Last Name Lacaille

The surname Lacaille is of French origin. It is derived from a variety of place names in France that share the same root, such as La Caille and Lacaille. These names are derived from the Old French word "cail" or "caillou," meaning pebble or small rock, possibly indicating an original dwelling located near a notable stone feature. Over time, these place names were adopted as surnames by residents of these areas. The name was brought to various parts of the world by French settlers and explorers.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lacaille

The meaning and origin of the last name Lacaille

The surname Lacaille originates from France, specifically in the region of Normandy. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "lakai," which means servant or page to a knight or nobleman. Over time, this occupation-based name evolved into various regional forms such as Lecq and Le Caille. The renowned French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille (1713-1762) did not invent the name but was one of the notable individuals bearing it. His significant contributions to astronomy, including the discovery and naming of several celestial objects, have led to increased familiarity with the Lacaille surname in scientific circles.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lacaille

The surname Lacaille is primarily found in France, particularly in the regions of Normandy and Paris. It originated from the town of Lacaille in Orne, Normandy. Over time, French emigration to various parts of the world has resulted in the dispersal of this surname. In North America, Lacaille is most prevalent in Quebec, Canada due to French colonization, as well as in Louisiana and other areas in the United States with significant French influence. Other countries where the Lacaille surname can be found include South Africa, where Nicolas Louis de Lacaille, a notable French astronomer, lived and worked, and Australia, as a result of further French migration. The distribution of the Lacaille surname reflects historical movements and cultural exchange between France and other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lacaille

The surname Lacaille has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and individual preferences over time. Some of these variations include: La Caille, L'Acaillé, L'Acaile, L'Acyaille, Lacayle, Lacailleau, Lacay, Lacailhac, Lacaillet, Lacaillez, LaCaille, Lacayll, and Lacaylle. These variations can be found in multiple countries, particularly France and its colonies, due to the original French origin of the name. However, it's essential to note that the most common spelling is Lacaille.

Famous people with the last name Lacaille

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille (1713-1762) was a French astronomer, best known for his work on southern celestial objects. He cataloged over 10,000 stars and created constellations such as Lacerta, Microscopium, and Telescopium in the southern sky. His works include the publication of "Coelum Austrocoelo-Novum Sive Auctus Catalogus Astrorum Meridionalium" which detailed his observations made during a three-year stay at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Another notable Lacaille is the French Canadian hockey player, Carey Price (born 1987). He has played for the Montreal Canadiens since 2007 and was named the NHL's Most Valuable Player in 2015. He also won Olympic gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Genealogical research on the last name Lacaille

The Lacaille surname originates from France and is believed to have derived from various places named "Lacaille" throughout the country. One of the earliest records of the Lacaille family dates back to the 13th century in Normandy, where they were landowners and knights during the Middle Ages. The family later branched out and established settlements in other regions such as Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, and Picardy. Notable Lacaille descendants include Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille, an 18th-century French astronomer who discovered numerous celestial objects and was a significant contributor to southern star mapping. The surname spread to other parts of Europe and eventually to the Americas and Australia due to migration and colonization efforts. Today, the Lacaille family is found in various countries around the world, with notable concentrations in France, Canada, the United States, and South Africa.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lacaille"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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