Last Name Lepage

The surname Lepage is a French patronymic derived from the given name Léon (Lion), and is an occupational name for a baker. The term "le boulanger" or "le pages du seigneur," meaning the lord's baker, eventually evolved into the modern spelling of Lepage in French-speaking regions like Quebec. It is also found as Le Page in English-speaking countries. This name was brought to Canada by French colonists and later became widespread among French Canadians.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lepage

The meaning and origin of the last name Lepage

The surname Lepage is of French origin, derived from a professional name for someone who worked as a chalk maker (le page de chaux) or a scribe (le page), meaning "the page" in French. It is an occupational name, common among medieval artisans and clerks. The name was first recorded in France during the High Middle Ages (5th to 13th centuries). As French families began migrating to England, the British Isles, and the American colonies in the late Middle Ages and Early Modern periods, variations of the surname Lepage spread throughout these regions. Today, it is found among various ethnic groups and cultures, though it remains particularly prevalent in France and its diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lepage

The surname Lepage is predominantly found in France, particularly in the regions of Normandy and Quebec (Canada), reflecting historical French colonization. In France, it is most frequent in Lower Normandy, Normandy's historic provinces of Orne, Calvados, and Manche. In Canada, it is especially common in the province of Quebec, particularly in the Montérégie region southwest of Montreal and the Estrie region to the east. The name is also found in smaller numbers in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Haiti, due to French immigration and influence. In English-speaking regions, it is less common but can still be found, particularly among descendants of French immigrants or French colonists.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lepage

The surname Lepage, of French origin, has several variations and spellings. They include LePage, LaPage, L'Epage, Le Pages, Lepages, Lapage, LaPages, Lapages, and others that may arise due to differences in regional pronunciation or phonetic transcriptions. The name is derived from the Old French word "page," meaning servant or apprentice, and was often given as an occupational surname to individuals who served as pages or young attendants in a noble household. The spelling variations of Lepage reflect historical changes in the language over time as well as personal preferences or regional dialects.

Famous people with the last name Lepage

René Lepage, a Canadian actor and director, is best known for his work in theatre and film, including the acclaimed productions of "The Rez Sisters" and "Dance me on the Kitchen Floor". His daughter, Sarah Lepage, is also an accomplished actress, having appeared in numerous TV shows and films such as "Orphan Black" and "X-Men: The Last Stand". Another notable figure with the last name Lepage is Robert Lepage, a French Canadian theater director, playwright, actor, and puppeteer. He has won multiple awards for his innovative works, including the Obie Award and the Gobert d'Or. His most famous production is "The Seven Streams of the River Ota". Lastly, Jean Lepage, a former professional ice hockey player, played in the National Hockey League from 1974 to 1987 for teams such as the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders, winning four Stanley Cup championships with Montreal.

Genealogical research on the last name Lepage

The surname Lepage, derived from the French word "le page" meaning "the page," has roots primarily in France and Canada. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Jean Le Page, born around 1420 in Normandy, France. He is believed to be an ancestor to many Lepages in modern times. The name migrated to Quebec, Canada with early settlers in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, such as Nicolas LePage who arrived in Quebec City in 1634. Over time, variations of the name arose due to differences in transliteration and spelling, including Leblanc (meaning white), Leclercq (meaning the clerk), and Lapointe (meaning the pointer). Today, Lepage is predominantly found in Quebec, as well as parts of France, Louisiana (USA), and New Brunswick (Canada). Genealogical research on the Lepage family tree continues to uncover connections among distant relatives, both locally and globally.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lepage"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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