-speaking countries, simplifying the pronunciation. The accent marks in "Désjardins" suggest a more traditional French spelling often found in France or among French communities.

The ancestry and migration patterns of individuals with this surname contribute to the various spellings and adaptations. These variations make it important for family historians and genealogists to consider different iterations when researching the Desjardins surname.

Famous people with the last name Desjardins

One prominent figure with the last name Desjardins is Alphonse Desjardins, a Canadian businessman and social entrepreneur. He is widely recognized as the founder of the Desjardins Group, which started as a credit union and has since become the largest federation of credit unions in North America. Alphonse Desjardins played a significant role in the development of the cooperative movement in Canada, advocating for financial security and providing accessible banking services to individuals who were excluded from traditional financial institutions. His innovative ideas and commitment to social well-being have left a lasting impact on the Canadian financial landscape. Furthermore, Lucien Desjardins, a prominent French businessman and film director, gained recognition for his successful career in the film industry. His contributions and creative endeavors continue to inspire many in the field.

Genealogical research on the last name Desjardins

Desjardins is a French surname with a rich genealogical history. The name originated in France, specifically in the region of Normandy. The literal translation of Desjardins is "of the gardens," suggesting a possible connection to horticulture or land cultivation. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 16th century, with various branches of the Desjardins family spreading across different parts of France over the centuries. Many individuals with this surname migrated to other countries during periods of political unrest and economic opportunities. Today, the Desjardins name is prominent not only in France but also in French-speaking regions like Quebec in Canada. Notable individuals bearing this surname include successful entrepreneurs, artists, and politicians. Tracing the genealogy of the Desjardins family can be a fascinating journey through time, uncovering connections and exploring the diverse accomplishments of its members.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Desjardins"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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