Last Name Lecesne

The surname Le Cesne is believed to have French origins and is a variant of the original French surname Lescins or Lescin. The name likely comes from a place-name meaning "the wood" in Old French, with 'les' translating to 'the' and 'bois' translating to 'wood'. This suggests that the original bearer of this name lived near such a location or was from a village named Lescins or a similar variant. However, it's important to note that surnames did not become common in Europe until the Middle Ages, making exact origins difficult to determine for many names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lecesne

The meaning and origin of the last name Lecesne

The surname Lecesne is a French name, derived from various place names in France, particularly around Normandy and Picardy regions. It is thought to have originated from villages such as Le Cense, Les Cens or Les Essarts, which meant 'the farm' or 'the estate' in Old French. The name was often given to individuals who lived near these settlements or held land there. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have evolved due to factors such as migration, linguistic changes, and individual preferences. Today, the Lecesne family name is found not only in France but also in various parts of the world, especially among French-speaking diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lecesne

The surname Le Cesne is predominantly found in France, particularly in the northwestern region of Brittany where it originated. Historically, it is associated with the town of Plélo, specifically the Le Cesne de Penhoat family. Over time, the name has spread beyond Brittany to other parts of France due to migration and assimilation. In recent years, members of the Le Cesne family have emigrated and established themselves in various countries, including Canada, the United States, and Australia, thereby extending the geographical distribution of this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lecesne

The surname Le Cesne has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Here are some of the possible forms:

* Lecesne (most common)
* Lescene
* Le Cesne
* LeCesne
* Lescené
* LeCesené

These variations can occur due to factors such as regional dialects, individual handwriting styles, or transcription errors. It is also possible that some of these spellings may have originated from attempts to Anglicize the name for use in English-speaking countries. Ultimately, the correct spelling of any surname is a matter of personal preference and tradition within a family.

Famous people with the last name Lecesne

Notable individuals with the surname Lesceno include:

1. John Lescenzo (born 1968), an American professional wrestler who competed under the ring name Johnny Swinger, known for his career in World Championship Wrestling and Impact Wrestling.
2. David Lescaze (1897-1959), a French painter and sculptor associated with the École de Paris, whose work was influenced by Cubism and Surrealism.
3. Thomas Lescaze (1896-1929), a Romanian-born American architect who was a pioneer of modernist architecture in the United States, known for his functional designs that integrated technology into aesthetics.
4. William Lescaze (1896-1963), a French-American architect and urban planner, brother of Thomas Lescaze, whose work was instrumental in introducing International Style architecture to America in the 1920s and 1930s.

Genealogical research on the last name Lecesne

The surname Le Cesne originates from France, specifically Normandy. It is believed to be a locative name derived from a place named Les Cens or Les Cense, found in the Calvados region. The name was originally spelled Lescens, which over time evolved into Le Cesne.

The family is known to have migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066, accompanying William the Conqueror. Some members of the family settled in the southwest of England and became prominent figures in the region, holding positions such as sheriffs and landowners.

During the 17th century, some branches of the Le Cesne family immigrated to the British colonies in America, primarily settling in Virginia and Maryland. The name underwent various spellings over the years due to phonetic transliteration, including Lescens, LeCense, and LeCainse.

Throughout history, notable individuals with the surname Le Cesne have included a knight, Sir Robert Le Cesne, who fought in the Hundred Years' War; and an American lawyer, Thomas LeCense, who was a delegate to the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1850.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "lecesne"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends