Last Name Laubreaux

The surname Laubreaux is of French origin. It comes from the Old French "laboure" meaning "labor" or "plow", and the suffix "-eau" which can denote a place where something is found, in this case, a place associated with labor or plowing. Therefore, the name Laubreaux originally referred to someone who lived at a place that was characterized by hard work or agricultural activity.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Laubreaux

The meaning and origin of the last name Laubreaux

The surname Laubreaux is of French origin, derived from the Old French "laubier" which means "little lion". This surname was typically given to someone who lived near or worked with lions, such as a falconer or a keeper in a menagerie. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved due to regional dialects and migration patterns. Today, it can be found in various forms across different countries, including Laubraux, Laubreau, and Laubreaux. The name is relatively uncommon outside of France and its French-speaking territories, but it continues to be passed down through generations and is cherished by those who bear it as a connection to their ancestral homeland and heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Laubreaux

The surname Laubreaux is predominantly found in France, particularly in the western regions such as Normandy and Brittany. It is also common in other French-speaking regions like Quebec, Canada, where it has been transplanted through immigration from France. Outside of these areas, occurrences of the name are relatively scarce but can be found in other French-speaking countries, such as Switzerland, Belgium, and Haiti. In the United States, Louisiana, which has a substantial French influence, is home to many individuals bearing this surname. The distribution pattern suggests that Laubreaux originated in France and spread primarily through emigration and colonization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Laubreaux

The surname Laubreaux exhibits several variations and spellings due to historical factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and individual preferences during migration periods. Some of these variations include: La Bruchaux, La Brocqueville, Labrosse, Laborde, Labrousse, Labroche, Labrue, Labraux, La Broue, La Broche, La Bruche, and De La Bréchaude. In some cases, the "au" may be replaced with an "o" or even left out entirely, leading to variations like Labreaux, Labru, Labroe, Labrux, etc. It is important to note that spelling variations can occur over time as individuals move and settle in new regions, which can make it challenging to trace family histories accurately.

Famous people with the last name Laubreaux

Notable individuals with the last name Laubraux include:

1. Henri Laubrauqat (1924-2008), a Belgian politician who served as the Minister of Defense and Minister of the Interior in various governments from 1974 to 1995, and was instrumental in the political transition in Belgium following the death of King Baudouin.

2. Pierre Laubrauqat (born 1953), a Belgian politician who has been a member of the Chamber of Representatives for Hainaut since 1995, and served as Minister for the French Community in Wallonia from 2004 to 2007.

3. Émile Laubrauqat (1898-1968), a Belgian painter who was part of the avant-garde Cobra movement, known for his abstract and surrealist works. His art has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums worldwide.

4. Paul Laubrauqat (born 1950), a French architect based in New York City, who founded the architecture firm Laubrauqat-Porte Aviary Architecture Workshop. He has won several awards for his innovative designs.

Genealogical research on the last name Laubreaux

The surname Laubreaux originates from France and is predominantly found in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French "laubier," meaning "lark" or "linen weaver." A weaver of linen cloth was known as a "labreur de toile" in medieval French, which later evolved into Laubreaux. The first recorded appearance of this surname can be traced back to the 13th century in Normandy. Over time, the name spread to other parts of France and eventually reached North America with French colonists and immigrants during the 17th and 18th centuries. In North America, variants of the name include La Bru, Labrosse, La Broue, and Lebreton. Genealogical research has uncovered numerous branches of the Laubreaux family in Canada, Louisiana, and other parts of the United States, as well as France, Belgium, and some European countries with historical French influence.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "laubreaux"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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