Last Name Gagnon

The surname Gagnon is of French-Canadian origin. It is derived from the occupational name "Gagner," which meant a hunter, poacher, or trapper, or it could have been a metonymic occupation for a maker or seller of traps and nets used in hunting. Over time, the spelling evolved to Gagnon, which is still a common surname among French-speaking communities, particularly in Quebec, Canada.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gagnon

The meaning and origin of the last name Gagnon

The surname Gagnon is a French Canadian name derived from the occupational term "gagneron," which refers to a carpenter or a joiner, specifically one who worked with oak wood. The term "gagneron" originates from Old French "gagnere" meaning "to conquer" and "roncier" meaning "small shrub," symbolizing the strength and resilience required for working with hardwoods. The name became prevalent in Quebec during the 17th century, when many French settlers arrived in New France, now modern-day Canada. As the descendants of these early colonists intermarried and expanded across the region, the Gagnon surname became one of the most common in Quebec. Today, it is also found among the French population in various parts of Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gagnon

The last name Gagnon is predominantly of French-Canadian origin and has a significant concentration in Quebec, Canada. It ranks as one of the most common surnames in the province, reflecting its historical settlement pattern. Outside Quebec, French-speaking regions such as Louisiana in the United States also exhibit high frequencies of this name. Additionally, small populations of Gagnons can be found in various parts of France, particularly in Brittany and Normandy. The name is less common but present in other French-speaking countries like Switzerland, Belgium, and Africa due to historical migrations. In North America, regions with strong French-Canadian settlements, such as New England in the U.S. and parts of the Maritimes in Canada, also host Gagnon families.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gagnon

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Famous people with the last name Gagnon

Remarkable individuals bearing the surname Gagnon have left significant impacts across various fields. Jean Gagnon (1934-2007), a Canadian author and journalist, is known for his influential works on Quebec history and culture. He was awarded the Governor General's Award twice for his novels "La Rivière des Esclaves" and "Un homme en plus."

In the world of sports, Steve Gagnon (born 1968) was a professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League from 1988 to 2004. He was part of the Montreal Canadiens team that won the Stanley Cup in 1993.

In music, Celine Dion (born 1968), whose father is a Gagnon, is one of the most successful and influential Canadian singers. Her powerful vocals have earned her numerous awards worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Lastly, in the realm of academia, Daniel J. Gagnon (born 1960) is a renowned political scientist who serves as the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He has published extensively on international relations and conflict analysis. The prominent figures with the last name Gagnon thus span various fields, demonstrating their versatility and impact in diverse domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Gagnon

The surname Gagnon originates from France, specifically the region of Normandy. It is derived from the Old French word "gagnier," meaning to conquer or acquire. The first recorded use of the name Gagnon was in the 12th century, with the progenitor being a Norman knight named Geoffroi Gagnon. Over time, the Gagnons dispersed across France due to political upheavals and migration waves, such as the Hundred Years' War and the French Revolution. A significant number of Gagnons eventually emigrated to Canada during the 17th and 18th centuries, largely settling in New France (present-day Quebec) where they integrated into the French-Canadian community. Today, a substantial portion of people with the last name Gagnon can be found in Canada, the United States, and France. Genealogical research reveals that the family history of the Gagnons is rich and varied, with many notable figures contributing to their lineage throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gagnon"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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