Last Name Maheu

The surname Maheu is of French origin. It comes from various regions in France, particularly Normandy and Picardy. The name is derived from a personal name "Mahieu," which was a diminutive form of Matthew (Maitre in French), one of the twelve apostles. Over time, the name evolved into its current spelling as surnames developed during the High Middle Ages, primarily among the nobility and landowners to help distinguish family members within feudal societies.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maheu

The meaning and origin of the last name Maheu

The surname Maheu is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "mais(se) hue," meaning 'may's house.' It is an occupational name for a tenant farmer who held his land by the right to cultivate the may (or maize), a type of crop. The name has been found in various spellings throughout history, including Mahieu, Maheu, and others, and it is most prevalent in France, Belgium, and Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization and migration. The surname Maheu is relatively uncommon outside of these regions but is still present in other parts of the world due to immigration waves from France, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maheu

The surname Maheu is predominantly distributed across French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, where it originated from. It is also present in other parts of France and its diaspora, such as Louisiana in the United States due to historical migrations. In addition, individuals with the last name Maheu can be found in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Haiti, reflecting the dispersal of French colonization and immigration patterns over centuries. The surname is relatively uncommon globally but holds significant cultural importance for those who bear it, particularly within the Quebecois community.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maheu

The surname Maheu has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription, transliteration, and regional pronunciations. Some of these variations include:

1. Mahieu (French variant)
2. Mahéou (less common French variant)
3. Mahieu-Dubreuil (compounded surname)
4. Maheux (English and Canadian variant)
5. Maheuc (rare English and Canadian variant)
6. Mahue (less common English variant)
7. MacHeugh, McHew, or McHow (Irish and Scottish variants derived from Gaelic Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh," a name associated with St. John the Baptist)
8. De Maheu (French noble title added to the surname)
9. Le Maheu (French occupational surname for a stonemason or builder, derived from the Old French term "maçon")
10. Du Maheu (French variant indicating ownership or origin)

It is important to note that these variations may have different origins and histories, so it is crucial to consider the geographical and cultural context when researching the origins of a specific Maheu family lineage.

Famous people with the last name Maheu

Notable individuals with the surname Maheu include:

1. Jean Maheu (1907-2004), a Canadian Roman Catholic theologian and cardinal who served as Archbishop of Montreal from 1967 to 1981. He played an important role in the Second Vatican Council and was known for his progressive views on modernizing the Church.

2. Claude Maheu (born 1948), a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who spent most of his career with the Montreal Canadiens, winning six Stanley Cup championships between 1965 and 1973. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981.

3. Rémy Maheu (1920-1995), a Swiss engineer who made significant contributions to the development of high-speed trains, including the TGV, the first French high-speed train system. He was also instrumental in establishing the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).

4. René Maheu (1922-2018), a French journalist and diplomat who served as the third Secretary-General of UNESCO from 1961 to 1974. During his tenure, he focused on promoting cultural diversity and expanding UNESCO's role in education, science, and culture.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as religion, sports, engineering, and diplomacy, demonstrating the versatility of the Maheu surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Maheu

The surname Maheu originates from France, specifically the region of Normandy. It is derived from the Old French personal name Mahieu or the occupational name Maitre-jeu, meaning "master of the game" or "game master." This surname has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including Maheut, Mahieu, and Mahiue.

In Canada, the Maheu family is notably connected to the French colonial period, with several notable members contributing significantly to the early development of Quebec. François Maheux, a prominent jurist, served as the first Intendant of New France from 1665 until his death in 1672. His descendants continued to hold influential positions within the colony and later, in Canada.

The surname Maheu is also found in other parts of the world, such as Belgium and the United States, due to emigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, the family is well-represented in several states, particularly in Michigan, Quebec, and Louisiana, where they have maintained their cultural heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maheu"
• 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 : 23 July 2025

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