Last Name Kerhoas

The last name "Kerhoas" appears to have origins in the region of Brittany, which is located in the northwest of France. In Breton, the traditional Celtic language spoken in this area, "ker" means "village" or "place," while "hoas" likely derives from "koad" meaning "wood" or "forest." Therefore, "Kerhoas" could be interpreted as meaning "the village or place near the wood/forest." The name may have originally been a toponymic surname, indicating that an ancestor of the family resided near or owned land in the vicinity of a forested area.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kerhoas

The meaning and origin of the last name Kerhoas

The surname Kerhoas is of Celtic origin and has roots in Brittany, a region in the northwest of France. It is derived from the Breton words "ker" meaning "village" and "hoas" which translates to "stream" or "brook". Therefore, the name Kerhoas is believed to have originated as a locational surname, indicating that the original bearer or their ancestors were from a village or lived near a brook.

Surnames often developed as a way to identify individuals within a specific community or geographic area, and they can reflect ancestral occupations, physical characteristics, or geographical features. In the case of Kerhoas, it suggests that the family may have had ties to their local village or had a connection to the nearby stream, which could have been essential as a water source or used for various purposes. Over time, the surname Kerhoas was passed down through generations, serving as an identifier and a link to the family's ancestral roots in Brittany.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kerhoas

The last name "Kerhoas" has a relatively limited geographical distribution, primarily concentrated in the region of Brittany, located in northwestern France. This surname is most commonly found in the département of Finistère, particularly in the area around the city of Brest. It is believed to have originated from the Breton language, which is spoken by the Celtic people of the region. The name "Kerhoas" is likely derived from the Breton word "kêr," meaning village or hamlet, and "hoas," which refers to a type of shrub or small tree. Therefore, it is possible that families bearing this name may have ancestral ties to specific villages or areas in Brittany. While it is primarily associated with this region in France, it is possible to find individuals with the last name "Kerhoas" in other parts of the country or even in other countries due to migration and modern-day mobility.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kerhoas

The last name Kerhoas has a few variations and spellings that have arisen over time. One possible variation is Kerhous, where the 'a' at the end of the name is changed to 'ou.' Another potential spelling could be Karhoas, where the 'e' in Kerhoas is replaced with an 'a.' Additionally, some may opt for a simplified version, such as Kerhas or Kerhoa, dropping one of the 'o's in the name. These variations may be the result of regional dialects, accent variations, or simply personal preferences in spelling. It is also worth mentioning that these variations can differ further depending on the origin and migration of the individuals or families holding the last name. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, the last name Kerhoas remains a distinctive and unique family name of significance to those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Kerhoas

There seems to be limited information available on famous individuals with the last name Kerhoas. It is possible that the name Kerhoas might be less renowned or associated with public figures or historical figures. However, it is worth noting that information availability may vary, and there could be accomplished individuals with this last name that are not widely recognized. In such cases, their achievements and contributions might be more regionally or culturally significant rather than globally celebrated. It can be beneficial to explore local sources, historical records, or contact organizations or communities related to the Kerhoas surname to uncover specific notable individuals who might exist within this context.

Genealogical research on the last name Kerhoas

Genealogical research on the last name Kerhoas reveals a strong connection to the Brittany region in France. The name Kerhoas, with its root word "ker" meaning "village" or "homestead" in Breton, suggests a family originating from a particular area or settlement. It is possible that the Kerhoas family has a long-standing presence in Brittany, potentially tracing back several generations.

To delve further into the origins of the name, examining historical records, such as census data, birth, marriage, and death certificates, and immigration records, could provide valuable insights. Additionally, investigating local church records, land deeds, and other archival sources might offer clues about individual family members and their occupations or social status.

Expanding the research beyond records could also involve contacting living relatives, engaging in DNA testing, and exploring online genealogical databases. The surname Kerhoas may have variations or alternative spellings, so considering those possibilities could help trace the lineage more accurately. Ultimately, combining all these sources of information can provide a comprehensive genealogical account of the Kerhoas family and its origins in Brittany.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kerhoas"
• 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 April 2025

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