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Last Name Fafard

What is the origin of the last name Fafard?

The surname Fafard is of French origin. It derives from a nickname for a stout, heavyset person, as "fau" means fat or stout and "hard" is an old diminutive suffix in Old French. Over time, the spelling has evolved due to various factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and assimilation of sounds during migration.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Fafard

The meaning and origin of the last name Fafard

The surname Fafard is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "faucon" which means 'hawk' or 'falcon'. This surname was often used as an occupational name for a falconer or bird trainer, and in some cases could also be a topographical name for someone living near a hawking field. In medieval times, the practice of falconry was popular among noble families, and those who excelled at it were often given names related to birds of prey. The surname Fafard has various spellings such as Faivre, Faivars, Faubert, and Faber in different regions and time periods. Today, the name is most commonly found in France but also appears among French Canadian communities due to colonization and migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fafard

The surname Fafard is primarily found in French-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in Quebec, Canada, due to its origins among French settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is also prevalent in France, particularly in the Normandy region, where it has been traced back to the medieval period. Smaller populations of Fafards can be found in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and some parts of Africa where French colonization occurred. In North America, outside Quebec, the surname can be found among descendants of early French settlers in Louisiana, United States. Additionally, there are scattered occurrences of Fafard in English-speaking countries, likely due to immigration from France or Quebec over the years.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fafard

The surname Fafard can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in translation, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include Faferd, Fahey, Fahy, Faughart, Fawcett, Fawhray, Fawer, Fawhart, and Fauhart. These variations may originate from different regions or be the result of phonetic changes over time. The name is most commonly thought to be derived from the French word "faiseur de haies," meaning hedge maker, and was likely taken as a nickname by someone who worked with hedges. In some cases, it may also have originated from places named Fauhard or Fauhart in France.

Famous people with the last name Fafard

Among the notable individuals with the surname Fafard are:

1. Jean-François Fafard (born 1976), a Canadian politician who has represented the riding of Rivière-du-Loup—Témiscouata—Les Basques in the House of Commons since 2015, as a member of the Bloc Québécois.

2. Pierre Fafard (born 1947), a Canadian sculptor known for his figurative and whimsical works made from paper, cardboard, wood, metal, or clay. His art has been exhibited in numerous galleries across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

3. Michel Fafard (born 1957), a Canadian politician who served as a member of the National Assembly of Quebec from 2008 to 2014. He represented the riding of Rimouski-Neigette in the Quebec Liberal Party.

4. Pascal Fafard (born 1962), a Canadian musician and composer known for his work with various music ensembles, including Ensemble contemporain de Montréal, Orchestre symphonique de Québec, and l'Orchestre Métropolitain.

5. Sylvain Fafard (born 1970), a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward who played in the National Hockey League for teams like the Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, and New York Islanders. He also represented Canada at the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Genealogical research on the last name Fafard

The surname Fafard is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "faucon" meaning falcon. It was likely a nickname for someone who had the appearance of a falcon or was an expert falconer. The name first appeared in Normandy, France, where it became a prominent family during the Middle Ages.

One notable lineage of the Fafard family can be traced back to Pierre Fafard, born around 1530 in Rouen, France. He was a soldier who fought for Henry II of France and participated in several military campaigns, including the Battle of Jarnac in 1569.

Pierre Fafard's descendants spread across France and its colonies over the centuries. A notable branch of the family emigrated to Canada during the 17th century, settling primarily in Quebec and Nova Scotia. The Canadian branch of the Fafards played significant roles in the development of French-speaking communities in North America, with many becoming prominent figures in politics, religion, and education.

Today, the Fafard surname is common in France, Canada, and other regions that have a significant French population, reflecting the family's rich historical roots and its global dispersal over time.

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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 : 23 July 2025

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