Last Name Losier

Learn more about the origin of the last name Losier

The meaning and origin of the last name Losier

The surname Losier is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "lusier," meaning "flax-dresser." It was an occupational name for someone who prepared flax fibers for spinning and weaving. In the Middle Ages, many European names were adopted as a means to identify professions. Over time, as migration occurred, various spellings of the surname Losier emerged, such as Lusier, Losieres, and Losierre. Today, it is most commonly found in France but has also spread to other countries due to French immigration. The Losier family can be traced back to Normandy, France, where the name first appeared during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Losier

The surname Losier is predominantly found in French-speaking regions due to its origin from the Old French word "lusier" meaning "little forest." Its distribution largely reflects the historical influence of French culture, particularly in Canada and the United States. In Canada, it's most common in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, reflecting the large number of French-speaking immigrants who settled there. In the U.S., Losier can be found primarily in Louisiana, Michigan, and Maine, where French settlement was also significant. The surname is less frequent but still present in various parts of Europe, particularly France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Its distribution outside these regions may be attributed to emigration from these countries or immigration by individuals with roots in those areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Losier

The surname Losier, originating from France, has various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common versions include: Losier, Lusier, Lusser, Lossier, and Louvier. These variations stem from alterations in the use of silent letters, spelling conventions, or phonetic adaptations when immigrants brought the name to English-speaking countries. Additionally, regional dialects and changes in surname pronunciation may have contributed to these differences. For example, Losier is common in Canada, while Lusier is more frequently found in France. In researching genealogy or family history, it's essential to consider these variations when searching for ancestors or relatives bearing this name.

Famous people with the last name Losier

Notable individuals with the surname Losier include:

1. Bob Losier (born 1938), a Canadian jazz trumpeter and composer. He has worked with musicians such as Paul Anka, Oscar Peterson, and Chet Baker.

2. David Losier (1923-2016), a Canadian writer, poet, and playwright of French-Canadian descent. He was a recipient of the Governor General's Award for French-language drama in 1981.

3. Lorne Losier (born 1953), a Canadian professional wrestler who competed under the ring name "The Stomper." He is a member of the Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame.

4. Marc Losier (born 1976), a Canadian ice hockey player who played for teams such as the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Islanders in the National Hockey League.

5. Troy Losier (born 1983), an American football long snapper who has played for various teams in the National Football League, including the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers.

Genealogical research on the last name Losier

The surname Losier is of French origin, derived from the Old French "losier" meaning elder bush or elder tree. It is one of several surnames that originated as topographical names for someone who lived near an elder bush or forest. The name can be found in various spellings including Losier, Lozier, and Losieres throughout France and its colonies, with early records dating back to the 13th century.

In North America, the Losier family arrived as part of the French colonial expansion, settling primarily in Quebec and Louisiana. Some notable Losiers include Louis-Joseph de Montcalm-Governor General of New France during the Seven Years' War; John Baptiste Losier, a founder of the town of St. Francisville, Louisiana; and Daniel Losier, a fur trader who was one of the first European settlers in Manitoba, Canada.

The Losier family spread across North America as French Canadians migrated to the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries, with significant populations found in states such as Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Louisiana. The name can also be found in smaller numbers in other English-speaking countries due to emigration from Canada and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Losier"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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.
Last updated : 23 July 2025