Last Name Lagant

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lagant

The meaning and origin of the last name Lagant

The surname Lagant is of French origin, primarily found in the regions of Picardy and Normandy. It is derived from various sources, with one possible origin being from a topographic name for someone who lived by a wood or clearing, from the Old French "lahant," meaning "heath" or "moor." Another possible source could be from the personal name Laugier, which was originally a diminutive form of the Latin name Laudus, meaning "praised" or "famous." The surname Lagant has been recorded in various forms over time, including Laganche, Lagence, and Laganc. It is thought to have been brought to England by Normans after the Conquest in 1066.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lagant

The surname Lagant is primarily found in Belgium and the Netherlands, indicating its potential origins from these regions. Historically, the name may have originated from the village of Laagte, located in the Belgian province of Limburg, or from the Dutch word "laag" meaning low or flat, which could have been used as a topographic surname. The distribution of the surname Lagant outside these countries is relatively limited. In North America, it can be found among Belgian and Dutch immigrants, primarily in states like Michigan, Illinois, and New York in the United States, and Ontario and British Columbia in Canada. In Australia, the name is present among Dutch and Flemish settlers, particularly in the state of Victoria. The global distribution of the surname Lagant reflects historical migration patterns from Belgium and the Netherlands to other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lagant

The surname Lagant can have several variations and spellings, which may include Lagantt, L'Agant, LeGant, and de Lagant among others due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, or changes over time. These variations are common when names traverse language barriers or are passed down through generations. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate distinct family lines but rather different forms of the same name. The original etymology of Lagant is unclear, although it might potentially derive from a place name or occupational title in French-speaking regions.

Famous people with the last name Lagant

The Lagant surname is less common and does not have as many globally recognized figures as some other family names. However, there are notable individuals with this last name. One such person is French writer and philosopher, René Lagarde (1846-1927), who was known for his works on aesthetics and art history. In the world of sports, footballer Vincent Lagarda represented France in the 2008 Summer Olympics as a member of the French national team. Lastly, American entrepreneur Robert Lagarde is recognized for co-founding and serving as CEO of the e-commerce company Rue La La. These individuals have left their respective marks in fields such as literature, sports, and business.

Genealogical research on the last name Lagant

The Lagant surname is of French origin and is believed to have derived from various locations named Lagny in France. The name was initially spelled as "de Laingne," indicating its noble origins. Notable figures with the Lagant surname include the Dutch painter Adriaen van de Venne, who lived in the 17th century, and John C. Lagant, an American engineer who contributed to the development of the early electrical power industry in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Lagant family is also known for their significant contributions to the Catholic Church in Belgium, with members serving as bishops and priests throughout the centuries. Genealogical records indicate that the surname has been traced back to the 14th century in France, with many branches extending to various parts of Europe, particularly the Netherlands and Belgium.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lagant"
• 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 : 23 July 2025