What is the origin of the last name Lepareux?

The surname Lepareux is believed to be of French origin. It derives from a nickname, specifically one derived from a profession. In this case, the name may have been given to someone who was involved with parchment, as "lèpre" means parchment in Old French, and "-eur" denotes a worker or artisan. Therefore, Lepareux could mean "one who works with parchment." However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary based on specific historical records and families.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lepareux

The meaning and origin of the last name Lepareux

The surname Lepareux is of French origin, derived from a place name or occupational name. It is believed to have originated from the village Lépereux in the department of Calvados, Normandy, France. The name translates to "the little beech wood" in Old French, with "lèpre" meaning "hare" and "eur" being a diminutive suffix. Over time, the spelling variations have emerged due to differences in regional pronunciation and record keeping, such as Leparoux, Lepereux, and Leperez. As people migrated from France, the surname Lepareux spread across Europe and the New World, where it continues to be found among French-speaking communities today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lepareux

The surname Lepareux is primarily concentrated in France, with a significant portion originating from the region of Brittany. The department of Côtes-d'Armor, specifically, has one of the highest densities of this family name within France. Some individuals carrying the Lepareux surname can also be found in other parts of France, such as Normandy and Picardy, suggesting possible migration from Côtes-d'Armor over time. A small number of Lepareux descendants may have emigrated to North America, with records indicating presence in Canada and the United States, particularly in Quebec and Louisiana. However, due to limited data, it is difficult to determine the exact distribution or migration patterns of the Lepareux surname beyond these locations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lepareux

The surname Lepareux has several variations and spellings. Some common variants include Leparoux, Le Paroux, Le Pareux, and L'Epareux. These variations stem from the French origins of the name, with slight modifications in spelling over time due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preference. The base form "Lepareux" is derived from the combination of the words "le" (the) and "pareux" (comparable or similar), reflecting its French roots. It's important to note that the exact spelling can vary among different individuals and families, depending on factors such as historical period, geographical location, and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Lepareux

Lepareux is a relatively uncommon surname, making it challenging to identify specifically "famous" individuals bearing this name. However, some notable figures with the last name Lepareux include:

1. Marc-André Lepareux (born 1964), a French ice hockey player who played in various professional leagues during his career spanning from 1982 to 2003.

2. Éric Lepareux (born 1958), a former professional Canadian ice hockey player who spent 11 seasons playing for the Montreal Canadiens and the Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League (NHL).

3. Philippe Lepareux (1746-1820), a French composer and organist, known for his contributions to sacred music during the Classical period.

Genealogical research on the last name Lepareux

The surname Lepareux is predominantly found in France and has a possible Norman origin, potentially deriving from the Old French word "l'épar" meaning bishop or archbishop. One variant, Lepareux-Cabasson, is linked to Cabas, a region in Normandy, indicating a local origin for some families bearing this name.

Historically, the family can be traced back to the 16th century in Paris and Rouen, with records showing Nicolas Le Pareux in Paris in 1549 and Jean le Paroux in Rouen in 1570. Notable individuals bearing this name include Pierre Lepareux, a notable Huguenot leader during the French religious wars of the 16th century, and Louis-Charles Lepareux, a French painter active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The distribution of the surname has expanded globally due to emigration waves, with significant populations found in Canada, the United States, and Australia. In Canada, the name is particularly common in Quebec, where it is thought to have been brought by French settlers.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names