The surname Legard is believed to have originated from several possible sources in Old French and Norman languages, where it could mean "le gard" meaning "the garden," or "le guerd" meaning "the guard." It may also derive from a medieval given name Latinus Leuardi. Another theory suggests that the name could be a variant of the name Legardy, which is derived from Old Norse personal names such as Leikr (play) and Gormr (worm). The exact origin may vary depending on different regions where the name was adopted.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Legard
The surname Legard is of English origin, derived from various place names that share the same etymology. It is believed to be a topographical name, stemming from Old Norse or Old English terms meaning 'lea' (clearing or meadow) and 'yard' (enclosure). One such place is Legaard in Norway, which could have served as an origin for some bearers of this surname. Over time, the spelling evolved to Legard, reflecting changes in English orthography. This name has been found throughout England, with early records dating back to the 13th century, suggesting a long and established history.
Geographical distribution of the last name Legard
The surname Legard is predominantly found in England and France, suggesting its potential Norman origin due to the Normans' influence on both countries following the conquest of England in 1066. In England, it is most common in the northwest, particularly in Lancashire, Cumbria, and Northumberland, areas that were once part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria and later influenced by the Normans. In France, it is mostly concentrated in the region of Normandy from which the Normans originated. Additionally, there are pockets of individuals with the surname Legard in other parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, likely as a result of migration over the centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Legard
The surname Legard has several variations and spellings due to historical transcriptions and regional dialects. Some common variations include LeGarde, LeGard, Le Gard, Legarde, Legardy, and Legerda. Additionally, there may be regional differences in the spelling, such as Leggard or LeGhard in some areas. These variations often result from phonetic changes, errors during transcription, or changes in orthography over time. Despite these differences, they all share the same roots and are generally considered to be derived from the same name.
Famous people with the last name Legard
Notable individuals bearing the surname Legard include:
1. Sir Charles Legard (1839-1924), an English engineer who played significant roles in developing London's underground railway system and the Great Eastern steamship. He was knighted for his services in 1874.
2. David Legard (born 1956), a Canadian curler who won three Brier championships, one World Championship, and two Olympic medals during his career. He served as team lead when Canada won the gold medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.
3. Sarah Legard (born 1984), an English actress known for her roles in various television series such as "Holby City," "The Bill," and "Doctors." She also appeared in films like "Criminal" and "Murder Mystery."
4. James M. Legard (1836-1907), an American politician who served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1875 to 1877 during Reconstruction. He was a member of the Republican Party.
Genealogical research on the last name Legard
The surname Legard originates from the Old Norse "Leikr" meaning "play," with variations such as Leckard and Lekard appearing throughout history. Early records show the name in Normandy, France, during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century. Notable figures bearing the name Legard include Thomas Legarde, a knight who fought for King Henry III of England, and John Legard, the dean of Norwich Cathedral from 1463 to 1489. The name also appears in America during the 17th century, with the first recorded Legards arriving in Massachusetts. Notable American descendants include William Leggett Legard, a U.S. Congressman from Maine, and Mary Elizabeth Legard, an early advocate for women's suffrage. Today, the name remains relatively uncommon but is found predominantly in England, Wales, and North America.
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.
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