Last Name Forand

The last name Forand is of French origin. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French term "forent", which means "woodcutter" or "maker of wooden objects". Over time, various spellings and variations have arisen for this surname due to transliteration, regional dialects, and record-keeping inconsistencies. In many cases, these names may also have a local meaning or be associated with a specific place in France, but the connection between Forand and its original meaning as a woodcutter's name is still clear.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Forand

The meaning and origin of the last name Forand

The surname Forand is of French origin, specifically from Normandy region, where it was originally spelled as "Forant" or "Forand". It is derived from the Old French word "forant", meaning 'open', 'broad', or 'spacious'. This name likely referred to a person who lived near an open or broad place, such as a field or a market square. Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved as it was passed down through generations and adapted to local dialects. Today, variants of Forand are found in many countries, reflecting the diaspora of French settlers throughout history. The name is relatively rare, but it continues to be a unique and distinctive family name for those bearing it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Forand

The surname Forand is predominantly found in North America, specifically in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., it is most concentrated in the states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Minnesota, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. These states were primarily settled by French and German immigrants in the 19th century, which may account for the prevalence of this surname in these regions. In Canada, it is particularly common in Quebec and Ontario. The name Forand is less frequently found elsewhere globally, with occasional appearances in Europe and other parts of North America, such as Alaska. This geographical distribution reflects historical migration patterns and cultural influences that have shaped the distribution of surnames over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Forand

The surname Forand has several variants and spellings that originated from its French roots, which means "farmer" or "village dweller". Some common variations include: Forant, Fforant, Fourant, Fourend, and Forent. Other less common but still related variations might be Forrance, Force, Forrester, Faurand, and Faurant. Additionally, it's possible to find regional or transcription-based differences such as Forannd, Furand, or Foorand. It is essential to note that family names may have been altered during migration or assimilation into different cultures, leading to various spellings of the same name.

Famous people with the last name Forand

The Forand surname is relatively uncommon, and as such, there are few globally recognized figures sharing this name. However, one notable individual is John H. Forand, a distinguished engineer and scientist. Born in 1937 in the United States, Forand made significant contributions to the field of nuclear engineering, particularly in reactor safety analysis. He was a member of the American Nuclear Society and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), among other professional organizations. In 2008, he was awarded the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society's highest honor, the Richard E. Tabesh Award, for his outstanding contributions to nuclear reactor analysis. Another notable Forand is Cécile Forand-Bruneau, a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean from 2015 to 2019. She was the first indigenous woman elected as a federal MP in Quebec and advocated for Indigenous rights and environmental issues during her tenure.

Genealogical research on the last name Forand

The surname Forand originates from France, specifically the region of Normandy. It is derived from the Old French word "forant," meaning "open" or "wide," which was often used to describe geographical features such as a wide valley or river crossing. The name was first recorded in Normandy during the Middle Ages and followed the migration of its bearers throughout Europe, particularly to England, where it became more common due to the Norman Conquest in 1066. From there, families bearing the name Forand migrated to various parts of the British Isles, including Scotland and Ireland, and eventually made their way to North America during the colonial period. In the New World, Forands settled primarily in the eastern United States, with significant populations in states such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts. Today, the name is relatively rare but still found across North America, Western Europe, and some parts of Asia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Forand"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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