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Last Name Leray

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What is the origin of the last name Leray?

The last name Leray is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name Leray, which is a variant of the name Leroy. Leroy itself comes from the Old French words "le roi," meaning "the king." Leray/Leroy was originally a nickname or a descriptive name given to someone who behaved in a regal or kingly manner. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname. Leray is most commonly found in France and other French-speaking regions.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Leray

The surname Leray is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "le roy," meaning "the king." It is believed to have been a nickname or a status name given to someone who held a royal position or acted in a regal manner. The surname Leray may have been used to distinguish individuals with a connection to royalty or nobility in some way. Over time, variations of the surname Leray have appeared, including Leroy and Le Roy, among others. Today, individuals with the surname Leray can be found primarily in France and French-speaking regions, with some variations of the name also present in other parts of the world due to migration and globalization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Leray

The last name Leray is most commonly found in France, particularly in the regions of Brittany, Pays de la Loire, and Normandy. It is a surname of French origin, derived from the word "leroi" meaning "the king" or "the ruler". The name Leray may also be found in smaller numbers in other French-speaking countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. In addition, there are some individuals with the last name Leray scattered throughout the United States, particularly in states with larger French populations such as Louisiana and Maine. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Leray is primarily concentrated in France, with smaller pockets of individuals with this surname residing in other French-speaking regions around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Leray

The last name Leray can be spelled and written in various ways depending on regional variations and individual preferences. Some common variations of Leray include Lerey, Lerai, Leree, L'Ray, Larey, Le Ray, La Ray, and LaRey. These variations may be influenced by language differences, phonetic interpretations, or historical reasons. In some cases, the name Leray may also be hyphenated or combined with another surname, such as LeRay-Smith or LeRay-Jones. Additionally, different cultures and countries may have their own unique way of spelling Leray, such as Léray in French-speaking regions. Overall, the last name Leray can be spelled and written in a variety of ways but ultimately carries the same familial lineage and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Leray

One famous person with the last name Leray is Jean Leray, a renowned French mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of algebraic topology. He was known for his work on the Leray spectral sequence and Leray filtration, which are fundamental concepts in the study of topological spaces. Leray received numerous awards and honors for his groundbreaking research, including the prestigious Fields Medal in 1936. Another notable individual with the last name Leray is Marie-Claude Leray, a French actress known for her work in film and television. She has appeared in a variety of popular French films and TV shows, earning critical acclaim for her performances. The Leray name is associated with intellect, talent, and achievements in both the academic and entertainment worlds.

Genealogical research on the last name Leray

The surname Leray is of French origin and is derived from the Old French personal name Leray, which means "the king." The Leray family is believed to have originated in the Brittany region of France. The first recorded instance of the Leray surname was in the 13th century in the town of Vendée in western France. Over the centuries, the Leray family spread to other regions of France and eventually to other countries around the world through migration and emigration. Today, the Leray surname can be found in various countries including the United States, Canada, and Belgium. Genealogical research on the Leray surname would likely reveal a diverse family history with connections to different regions and cultures, making it an interesting topic for further exploration.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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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