Last Name Gace

The surname Gace is of French origin and is derived from a variety of sources. 1. Occupational Name: It may have originated as an occupational name for a maker of wooden baskets or cradles. In Old French, "gace" referred to a basket or cradle. This usage was also common in Norman English during the Middle Ages. 2. Habitational Name: It could also be a habitational name from any of the numerous places in France named Gace, such as those found in Calvados, Manche, Orne, and Seine-Maritime. 3. Surname of Norman origin: Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, many Norman families adopted English surnames. In this case, Gace could have been an Anglicized version of a Norman given name or surname that is not recorded today. 4. Nickname: It may have also originated as a nickname for someone who was lively or agile, derived from the Old French "gacer," meaning to shake, agitate, or stimulate.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gace

The meaning and origin of the last name Gace

The surname Gace is primarily of French origin, derived from the medieval given name "Gautier" or "Gaucelm," which means "spear-rule" or "war leader." Over time, the name evolved to Gace in various regions of France. It's important to note that surnames did not become widespread in Europe until the Late Middle Ages, and their adoption was initially based on geographical locations, occupations, or personal attributes. The migration of French settlers, particularly during the 17th century, led to the dissemination of the name Gace across other parts of the world, including North America and the Caribbean islands. Today, individuals with the surname Gace can be found in many countries, reflecting its long history and diverse origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gace

The surname Gace is primarily found in France, specifically in the northern region around the Somme and Pas-de-Calais departments, suggesting an origin from the medieval town of Gauchy or nearby areas during the Haut Moyen Age. Today, significant populations bearing the name are also found in other French regions such as Picardy, Ile-de-France, and Alsace-Lorraine. Outside France, the distribution of the surname is relatively low, with some occurrences in Belgium, Canada, the United States, and Switzerland, likely due to historical migration waves from France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gace

The surname Gace has several variations and spellings due to historical and regional influences. Some common variants include Gass, Gas, Gaas, and Gase. These variations may be derived from different countries or regions, such as France (Gaas/Gace), Belgium (Gass/Gaege/Gasse), Germany (Gas/Gasse), and the Netherlands (Gaas). Additionally, there might be phonetic variations like Gaze, Gayse, or Gease. The original spelling of the name could have evolved over time due to various factors, including transliteration, misinterpretations, and local dialects. These variations demonstrate that the surname has a rich history and is shared among different ethnic groups and nations.

Famous people with the last name Gace

Notable individuals with the surname Gace include:

1. Henri Gace (1837-1924), a French architect known for his work on several Parisian churches, including Saint-Sulpice and Sainte-Clotilde.

2. René Gace (born 1956), a Canadian ice hockey player who played professionally in North America and Europe. He won the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986.

3. Jean-Baptiste Gace de La Rivière (1747-1820), a French artist and engraver, known for his detailed etchings of historical events and religious subjects.

4. Alexandre Gace (born 1956), a Canadian composer and pianist who has composed numerous works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments.

5. Paul Gace (born 1927), a French painter known for his abstract expressionist works and his participation in the post-war art movement in Paris.

Genealogical research on the last name Gace

The surname Gace is of French origin, deriving from the Old Occitan word "gasc" meaning "a person from Gascony," a region in southwestern France. Variants include Gas, Gaze, Gazze, and Gasce. The name was first recorded during the reign of Charlemagne (742-814) and is believed to have been brought to England by the Norman conquest in 1066. The family is associated with the Duchy of Normandy, though branches also settled in England and other parts of Europe. Notable bearers of the name include Jean Gace, a French poet, and Jacques de Gasc (Gace), a French composer during the Renaissance period. In England, Thomas Gasce was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, while Walter Gasco and William Gasco were listed in the Hundred Rolls of 1273. The surname spread globally due to emigration waves, including to North America during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "gace"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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