Last Name Jussaume

The surname Jussaume is a French-Canadian name, derived from the Occitan word "jusat," meaning "just" or "righteous." It was originally a nickname given to someone who was considered just or righteous. In Canada, it is most commonly found in Quebec and is associated with the French colonization of the region. The first known record of the name dates back to the 17th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jussaume

The meaning and origin of the last name Jussaume

The surname Jussaume is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Judas," which itself comes from the Aramaic name "Judah" or Hebrew "Yehudah." This name was popularized in the New Testament by Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve apostles. The surname Jussaume likely developed as a result of various spelling variations and regional dialects over time. It is believed that the name was brought to France during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, when many Normans settled in France and adopted local French forms of their Anglo-Saxon names. The surname Jussaume has been recorded in various forms since the Middle Ages, including Juassemain, Juasmein, and Juassain, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jussaume

The surname Jussaume has its roots primarily in France, specifically in the region of Brittany. A significant number of people with this surname can be found in areas such as Quimper and Morbihan, suggesting a historical connection to these regions. However, due to migration, the distribution of the name has expanded beyond France. In North America, particularly Canada, there is a notable presence of Jussaumes in Quebec, indicating immigration from France during the colonial period or later. The name can also be found among French Canadian communities in the United States, especially in the states with a high concentration of French descendants such as Louisiana and Michigan. Additionally, small populations bearing the Jussaume surname are spread across other parts of the world due to historical events like colonization, immigration, and military conflicts.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jussaume

The surname Jussaume has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Juzaim, Juzaim, Jusaim, Jusaime, Juzayme, Jussemain, Jussemain, Jussay, Jussaym, Jusse, Jusseaume, Jussiam, Jusseman, and Jussemain. These variations may arise from regional accents or dialects, errors in transcription during migration, or intentional alterations to improve pronunciation in different languages or cultures. It is worth noting that these variations do not necessarily indicate separate origins but are rather manifestations of the same name's evolution over time and space.

Famous people with the last name Jussaume

Notable individuals with the surname Jussaume include:

1. René Jussaume (1798-1861), a French explorer and fur trader who played a significant role in the exploration of North America during the 19th century. He was a key member of the John Franklin Arctic expeditions of 1820-1823 and 1825-1827, which aimed to locate a potential Northwest Passage through Canada's Arctic archipelago.

2. Georges Jussaume (1934-2019), a Canadian diplomat and politician who served as the Canadian High Commissioner to India from 1985 to 1989, Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva from 1989 to 1992, and as Canada's permanent representative to the United Nations in New York from 1993 to 1996.

3. André Jussaume (born 1947), a French actor who has appeared in numerous film and television productions since the 1970s, including roles in "Les Misérables" (1998) and "Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra" (2002).

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as exploration, diplomacy, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Jussaume

The Jussaume surname originates from France, particularly the regions of Brittany and Normandy. It is derived from a nickname meaning "the great one" or "the giant." The earliest recorded occurrence of this name was in 1374, with Jean Jusseau appearing in Normandy church records.

Over time, variations of the surname emerged due to spelling inconsistencies and regional dialects, such as Jussaud, Jusseaume, Jussac, and Jussaume. Many descendants migrated from France, primarily to Quebec, Canada in the 17th century during the French colonization. Some prominent Jussaume families settled in regions like Trois-Rivières, Montreal, and Quebec City, contributing significantly to the development of French Canadian society.

In the United States, the Jussaume family can be traced back to Jacques Jussaume, who immigrated from France to Louisiana in 1764. His descendants populated the southern states, particularly Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The name continues to persist among these regions today, with notable individuals contributing to various fields such as politics, education, and business.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "jussaume"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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