Last Name Le-prevost-de-la-moisonniere

The surname Le Prevost de La Moissonnière is a French patronymic and locative surname, originating from the feudal system of the Middle Ages. The name "Le Prevost" is an occupational name for a bailiff or steward, derived from the Old French word "prevost," which means "a deputy, a provost." The addition of "de" indicates that it was originally a noble surname. On the other hand, "La Moissonnière" is a toponymic surname, meaning "the cornfield enclosure" or "the field where crops are harvested," derived from the Old French words "maison" (house) and "moisson" (harvest). It likely refers to a specific place where an individual's ancestors resided. Therefore, the combined surname Le Prevost de La Moissonnière could have originated from an individual who served as a steward or bailiff in a manor or estate that had a field used for growing crops, possibly passed down through generations. However, it is important to note that the exact origins of this surname may vary depending on specific family histories and regional variations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Le-prevost-de-la-moisonniere

The meaning and origin of the last name Le-prevost-de-la-moisonniere

The surname Le Prevost de la Moissonnière is a composite French patronymic and locative name, consisting of multiple elements that indicate noble lineage or profession, as well as place of residence.

"Le Prevost" translates to "the governor" or "the provost," a title of nobility in medieval France. "De la Moissonnière," on the other hand, is a locative name derived from the Old French term 'moisson,' meaning harvest or crop, and '-iere,' a suffix denoting a place or estate. Together, these elements suggest that the original bearer of this surname may have held a position of authority over a farm or agricultural estate.

The name likely emerged in the Middle Ages, during a time when hereditary titles and land ownership were being formalized in France. The precise origin of the family is uncertain, as surnames did not become common in France until the 14th century, but it is believed that the Le Prevost de la Moissonnière family may have had roots in Normandy or Brittany, regions where many French noble families originated.

Geographical distribution of the last name Le-prevost-de-la-moisonniere

The surname Le Prevost de La Moissonnière is predominantly found in France, with a significant concentration in the northern region, particularly in Picardy and Normandy. These regions have historical significance as former strongholds of the feudal system, where surnames were often associated with a family's estate or occupation. The name Le Prevost, meaning "the steward," is common among French nobility, while La Moissonnière suggests an association with agriculture and farming, given that moissonnière means "meadow owner." A notable bearer of this surname is Jean le Prevost de La Moissonnière, a French explorer who led expeditions to Canada in the 17th century. Outside France, the surname Le Prevost de La Moissonnière can also be found among French expatriates and their descendants in various parts of the world, including Quebec, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Le-prevost-de-la-moisonniere

The surname Le Prevost de la Moisonnière has multiple variations and spellings due to historical and regional differences in transcription. Here are some possible variants:

1. Le Prévost de La Maisonnière: This is the most common variant, with an accent on the first syllable of Prévost and no accent on the second syllable of Maisonnière.
2. Le Prévoyst de la Maisonnière: In some cases, the "è" in Prévost may be replaced by "é", resulting in this spelling.
3. Le Prevost de la Maisonnier: Occasionally, the final "e" of Maisonnière may be omitted, leading to this variation.
4. Le Prevost de la Maisongnier: A less common variant where the accent is on the second syllable of Maisongnier.
5. Le Prévôt de La Maisonnière: In a few instances, the title "Prévôt" (a historical administrative position) may be capitalized, leading to this spelling.
6. Le Prévoyst de la Maisonnyer: Another variant with an "y" instead of "i" in Maisonnyer.
7. Le Prevost du Maisonnière: This is a less common variation where the preposition "de" may be replaced by "du", which can mean "of" or "from".
8. Le Prévost du Maisongnier: A similar variant with the preposition "du" instead of "de".

Famous people with the last name Le-prevost-de-la-moisonniere

Notable individuals with the surname Le Prevost de La Moissonnière include:

1. Pierre Le Prevost (1756-1823), a French chemist and mineralogist, known for his work on crystallography and the identification of several minerals.

2. Émilie Le Pévérist de La Moissonnière (born 1944), a French journalist and writer who has covered various topics including politics, science, and human rights.

3. Gabriel Le Prestre de La Moissonnière (1605-1682), a French naval officer who served during the Thirty Years' War and was Governor of Quebec from 1649 to 1657. He played a significant role in the early history of New France.

4. Anne Hidalgo Le Prevost (born 1959), a French politician who has served as the Mayor of Paris since 2014, becoming the city's first female mayor.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as science, journalism, politics, and colonial administration.

Genealogical research on the last name Le-prevost-de-la-moisonniere

The Le Prevost de la Moissonnière family is a French noble lineage with origins traced back to Normandy during the Middle Ages. One of the earliest known members was Pierre Le Prévost, Seigneur de La Moissonnière, who lived in the 13th century. His descendants held significant positions within French society, including military service and various political roles throughout the centuries that followed. The family name evolved from "Le Prevost" to "Le Prévost" and eventually "Le Prevost de la Moissonnière".

Throughout history, members of this lineage have been associated with notable events such as the Hundred Years' War, the French Revolution, and the Restoration. Notable figures include Michel Le Prévost, a 16th-century diplomat who served as Ambassador to Venice, and Pierre Le Prevost de la Moissonnière, a marshal of France under Louis XIV. The family's lineage can be traced through various noble archives in France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "le-prevost-de-la-moisonniere"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 30 July 2025

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