Last Name Jacquier

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jacquier

The meaning and origin of the last name Jacquier

The surname Jacquier is of French origin and derives from the Old Occitan word "jac," meaning "jackdaw" or "rook," and the suffix "-ier," which indicates a profession or occupation. The name likely emerged as an occupational surname for someone who was a birdcatcher, due to the jackdaw being a common bird caught for various purposes. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved in different regions, with variations such as Jacquet, Jacqueson, and Jacquiot also appearing. The Jacquier family is known to have been prominent in France, particularly in the regions of Provence and Languedoc, dating back to at least the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jacquier

The surname Jacquier is predominantly found in France, particularly in the Rhône-Alpes and Franche-Comté regions, where it has a significant concentration. It is also prevalent in other French-speaking countries like Switzerland, Belgium, and Canada due to historical migration patterns. In Switzerland, it's notably high in the cantons of Vaud, Geneva, and Fribourg. The name can also be found in small numbers in various parts of Europe, such as Spain, Italy, and Germany, likely due to surname adaptation during migration periods or cultural exchanges. Additionally, the Jacquier family is known to have settled in Louisiana, United States, during the 18th century, contributing to its presence in North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jacquier

The surname Jacquier can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variations include Jacques, Jacquaire, Jaquet, Jaquetta, Jacquot, Jaqueti, Jacquetto, Jaquez, and Jaquet. In French, the name is typically spelled with an acute accent on the 'e' (Jacquier). However, the surname may also appear without the accent in some documents, especially those written in English or other languages. These variations all stem from the original Old French personal name "Jacquet" which was a diminutive of "Jacques", meaning "supplanter" or "usurp".

Famous people with the last name Jacquier

Jacques-Louis David, a prominent French artist during the Neoclassical era, was born as Jacques-Louis David in 1748. Known for his political and historical paintings, he served as an official painter to Napoleon I and created iconic works such as "The Oath of the Tennis Court" and "Napoleon Crossing the Alps." Another notable figure with the surname Jacquier is Michel Jacquet (1928-2017), a Swiss physicist who made significant contributions to plasma physics. He received numerous awards, including the Max Planck Medal in 2005, for his work on plasma turbulence and magnetic reconnection, which are crucial to understanding phenomena such as solar flares and fusion reactors. Lastly, French violinist Henri Jacquier (1892-1979) was recognized for his virtuoso performances and innovative interpretations of Baroque music, having played with the Concerts Lamoureux Orchestra in Paris.

Genealogical research on the last name Jacquier

The surname Jacquier originated from France and is derived from the occupational name "Jacquet," which was a diminutive form of Jacques, a common given name in the Middle Ages. The name was first recorded in the 13th century, with variations such as Jaque, Jaquiot, and Jaguet, indicating regional dialects. Notable individuals with this surname include Jean Jacquier (1541-1609), a Swiss mathematician, and Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825), a renowned French painter of the Neoclassical period. The Jacquiers are believed to have migrated from France to various parts of Europe, including Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In the New World, they settled in Quebec, Canada, and later in the United States. Today, the surname Jacquier is primarily found in these regions but can also be traced in other countries due to migration over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jacquier"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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