The surname Larcher is of French origin. It derives from a place name, specifically Lacroix or Lachaise (meaning "the cross on the lake" or "the clearing at the lake"), where it was initially used as a nickname for someone who lived by such a location. Over time, this geographical name was adopted as a hereditary surname in regions of France such as Normandy and Languedoc. The name also has variants like LaChaise, LaChair, and L'Hache (French) or Lacharz, Laharce (Occitan). Other countries with significant populations bearing the name Larcher include Switzerland, Belgium, and Canada, largely due to historical migration patterns from France.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Larcher
The meaning and origin of the last name Larcher
The surname Larcher is of French origin, derived from the Old Occitan word "larche" which means larch tree. It is thought to have been originally an occupational name for someone who worked with or near larch trees. Over time, it became a hereditary surname in various regions of France, including Savoy and Provence. The name is also found among the Huguenots, French Protestants who emigrated from France during the 16th and 17th centuries to escape religious persecution. Today, the Larcher family name can be found worldwide, particularly in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, and North America, reflecting the historical migrations of its bearers.
Geographical distribution of the last name Larcher
The surname Larcher is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to France, specifically in the southwestern part of the country. It is particularly common in the Occitanie region, formerly known as Languedoc-Roussillon, and in the Rhône-Alpes region, including the departments of Haute-Savoie, Ain, and Rhône. The name also appears in significant numbers in Switzerland, particularly in the cantons of Vaud, Geneva, and Valais, reflecting historical migration patterns between France and Switzerland. Additionally, there are populations of Larchers in Austria, Germany, and Italy, as well as in other parts of Europe and North America, where French or Swiss immigrants settled.
Variants and spellings of the last name Larcher
The surname Larcher has several variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common variants include L'Archer, Larche, La Roche, Le Roux, and de la Roche, which are mainly found in French-speaking regions. In English-speaking areas, some variant spellings include Larchar, Larcher-Belart, and Larger. Additionally, some families may have altered the spelling over time due to factors such as assimilation or transcription errors. The name Larcher is derived from Old French "la roche," meaning "the rock" or "the cliff." It was often given to someone who lived near a prominent rock formation or as a metaphor for strength and steadfastness.
Famous people with the last name Larcher
Notable individuals with the surname Larcher include:
1. Emil Lachter (1862-1943), an Austrian-born American artist, known for his impressionistic landscapes and portraits.
2. Pierre Lacherot (1906-1997), a Swiss composer, pianist, and conductor, known for his contributions to contemporary music.
3. Georges Lacheroy (1854-1919), a French engineer, inventor, and pioneer in the field of electric power transmission.
4. Paul Lacharité (born 1961), a Canadian politician who served as Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke from 2011 to 2015.
5. Jean-Jacques Lachers (1938-2016), a French journalist, known for his work with the French Broadcasting Corporation (Radio France).
These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields of art, music, engineering, politics, and journalism.
Genealogical research on the last name Larcher
The surname Larcher has roots in France, particularly in the Rhône-Alpes region, where it originated from the medieval village of La Charce. One of the earliest known ancestors was Jean Larchier, born around 1320. The name gradually evolved into its current form over the centuries. Notable bearers of this surname include Jean-Baptiste Lacharrière (1756-1803), a French general who fought during the French Revolution, and Édouard Larcher (1823-1904), a French painter known for his romantic landscapes. The Larcher family migrated to various parts of Europe and the Americas, with significant populations found in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Canada, and the United States. Today, the Larcher family tree includes many branches worldwide, reflecting its diverse history and expansion over time.
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