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Last Name Legrand

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What is the origin of the last name Legrand?

The surname Legrand is of French origin, derived from a Germanic personal name, Leodegranz, which was composed of the elements "leod" (people, tribe) and "grant" (strong, powerful). Over time, this name evolved into its modern French form, Legrand.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Legrand

The meaning and origin of the last name Legrand

The surname Legrand originates from France, derived from the Old French words "grand" meaning 'large' or 'great', and the Latin word "magnum". Initially used as a descriptive nickname, it was given to someone who was considered large or important in some way. Over time, the name became hereditary, passing down through generations. In France, Legrand is a common surname, but it can also be found in other French-speaking regions such as Belgium and Canada. Notable individuals with the surname include French composer Maurice Ravel and Canadian astronaut Roberta Bondar.

Geographical distribution of the last name Legrand

The surname Legrand is predominantly of French origin and is widely distributed across France, particularly in regions such as Normandy, Brittany, and the Rhône-Alpes. It is also common in Quebec, Canada, due to historical migration from France. In Europe, its presence can be traced in Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, reflecting the influence of French culture. Additionally, individuals with the surname Legrand reside in various parts of North America, including the United States and Latin America, as a result of emigration from France and Quebec. The distribution extends to Africa, primarily Algeria and other former French colonies, where French settlers once lived. Overall, Legrand is a widespread name with strong associations to France but has also spread globally due to historical events and migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Legrand

The surname Legrand has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common variations include Le Grand, L'Ecuyer de Grand, De Grand, LeGrand, and Legrande. In French, the name Legrand means "the large" or "the big." In some cases, it can also be spelled as Legrands in a plural form. In other languages, such as Dutch, German, and Spanish, similar sounding surnames with different spellings may exist due to differences in pronunciation and transliteration. For example, the Dutch version could be De Groot, German might offer Groß, while Spanish would have Grande. These variations can result from a variety of factors, including regional dialects, historical influences, and migration patterns.

Famous people with the last name Legrand

Notable individuals with the surname Legrand include:

1. Jacques Legrand (1876-1952), a French composer known for his contributions to operetta and musical comedy. His most famous work is "Chu Chin Chow," which premiered in 1916 in London's West End.

2. Joe Dassin, born Jean-Jacques Legrand (1938-1980), was a French singer and actor of Jewish descent who achieved success in France and internationally during the 1960s and 1970s. Some of his popular songs include "Les Champs-Élysées" and "Emma."

3. Michel Legrand (1932-2019), a French composer, pianist, and conductor who won multiple Academy Awards for Best Original Score, including for "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," "Yentl," and "Summer of '42." He was also known for composing the themes for television series like "The Thomas Crown Affair" and "Les Misérables."

4. Jean-Michel Jarre, born Jean-Michel Legrand (1948), is a French musician and composer who pioneered electronic music. Some of his most famous works include "Oxygène," "Équinoxe," and "Rendez-Vous."

Genealogical research on the last name Legrand

The surname Legrand, of French origin, is derived from the Old French word "grant," meaning large or tall. Historically, it was often used as a nickname for someone who was tall or robust. It's believed that the name may have been borne by several early crusaders and noble families in France. Notable individuals with the surname Legrand include André-Marie Ampère (1775–1836), a French physicist and mathematician, and Henriette Sontag (1806–1854), a German soprano opera singer who became a French citizen. In the United States, the name Legrand is primarily found in Louisiana due to French colonization. Today, it remains a common surname in both France and the U.S., with variations such as Legrandier, Le Grand, and de Grand also being encountered.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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