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Last Name Magne

What is the origin of the last name Magne?

The last name Magne is of French origin. It comes from the Old High German "Magen" which means "magnate" or "powerful man." Over time, it evolved into the French form, Magne. Notable persons with this surname include Magne Barthélémy, a Haitian musician, and Magne Vedvik, a Norwegian footballer.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Magne

The meaning and origin of the last name Magne

The surname Magne is of Old Norse origin, derived from the word "magnus" which means "great" or "mighty." This name was borne by numerous Scandinavian kings and rulers, reflecting its prestigious connotation. The Normans, who were predominantly of Viking descent, introduced this surname into France and the British Isles during the Middle Ages following their conquest of those regions. Over time, it underwent various phonetic changes, resulting in the current forms such as Magne, Magnus, Magnin, and Magnien, among others. Today, the surname Magne is primarily found in France and countries with a significant French-speaking population, though individuals bearing this name can be traced across Europe and the Americas due to migration patterns over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Magne

The last name Magne is predominantly found in France and Norway, with significant concentrations in both countries. In France, it is most prevalent in the region of Normandy, particularly in the departments of Calvados and Manche. Additionally, instances of the surname can be found in Brittany and the Rhône-Alpes regions. In Norway, Magne is common in the western part of the country, especially in Rogaland County. The name also has some presence in other parts of Europe, such as Finland, Belgium, and Sweden, suggesting possible Viking origins or dispersal during the Middle Ages. In North America, the last name Magne can be found primarily among French-Canadian and Norwegian-American populations, particularly in Quebec and the Midwest United States. It is less common outside these areas, with instances appearing in other parts of Europe and North America as a result of migration or assimilation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Magne

The surname Magne has several variations and spellings due to regional differences and transcriptions over time. Some of these variants include Magné, Magna, Maghan, Mage, Mahne, Maigne, Mayne, and even Macne. These variations can be found primarily among French-speaking populations, given the original root of the name. However, it is also possible to encounter this surname in other parts of the world, especially among diaspora communities. The different spellings often reflect the influence of local phonetic and orthographic norms on the original French form. It is important to note that while these variants may appear distinct, they all stem from the same etymological source, which is derived from the Old Norse personal name Magni, meaning "great" or "strong".

Famous people with the last name Magne

Notable individuals with the surname Magne include:

1. Magne Furuholmen (born 1962), a Norwegian musician, composer, and visual artist, best known as a member of the rock band A-ha. He has also pursued a solo career in music and art.

2. Magne O. Gustavsen (1874–1953), a Norwegian politician who served as Minister of Justice in 1926, the first year of Norway's democratic constitution.

3. Magne Hallbäck (born 1970), a Swedish ice hockey player who played as a goaltender for clubs such as Skellefteå AIK and Färjestads BK during his career.

4. Magne Kårhus (born 1962), a Norwegian film director, writer, and editor known for his work on the television series "Lillyhammer" and "Occupied".

5. Magne Myrmo (1877–1938), a Norwegian engineer and industrialist who founded the shipping company Det Norske Dampskibsselskap (DNS) in 1916.

These individuals have made significant contributions to music, politics, sports, and the arts, demonstrating the versatility of the Magne surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Magne

The surname Magne originates from France, specifically the region of Normandy. It is derived from the given name Magnus, which was popular during the Middle Ages, meaning "great" or "large." In French, the name evolved into Magne. Notable figures with this surname include the 13th-century Norman nobleman and crusader, Richard de Magni; and Jean Magne, a prominent lawyer during the French Revolution. The name also spread to other European countries due to migration patterns. For example, in Scotland, a branch of the Magne family can be traced back to the 15th century. Over time, various spelling variations have emerged, such as Magnus, Magna, Magni, and Magneau, reflecting the regional pronunciation differences. Today, individuals with the surname Magne can be found across the globe, particularly in France, Canada, the United States, and Scotland, maintaining diverse occupations and contributions to society.

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 : 14 June 2025

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