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Last Name Larche

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What is the origin of the last name Larche?

The surname Larche is of French origin. It comes from a place name derived from Old Norse words "lár" meaning "enclosed grove or meadow" and "haugr" meaning "hill". The name was often given as a topographical name to someone who lived near such a place, or as an occupational name for someone who tended a protected or enclosed pasture. The spelling variations of the name include Larche, La Roche, and De la Rocha, among others.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Larche

The surname Larche originates from France, specifically the region of Normandy. It is an occupational name for a keeper or guard of a park or forest, derived from the Old French word "larcher," meaning a woodkeeper or park-ranger. Over time, the spelling evolved to Larche as it migrated with French settlers and was later adopted by families in other European countries, particularly Belgium and Switzerland. The surname Larche is also found among Huguenot refugees who fled France during the 16th and 17th centuries due to religious persecution, and some eventually settled in England, Scotland, and America, spreading the name further across Europe and the New World.

Geographical distribution of the last name Larche

The surname Larche has a significant presence in France, particularly in the regions of Brittany, Normandy, and Occitania. It is also found in modest numbers in other French-speaking regions like Alsace, Franche-Comté, and parts of Paris. Beyond France, the Larche name can be traced in Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, there are communities of individuals with the last name Larche in countries with significant French immigrant populations, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia. The dispersal of this surname across these regions reflects its origins in France and subsequent migrations during historical periods.

Variants and spellings of the last name Larche

The surname Larche has several variants and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across geographical regions. Some common variations include Larché, LaRche, La Roche, and DeLarche. These variations may stem from regional dialects, family migration patterns, or errors in record keeping. The original French form of the name is Larché, which means "small rock" or "cliff" in French. This name was often given to people living near small rocky outcrops or those who were associated with stone masonry. Over time, this name has been adapted and altered, leading to its various spellings and pronunciations seen today.

Famous people with the last name Larche

The Larche surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. In the realm of science, Jean Laroche (1932-1996), a French oceanographer and explorer, made significant contributions to marine research. He was best known for his work in the Arctic and Antarctic, including the discovery of underwater volcanoes. In the world of art, André Laroche (1923-2019) was a renowned Canadian designer and illustrator. He is most famous for his work with Air Canada on creating iconic aircraft livery designs. In literature, Marcel Aymé (1902-1967), a French author, is known for his short stories, novels, and plays, many of which center around surrealistic themes. Lastly, in the sports field, American football coach John Laroche has been associated with several successful teams, including the New York Jets and Detroit Lions. These are some examples of notable individuals bearing the surname Larche.

Genealogical research on the last name Larche

The surname Larche originates from France and is derived from a place name, specifically from various locations named Larcher or La Roche, found predominantly in the regions of Brittany, Normandy, and Auvergne. The name's earliest known occurrence is traced back to the 13th century, with records showing Radulfus de La Rocha in Normandy during that period. Over time, the spelling variations such as Larcher, Larche, and La Roche have appeared due to the regional dialects and scribal errors in historical documents. The name spread throughout France and later migrated to other European countries, including Switzerland, Belgium, and Canada, particularly Quebec. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many French colonists emigrated to Louisiana, Virginia, and New England, carrying the Larche surname with them to establish a presence in North America. Today, individuals bearing the Larche name can be found predominantly in France, Canada, and the United States.

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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