Last Name Larose

The surname "Larose" is of French origin and means "the rose" or "the little rose". It is a variant of the more common French surname "Rose," which derives from the Old French word "rose" itself, meaning "a rose." This surname has been used in France for centuries and was brought to other regions by French settlers, including North America (specifically Quebec, Canada) where it remains relatively common today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Larose

The meaning and origin of the last name Larose

The surname Larose is of French-Canadian origin. It translates to "the large rose" in French, derived from the words "la" (the) and "rose" (rose). This surname was often given to individuals who lived near a large or notable rosebush, or to people whose physical features resembled that of a rose, such as having red hair or rosy complexion. The Larose family name can be traced back to the late medieval period in France, specifically Normandy, where it was first recorded around the 13th century. Many French-speaking families emigrated from France to Canada during the 17th and 18th centuries, bringing their surnames with them, including Larose. Today, Larose remains a common surname in Quebec, reflecting its rich historical roots and cultural significance within Canadian society.

Geographical distribution of the last name Larose

The surname Larose is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, where it is among the top 200 most common last names. It also has significant presence in Louisiana, United States, which was originally a French colony. Other countries with notable occurrences of the name include France itself and Haiti, due to historical French influence. The distribution of Larose also extends to parts of Africa, such as Senegal and Ivory Coast, reflecting the diaspora of French-speaking peoples. In smaller numbers, Larose can be found in various English-speaking countries, likely as a result of immigration or assimilation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Larose

The surname Larose has various spellings and pronunciations due to regional dialects and transcribing errors over time. Some common variations include: LaRose, Larosse, La Rose, LeRose, Laroze, and Latrose. Each region may have its unique spelling preference, reflecting historical influences, immigration patterns, or local linguistic traditions. Despite these differences, all forms share the same French origin, meaning "the rose" in English. The name Larose can be found predominantly among French-speaking populations, particularly in Canada and France, but also among their diaspora communities worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Larose

Notable individuals with the surname Larose include: 1. **Charles-Édouard Larose** (b. 1987), a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who played for various teams including the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League (NHL). 2. **Dany Laurendau-Larose** (b. 1973), a Canadian writer, poet, and journalist who is best known for her novels "Le loup aux dents de sable" (The Sand Wolf) and "La chanson du balein" (Song of the Whale). 3. **Émilie Laroche-Larose** (b. 1986), a Canadian politician who was elected to the House of Commons of Canada in 2015, representing the riding of Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis as a member of the Liberal Party. 4. **Gilles Larose** (1937-2020), a Canadian politician who served as the Mayor of Montreal from 1986 to 1994, and later as Quebec's Minister of Culture, Communications and Information Technologies from 1994 to 1996. 5. **Michel Larose** (b. 1937), a Canadian actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series since the 1960s, including "The Stunt Man," "The Incredible Hulk," and "Dallas."

Genealogical research on the last name Larose

The surname Larose is predominantly of French origin and can be traced back to medieval France. It derived from various place names throughout Normandy, Brittany, and other regions, with the most common being "La Rosée" (The Dew). Early records show that the name was spelled in many different ways during the Middle Ages due to transliteration inconsistencies and the lack of standardized spelling rules. The family Larose is believed to have migrated from France to North America, primarily to Quebec, Canada, during the 17th century, with some families settling later in Louisiana, USA. As generations passed, descendants of the Larose family dispersed across North America, particularly within French-speaking communities and colonies. Today, the Larose surname remains common among these regions, though it can also be found in other parts of the world due to subsequent migrations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Larose"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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