Last Name Leufroy

The surname Leufroy is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Luifroi," which was composed of the elements "luin" meaning "lover" or "wolf cub," and "frid" meaning "peace." Over time, the spelling evolved to its current form, with various regional variations also occurring. The surname Leufroy is most common in France but can also be found among French-speaking populations in other countries due to immigration and colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Leufroy

The meaning and origin of the last name Leufroy

The surname Leufroy is of French origin, deriving from various regional names and occupational names that evolved over centuries. It's possible that it could be a habitational name from any of several places called Le Froid or Le Fresne, found in regions such as Normandy and Brittany. Alternatively, it could also be an occupational name for a gardener or farmer, derived from the Old French words "le" (the) and "froi" (cold), suggesting someone who lived near a cold spring or a place associated with coldness, or a metonymic occupation name for a gardener tending to frosty plants. Over time, the spelling has evolved due to scribal errors, emigration, and assimilation in different regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Leufroy

The surname Leufroy is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in France and its overseas territories such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana, due to its French origin. There are also significant numbers of people bearing the name Leufroy in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, reflecting historical migration patterns between these countries. In North America, it is primarily concentrated in Canada and the United States, particularly in areas with high concentrations of French Canadian immigrants or descendants. The distribution of the surname Leufroy also extends to other parts of the world where French colonization occurred, such as the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia. However, it's important to note that the frequency and geographical distribution can vary significantly, with some areas having a higher concentration than others.

Variants and spellings of the last name Leufroy

The surname Leufroy has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some common variants include Leufroi, Leufroye, Leufray, Lefroy, Le Froy, Le Frue, Le Frois, Le For, Le Fromage (a humorous variant), and possibly others based on regional dialects or personal preferences. It is originally derived from the French name meaning "from the willow tree" or "of the leafy place", composed of the Old French elements "leuf" (leaf) and "roc" (place).

Famous people with the last name Leufroy

Among individuals with the surname Leufroy, three notable figures stand out:

1. Pierre-Simon Leufroy de Caudry (1732–1800), a French mineralogist and geologist who was one of the first to study the geology of the Lorraine region in France. His work contributed significantly to the development of mineralogy as a scientific discipline.

2. Jean-Baptiste Leufroy (1743–1806), a French military engineer and architect, was instrumental in fortifying cities during the reigns of Louis XVI and Napoleon I. He designed numerous forts, including the Citadel of Besançon, which still stands today.

3. Yannick Leufroy (born 1975), a Haitian professional footballer who played as a defender. He represented his country in international competitions, most notably at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. After retiring from professional football, he became a coach and worked with various clubs in Haiti and abroad.

Genealogical research on the last name Leufroy

The Leufroy surname is of French origin and is derived from various locales in France, primarily Normandy and Picardy regions. Early records show that the name was initially spelled Lefranc, LeFrancois, or Le Froid, which evolved into Leufroy over time. Notable figures with the Leufroy surname include Pierre Leufroy (1807-1863), a French journalist and politician who served as the prefect of Eure-et-Loir during the Second French Empire. The name has also been traced in Quebec, Canada, where it is believed to have been brought by French colonists. In the United States, the surname can be found predominantly in Louisiana and other southeastern states due to immigration during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "leufroy"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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