Last Name Lacassaigne

The surname Lacassagne is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically a village named La Cassagne located in the department of Aveyron in southern France. The name is thought to have originated as a description of the area, potentially meaning "the dry or stony clearing" in Old Provencal dialect. Over time, it became a hereditary surname for families residing in this location.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lacassaigne

The meaning and origin of the last name Lacassaigne

The surname Lacassaigne is of French origin, derived from a place name or a toponymic surname, indicating an individual's origin from a specific location named Lacasse or La Cassaigne. The name itself can be traced back to the Old Occitan language, with "lac" meaning "lake" and "casa" or "cassa" referring to a "house". Hence, the name Lacassaigne could have been originally used for someone who lived near a lake house. Over time, as families migrated and settled in different regions, variations of this surname emerged, such as LaCasse, Lacasseignes, and others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lacassaigne

The surname Lacassaigne has its origins primarily in France, specifically in the region of Auvergne. It is most commonly found in the departments of Puy-de-Dôme and Haute-Loire. Beyond France, there are also significant populations with this surname in countries that have historical ties to French colonization, such as Canada, particularly in Quebec province, and in some regions of Louisiana, USA, due to French settlers who immigrated during the 18th century. Additionally, there are smaller numbers of Lacassaigne families in various parts of Europe, as well as in South America and Australia, likely the result of emigration from France over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lacassaigne

The surname Lacassaigne has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some common variations include Lacassagne, La Cassagnette, and La Cassagnes. These variations may arise from regional dialects or slight errors during transcription. Additionally, there might be alternative forms such as de la Cassaigne or Le Cassaigne, which incorporate the prepositions "de" or "le," common in French surnames. It is essential to note that these variations and their pronunciations may differ depending on geographical location and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Lacassaigne

Notable individuals with the surname Lacassagne include:

1. Charles Lacassagne (1832-1905), a French physician and anthropologist who was instrumental in the study of forensic medicine, particularly in the field of criminal anthropology. He served as the chief medical examiner for the court of Paris.

2. Marie Lacassagne (1884-1970), a French anatomist who made significant contributions to the understanding of the human skeletal system. She was the first woman to hold a chair in anatomy at the Sorbonne and is recognized for her research on bone tissue and development.

3. Jean Lacassagne (born 1945), a French historian specializing in the history of the Middle Ages, with a focus on the history of religion and spirituality. He has authored numerous books and articles on these topics.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on their areas of expertise.

Genealogical research on the last name Lacassaigne

The Lacassaigne surname originates from France, specifically the Occitan region, where it is believed to have derived from the occupation-based name "l'acassaire," meaning "the shepherd." The first recorded instances of the surname date back to the 13th century in areas such as Haute-Loire and Lozère. Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved, with variations including Lacassagne, La Cassaigne, and de la Cassaigne appearing throughout historical records. The family expanded significantly during the 16th and 17th centuries due to migration from rural areas to urban centers in France, particularly in cities like Lyon and Marseille. In the 18th century, some Lacassaignes emigrated to other European countries and the New World, notably Canada and the United States. Today, the Lacassaigne surname can be found worldwide, with concentrations in France, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "lacassaigne"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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