Last Name Laiche

The surname "Laiche" is of French origin. It is derived from a medieval occupational name for a lay brother in a monastery, who was responsible for taking care of the cattle and other livestock. The term "laiche" in Old French means "lay brother" or "cowherd." The name may also have been used as a nickname for someone with red hair, as "le roux laiche" meant "the red cowherd."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Laiche

The meaning and origin of the last name Laiche

The surname Laiche is of French origin, stemming from several regions in France, notably Normandy, Brittany, and Lorraine. It is an occupational name for a weaver or laver, derived from the Old French 'lacher', meaning 'to wash' or 'to let fall'. Over time, this occupation-based name has been passed down through generations and migrated with the French settlers to various parts of Europe and eventually the Americas. The spelling variations of this surname include Laich, Laicheau, Laché, and others, reflecting the historical linguistic changes over centuries. Today, individuals bearing the surname Laiche can be found in many countries, particularly in France, Canada, the United States, and other English-speaking nations with a significant French-Canadian population.

Geographical distribution of the last name Laiche

The surname Laiche is primarily distributed across France, particularly in the regions of Lorraine and Alsace, where it originated from. It has also been found in significant numbers in neighboring regions such as Franche-Comté and Burgundy. Outside France, the name Laiche can be found in smaller populations within French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and former French colonies such as Algeria, Tunisia, and Senegal. In English-speaking countries, it is less common but has been recorded in places with a significant French diaspora, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The name Laiche is a toponymic surname derived from a place called "Laiche" or "Le Hache" in Normandy, indicating a connection to a farmstead or small village.

Variants and spellings of the last name Laiche

The surname Laiche can be found with various spelling variations. Some common variants include: Laiché, Leaché, L'Aiche, and Lache. These variations are due to differences in transcription from one language to another or the use of different systems for phonetic representation. For example, French-speaking individuals may have the surname spelled with an accent over the "e" (Laiché), while those who do not use the accent might spell it without (Laiche). Similarly, L'Aiche and Laich(e) represent a more anglicized version of the name. It is important to note that these spelling variations may be found in different regions and countries, and they all have the same etymological origin.

Famous people with the last name Laiche

Notable individuals bearing the surname Laiche include:

1. David Laiche - An American actor, best known for his role as Officer Eric Hillman on the television series "Greek" and appearances on shows like "NCIS," "Bones," and "The Mentalist."
2. Jace Laich - A Canadian professional ice hockey player who has played for teams such as the Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League (NHL). He won a Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018.
3. Lonzell Laich - An American former football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for teams including the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, and Washington Redskins. He is now a college football coach at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
4. Michael Laich - A Canadian artist who has exhibited his work in galleries across Canada, the United States, and Europe. His paintings are characterized by their vibrant colors and abstract style.
5. Richard Laich - An American entrepreneur and inventor who co-founded and served as CEO of The Learning Company, a pioneer in educational software and toys during the 1990s. He later became an executive at Sony Computer Entertainment America.

Genealogical research on the last name Laiche

The surname Laiche is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is derived from the Old French word "laich" which means "meadow" or "pasture." The earliest known records of the family can be traced back to the 13th century in the area around Caen, Normandy. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved, with variants such as Leach, Laich, and Lache appearing in historical records.

Many branches of the Laiche family emigrated from France to England during the late Middle Ages, particularly in response to religious persecution under the reign of King Henry VIII. Some members of the family later immigrated to America, with records showing settlements in states such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Virginia by the 17th century.

In America, the Laiche family became involved in various professions, including farming, mercantilism, and politics. Notable individuals bearing the surname include General Charles Leahey, a decorated military officer during World War II, and William Laiche, a pioneering Louisiana architect. Today, the Laiche family can be found throughout North America and Western Europe, with many retaining ties to their French roots through cultural practices, genealogical research, and travel.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Laiche"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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