Last Name Ginard

The surname Ginard is of French origin. It is derived from a given name "Guyard," which was originally a diminutive form of the name Guillaume (William) or Guy. The name Guyard evolved into various forms over time, such as Jinart, Genard, and Ginard in different regions of France. This surname became common among French-speaking populations and its variations can now be found throughout the world due to historical events like emigration and colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ginard

The meaning and origin of the last name Ginard

The surname Ginard is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "gin", which means "juniper berry". The use of occupational or nicknames as surnames was common during the Middle Ages, and this name may have originally been given to someone who worked with juniper berries, perhaps a spice merchant or brewer. The berries were highly valued in medieval Europe for their medicinal and culinary uses. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Guignard, Jinard, and Ginart, reflecting regional dialects and phonetic variations. Today, the surname Ginard is most common in France but can also be found among French-speaking communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ginard

The last name Ginard is predominantly distributed across France, particularly in the regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Rhône-Alpes, where it originated from. A significant number of individuals with this surname can be found in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône, specifically in cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Outside France, there are notable concentrations of Ginard families in countries like Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and the United States, particularly in Quebec and the states of Louisiana and California. This distribution suggests a historical migration pattern from France to other French-speaking regions or communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ginard

The surname Ginard has several spelling variations, reflecting differences in transcription over time and across geographical regions. Some common variants include:

1. Ginart: This variant is due to the interchangeability of 'a' and 'e' sounds in French.
2. Jinard: This could result from a phonetic spelling of the original name, particularly in English-speaking countries.
3. Genard: This variant may arise due to the occasional omission or misspelling of the initial 'G'.
4. Jynard: In some cases, Y is used instead of I, particularly when the surname has been transcribed by an individual unfamiliar with the French language.
5. Ginarde: The addition of an 'e' at the end of the surname is not uncommon, especially when the name is written in its feminine form.
6. Ginardt: Occasionally, a final 't' may be added to the surname, possibly due to phonetic or typographical errors.

Famous people with the last name Ginard

The Ginard surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of academia, Pierre Ginard (1923-2014) was a French scholar known for his work on ancient Mediterranean history. He served as the Director of Studies at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS). In music, Marc Ginard is a well-known French jazz pianist and composer who has collaborated with artists such as Jean-Louis Chautemps and Jacques Fosse. In sports, Sébastien Ginard is a professional rugby union player who has represented France at the under-20 level and currently plays for Toulouse Olympique Rugby Union Club in the Top 14 championship. Lastly, in the artistic world, Émile Ginerval (real name: Victor-Joseph-Eugène Ginard) was a French caricaturist who worked for influential publications like Le Charivari and L'Illustre. Despite their diverse fields of expertise, these individuals all share a connection through the Ginard surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Ginard

The surname Ginard is of French origin, primarily found in the regions of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. It is derived from the Old French word "jeune" meaning 'young', a common practice during the Middle Ages where children were given names associated with their birth order or physical attributes. Notable figures bearing the name Ginard include Pierre Ginard, a Swiss architect and engineer who designed the famous Tour de l'Horloge in Bern, Switzerland, and Jacques Ginard, a French politician who served as Secretary of State for National Defense under Charles de Gaulle. The name has also been recorded in various spellings such as Jinard, Jinand, and Jeanard, indicating potential variations due to phonetic spelling or regional dialects. Genealogical research continues to trace the origins and evolution of the Ginard family lineage across Europe, particularly in France and Switzerland.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ginard"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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