Last Name Lepine

The surname Lépine originates from France. It is derived from a place name, specifically from various locations named "Lépin" or "Lépinay." These places are found in several regions of modern-day France, including Normandy and Picardy. The name is thought to be composed of the Old French words "le pieu," meaning "the post," and "-en," a common suffix used to indicate a place where something specific can be found, leading to the translation of "at the post." Over time, this place name evolved into the surname Lépine as families residing in these areas began using the name to distinguish themselves.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lepine

The meaning and origin of the last name Lepine

The surname Lepine is of French origin, derived from various place names across France, primarily in regions such as Normandy and Picardy. The name is thought to be related to places named Lépine, which are likely derivatives of the Old French "l'épinette," meaning 'the little pine tree,' or "l'épi" referring to a ear of grain, and "ne," a diminutive suffix, thus meaning 'small pine-tree field' or 'small grain field.' Over time, these place names led to the formation of the surname Lepine as residents took on their locality's name. The surname Lepine can also be found in other French-speaking regions and countries due to historical migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lepine

The surname Lepine is predominantly of French origin and has its highest concentration within France, particularly in regions such as Normandy, Picardy, and Bourgogne. In France, it ranks among the top 3,000 most common surnames, with variations like LePine and Lapine also found. The name has also spread beyond France, largely due to French immigration and colonization. In Canada, it is notably prevalent in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, reflecting the impact of French-speaking settlers on Canadian demographics. Smaller concentrations can be found in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Haiti. In addition, there are communities with Lepine descendants in various parts of the world, including the United States, particularly in Louisiana, and in some Latin American countries where Creole cultures have been influenced by French settlers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lepine

The surname Lepine can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common spelling variations include Le Pine, L'Epinay, LePine, Le Pin, L'Epine, and L'Epinay-le-Comte. These variations are primarily due to the inclusion or omission of the accent mark 'é', changes in the apostrophe placement, and variations in the first letter based on regional pronunciation. It is important to note that these spellings can have different origins and meanings. For example, Le Pine and L'Epine could both be derived from the French word for pine tree, 'le pin', while L'Epinay may have originated from a place name in France, such as Épinay-sur-Seine or Épinay-Champlâtreux.

Famous people with the last name Lepine

Jacques-Yves Leroy Le Pine, better known as Jacques Le Pine, is a renowned French archaeologist and epigrapher who made significant contributions to the study of ancient civilizations, particularly the Egyptian civilization. He is best known for his work at the sites of Luxor and Abydos in Egypt. Another notable figure with the surname Lepine is Claude Le Pine, a Canadian mathematician who specializes in differential geometry and geometric analysis. His works have had profound impacts on the fields of mathematics, particularly in the study of Riemannian geometry and minimal surfaces. In the realm of sports, Catriona LeMay Doan, born Catriona Lepine, is a Canadian former speed skater who won two Olympic gold medals during her career. Lastly, French-Canadian actor Jean-Marc Lépine has been active in film and television since the 1980s, most notably for his roles in films such as "The Decline of the American Empire" and "Naked Lunch."

Genealogical research on the last name Lepine

The Lepine surname is of French origin, derived from the occupational name for a bee keeper, "lepicier" or "lepicié," which evolved into Lepine over time. The name is most prevalent in regions of France such as Normandy and Picardy.

Emigrants with the surname Lepine began to arrive in North America in the 17th century, primarily in New France (modern-day Canada). Some of the earliest records show Pierre Lepine, who settled in Quebec in 1645, and Guillaume Lepine, who arrived in Louisiana in 1702.

The surname spread to other parts of North America as French settlers migrated to Acadia (present-day Nova Scotia), the Thirteen Colonies, and later the United States following the Seven Years' War and the Treaty of Paris (1763). In the 19th and 20th centuries, Lepine family members continued to emigrate from France to various countries, including the United States and Canada.

Today, the Lepine surname is most common in Quebec, Ontario, Louisiana, and the United States, with significant populations also found in other French-speaking countries such as Belgium and Switzerland. Genealogical research on the Lepine family can uncover a rich history of emigration, settlement, and adaptation across multiple continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lepine"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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