Last Name Langlois

The surname Langlois is of French origin. It comes from the Old French "langue" meaning 'tongue' or 'language', and the suffix "-lois", derived from Latin "locus" which means 'place'. Therefore, Langlois likely refers to someone who lived near a place where the language was spoken or understood. This name is particularly common in French-speaking regions such as France and Quebec, Canada.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Langlois

The meaning and origin of the last name Langlois

The surname Langlois is of French origin, specifically from Normandy, a region in northwestern France. It derives from the Old Norse personal name "Ingvarr," which means "Yngvi's army" or "army of Ing." This name was brought to Normandy by Viking invasions in the 9th and 10th centuries. Over time, the French adapted the Scandinavian name into various forms, one of them being Langlois. The "-lois" part is a common suffix in France, which often indicates a place-name origin, in this case, possibly referring to a settlement or manor associated with Ingvarr's followers. The surname spread beyond Normandy as its inhabitants migrated during the Middle Ages, particularly during the Conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. Today, Langlois is a widespread surname in France and among French-speaking communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Langlois

The surname Langlois is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in Canada, particularly in Quebec and the Acadian region of Atlantic Canada. It also has a notable presence in France, primarily in Normandy and other parts of Northern France. Additionally, descendants of Acadian families who were deported from Nova Scotia in the 18th century can be found in Louisiana, United States, where the name is also common. The surname Langlois can also be found in smaller numbers in countries with large French-Canadian or French immigrant populations such as the United States and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Langlois

The surname Langlois has multiple variations and spellings, some of which include Langlais, Langlay, Langloye, Langlo, Langlo, Langelotz, Langelot, Lenglois, and Langelose. These variations can be found across different regions, as the name originated from France and is predominantly present in Quebec, Canada, as well as in French-speaking areas of the United States. The spelling may have changed over time due to factors such as regional dialects, phonetic changes, or even errors during transcription in historical records. The primary difference among these variations lies in the placement and number of accents on the vowels, as well as minor alterations in the final syllable.

Famous people with the last name Langlois

Among the notable individuals sharing the surname Langlois are:

1. Jeanne Lanvin (1867-1946), a French fashion designer and businesswoman who founded the famous couture house Maison Lanvin in Paris. She was known for her elegant and innovative designs, with the iconic Lanvin label continuing to thrive today.

2. Guy Langlois (born 1953), a Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played professionally for the Quebec Nordiques of the National Hockey League (NHL). He also represented Canada in several international tournaments, including the 1984 Canada Cup and the 1987 Canada Cup.

3. Charles Langlois (1866-1950), a French historian and archivist known for his extensive work on medieval history. He served as an assistant to Émile Mâle at the Bibliothèque nationale de France, where he played a crucial role in preserving and cataloguing numerous medieval manuscripts.

4. Georges Langlois (1927-2018), a French actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows during his prolific career spanning over five decades. He is best known for his roles in "The Battle of Algiers" (1966) and "The Return of Martin Guerre" (1982).

5. Frédéric Langlois (born 1970), a Canadian musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the Canadian folk rock band The Tragically Hip. He has also released several solo albums throughout his career.

Genealogical research on the last name Langlois

The surname Langlois is of French origin and derives from the Old French "langue loi," meaning "tongue of the law." Early records indicate that this name was first used in Normandy, France, where it was often associated with legal professionals or local administrators. As the Normans invaded England in 1066, Langlois family members would have been among the conquerors. The name is also found in Brittany, another French region from which many emigrants set sail for North America during the 17th and 18th centuries. In Quebec, Canada, the Langlois family was one of the founding families, with descendants still residing there today. In the United States, significant populations of Langlois families can be found in Louisiana, where French influences have had a strong impact on the culture and history of the region.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Langlois"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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