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Last Name Lorcy

What is the origin of the last name Lorcy?

The surname Lorcy is believed to have French origins. It is a variant of the original surname Lorry, which comes from a place named Lori or Lorie in France. The name Lori was originally used as a nickname for someone who came from this region or had some connection with it. As with many surnames, over time, the name evolved to various spellings due to factors such as spelling inconsistencies, migratory patterns, and regional accents.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lorcy

The meaning and origin of the last name Lorcy

The surname Lorcy is believed to have originated from France, specifically the region of Lorraine. It is derived from a geographical location or an occupational name. In medieval times, many French names were formed by adding suffixes such as "-y" or "-eau" to a place-name. In this case, Lorcy could potentially mean "from the little hollow" or "from Lorry," a village in Lorraine. The surname has various spellings including Lorcy, Lory, and Lorry, which may have arisen due to transcription errors or regional dialects over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lorcy

The surname Lorcy is primarily concentrated in France, particularly in the eastern regions. According to data from FamilyNamesDatabase, the department of Meurthe-et-Moselle has the highest density of people with the last name Lorcy. However, it's also found in other departments such as Moselle, Lorraine, and Vosges, all of which are part of the historical region of Lorraine. Beyond France, the name is sparsely distributed in countries with a significant French-speaking population like Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland. In these regions, it's likely that the name is a result of migration from France or the descendants of French immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lorcy

The surname Lorcy can have variations and spelling alterations due to regional differences, transcription errors, and family lineage. Some common variants of this name include Lory, Lori, Lorcie, Lorry, and Lorzi. Additionally, it may be found as L'Orcy, with the accent indicating a French origin. Other possible variations could be derived from nicknames or misspellings, such as Lorcey, Lorsey, or Lorsi. It is essential to note that these alterations might not always reflect the same lineage and can sometimes merely represent phonetic adaptations of the name over time in different regions.

Famous people with the last name Lorcy

Notable individuals with the surname Lorcy include:

1. Michel Lorcy (born 1968), a French former racing cyclist who won the 1992 Paris-Nice and the 1993 Critérium International races.
2. Yannick Lorcy (born 1975), a French professional basketball player who played in both the French Pro A and the American NBA D-League.
3. Christophe Lorcy (born 1980), a French professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several French clubs, including RC Lens and Stade de Reims.
4. Marie-Pierre Lorcy (born 1987), a Canadian swimmer who won the silver medal in the women's 50 meter backstroke at the 2013 World Aquatics Championships.
5. Cédric Lorcy (born 1989), a French professional footballer who plays as a defender for EFL Championship club Reading and the France national team.
6. Pierre Lorcy (1907-1973), a French film actor who appeared in over 45 films between 1929 and 1964.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, including sports and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Lorcy

The surname Lorcy is primarily found in France, specifically in regions such as Normandy and Brittany. It originates from the Old French word "lorz," meaning lion, indicating that the original bearer may have been associated with this powerful animal or derived from a nickname. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was in 1300, when a Jean Lorci appeared in Normandy. Over centuries, variations in spelling have arisen due to factors such as differences in regional dialects and scribes' handwriting styles. These include Lorcy, Lorry, Lorcey, and de Lorcy. The name has remained relatively rare outside of France, with significant populations found primarily among French immigrants and their descendants in countries like Canada and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 29 July 2025

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