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Last Name Gevigier

What is the origin of the last name Gevigier?

The surname Gevigier is likely of French origin. It is derived from a geographical location or a personal name. In Old French, "Gervais" was a common personal name, which evolved from Latin Gervadius, itself derived from the components "ger," meaning spear, and "wald," meaning rule or power. Over time, surnames often evolved based on the name of the family's estate or place of origin. The variation Gevigier may have developed through regional dialects, misspellings, or nicknames. However, more precise origins would require further research into specific family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gevigier

The meaning and origin of the last name Gevigier

The surname Gevigier is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is derived from various place names that were originally named after geographical features such as rivers or hills. One possible origin is from the name of the village Gouvieux-en-Vexin, located in the Eure department in northern France. The name of this village comes from the Old French word "gous" meaning "goose," and "village." Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have resulted in the surname Gevigier. It is a rare surname but can be found in various parts of France and in French-speaking countries due to migration patterns over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gevigier

The surname Gevigier is predominantly found in France, specifically in the Brittany region, particularly in departments like Ille-et-Vilaine and Côtes-d'Armor, where it has historical roots dating back to medieval times. The name is believed to originate from these regions due to the presence of various localized clusters of bearers. Over time, some individuals with this surname may have migrated and established themselves in other parts of France or even overseas, leading to its dispersal to a certain extent. While primarily French, there might be instances of Gevigier families in other countries as a result of migration, although the frequency outside France is relatively low compared to within the country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gevigier

The surname Gevigier has several variations and spelling permutations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include Geviguer, Geviguere, Gévigère, Géviger, and Gevigier-Montaigu. These variations can occur when names are recorded phonetically in different languages or dialects, or when they are transcribed by hand. Additionally, some families may have intentionally changed the spelling of their name throughout history as a result of migration, assimilation, or personal preference. It is worth noting that while these variations exist, the original etymology and pronunciation of the name remain uncertain, making it difficult to definitively trace its origin or meaning.

Famous people with the last name Gevigier

Notable individuals with the surname Gevigney (the French equivalent of Gevigier) include:

1. Jacques Gévignaud (1924-2017), a French politician who served as Mayor of Villeurbanne from 1965 to 2008, and was a member of the National Assembly for Rhône from 1981 to 2002.

2. Marc Gélinas-Gévignaud (born 1987), a Canadian professional ice hockey player who has played for several teams in North America, including the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders.

3. René Gevigney (1906-1985), a French painter known for his abstract art, who exhibited his work at the Salon des Surindépendants and Salon d'Automne in Paris.

4. Yvette Gévignaud-Saglio (born 1934), a French archaeologist and anthropologist who has carried out fieldwork in West Africa, particularly in Senegal and Mali.

These individuals have made significant contributions to politics, sports, art, and anthropology, reflecting the versatility and achievements of those bearing the Gevigier/Gévignaud surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Gevigier

The surname Gevigier is relatively uncommon and appears to have origins in France. According to genealogical records, the name can be traced back to the region of Normandy in the 16th century. One of the earliest known ancestors with the surname Gevigier was Jean Gevigier, who lived in the late 1500s. The name may have origins related to a place name, as it is believed that some French surnames were originally occupational names derived from the name of a village or region where the original bearer lived or worked. However, no definitive evidence has been found to confirm this for the Gevigier family. The name spread across France and later immigrated to other countries, including Canada, the United States, and Australia, as a result of various historical events such as colonization and migration.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 27 July 2025

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