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Last Name Lapeze-charlier

What is the origin of the last name Lapeze-charlier?

The surname "Lapéze-Charlier" is a composite surname, consisting of two distinct elements: "Lapéze" and "Charlier." The French surname "Lapéze" is derived from the Occitan word "pèisa," which means 'piece' or 'small piece of land.' The name was originally given to someone who owned a small parcel of land, or to someone who lived on such a parcel. Over time, it became a hereditary surname in southern France, particularly in regions like Languedoc and Gascony. The French surname "Charlier" is derived from the given name Charles, which was introduced into France by the Carolingian dynasty during the Middle Ages. The name Charles comes from the Germanic "Karl," meaning 'man' or 'free man.' During the late 10th and early 11th centuries, Charlemagne, the King of the Franks, became known as "Charles the Great" in France, and his name and legacy lived on. As a result, many French families adopted Charles as a given name or used it to form a surname, such as Charlier. So, the composite surname "Lapéze-Charlier" would have originated from a person who was originally known by the personal name Charles and whose family owned or resided on a small piece of land in southern France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lapeze-charlier

The meaning and origin of the last name Lapeze-charlier

The surname Lapeze-Charlier is a composite name formed from two distinct French elements: Lapeze and Charlier.

The first part, Lapeze, is derived from the Occitan term "l'a Péza," meaning "the stone" or "the pebble." It was originally a nickname for someone who worked with stones, such as a mason or quarryman. The second part, Charlier, is a popular French name, originating from the German Charles, itself derived from the Norse Karl, meaning "man."

It's unclear when exactly these two names were combined to form Lapeze-Charlier, but it likely occurred during the Middle Ages or the early modern period in France. The fusion of surnames was common during this time as a way for individuals to distinguish themselves within their communities and maintain family lines. Today, the name Lapeze-Charlier can be found among French-speaking populations around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lapeze-charlier

The surname Lapeze-Charlier is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Hauts-de-France and Grand Est, where it has historical roots dating back several centuries. It is also present to a lesser extent in other French-speaking areas like Quebec, Canada, and various French overseas territories. The name's distribution reflects the historical migration patterns of French settlers both domestically and abroad. In recent times, members bearing this surname can be found in various parts of the world due to diaspora and global mobility, particularly in countries with significant French or French-speaking populations such as Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lapeze-charlier

The surname Lapeze-Charlier has several variations and alternate spellings. Here are some common spelling variations: Lapeze-Charles, LaPeze-Charlier, LaPesze-Charles, LaPeze-Charlier, Lapesse-Charles, LaPesse-Charlier, LaPessé-Charles, LaPessé-Charlier. The name may also be found with different accentuations, such as: Lapezè-Charlier or Lapėze-Charlier, depending on regional dialects and personal preferences. Additionally, the name can sometimes be found with slight alterations due to transcription errors or misinterpretation of handwritten records over time. It is essential to note that surnames can change due to a variety of factors, including migration, assimilation, and changes in family traditions.

Famous people with the last name Lapeze-charlier

The Lapéze-Charlier family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of science, Pierre Simon Laplace (nephew to Marie-Suzanne Lapéze-Charlier), a French mathematician and astronomer, significantly contributed to probability theory, analytical mechanics, and astronomy with his works such as "Mécanique Céleste." In the field of literature, Marie de La Roche-Lapeyrère (née Marie Elisabeth Lapéze-Charlier), a French novelist and playwright, was known for her historical novels and was awarded the Legion of Honor. Lastly, in the world of art, Émile Henriot (nephew to Pierre Simon Laplace), a Belgian painter, was famous for his still lifes and landscapes, exhibiting at the Paris Salon and becoming a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. These individuals have left lasting impacts in their respective fields, showcasing the diverse talents within the Lapéze-Charlier family.

Genealogical research on the last name Lapeze-charlier

The surname Lapeze-Charlier originated in France and is a composite of two separate names: Lapeze and Charlier. The name Lapeze, derived from the Old French "la poisse," meaning "the peas," indicates an occupational name for a peasant or someone who lived on or cultivated land with many small stones. Charlier, also of Old French origin, comes from "Charles," a popular medieval name, and was often used as a surname to denote someone who shared the name Charles. The combination of these two names suggests a family that had a history of agricultural labor and a connection to the renowned medieval figure, Charles. Notable bearers of this name include French politician Pierre Lapeze-Charlier (1827-1903) and French author René Lapeze-Charlier (1856-1943). The family's genealogical records are primarily found in archives in France.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 15 June 2025

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