What is the origin of the last name Forjonnel?

The surname Forjonnel is believed to have origins in France. It's a habitational name from any of several places called Forges or Forez, which are found in various regions of France, including Normandy and Auvergne. The name likely derives from the Old French words "forge" meaning "smithy," and "hal," meaning "stream." Over time, it was common for the names of places to be adopted as surnames, especially in regions where population growth led to a proliferation of people bearing the same first name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Forjonnel

The meaning and origin of the last name Forjonnel

The surname Forjonnel is a French name that likely originates from a specific place-name, indicating it has geographical origins similar to many European surnames. The name could be derived from various locations named "Forges" or "Forges-en-Sologne", both of which exist in France. In Old French, "forge" means a blacksmith's workshop or a place where iron is forged, suggesting that the name may have been given to someone who worked as a blacksmith or lived near such a location. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have occurred due to factors like regional dialects and transcription errors, leading to forms such as Forjonnel.

Geographical distribution of the last name Forjonnel

The surname Forjonnel is primarily found in France, with the highest concentration in the Brittany region, particularly in the departments of Finistère and Morbihan. These regions are historically associated with the Celtic culture, which may account for the prevalence of this name. It's also been identified in small numbers in other French-speaking regions such as Normandy and Alsace. Beyond France, the distribution is relatively low, with scattered occurrences in countries with significant French immigrant populations, like Canada and the United States. The name Forjonnel is less common compared to more widespread French surnames but maintains a distinct presence within its traditional heartland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Forjonnel

The surname Forjonnel has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these include: Faurionnel, Faurejonnel, Forjoneau, Forjonet, Forjon, Fourjonnel, Faurion, Faurejon, Faurinel, and Forionnel. These variations may arise from regional dialects, spelling reforms, or errors in recording or transcribing names. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a name can vary depending on its origin and the specific historical context in which it was recorded.

Famous people with the last name Forjonnel

Notable individuals bearing the surname Forjonnel include:

1. Pierre Forjonnel (born 1934), a French politician who served as a deputy from 1986 to 2007 for the Rhône department.

2. Michel Forjonnel (1925-2014), a French politician who was a member of the National Assembly from 1962 to 1986, representing Saône-et-Loire.

3. François Forjonnel (born 1960), a French actor known for his roles in films such as "Le Hussard sur le Toit" and "Les Enfants de Timpelbach".

4. Pierre-Yves Forjonnel (born 1957), a French politician who served as mayor of the commune of Saint-Martin-en-Vercors from 2008 to 2014.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics and acting, within France.

Genealogical research on the last name Forjonnel

The surname Forjonnel is believed to have originated from the region of Brittany, France. Historically, it is thought to be derived from the place-name "Forzunel" or "Forgenel," which can be found in the Côtes-d'Armor department. The name may have been originally a reference to a person who lived near or owned property at this location. Over time, variations of the spelling emerged as families migrated and settled in different regions. Notable variations include Forjonnel, Forgenel, Forjonneau, and Forjonnel-Roger. The name Forjonnel is relatively rare, but it has been found in records dating back to the 17th century. Some notable bearers of this surname include the French politician, Louis Forjonnel, who served as a deputy during the French Revolution. Genealogical research on the Forjonnel family continues to uncover more information about their history and lineage.

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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