What is the origin of the last name Maquart?

The surname Maquart is believed to have originated from France, specifically in the region of Picardy. It is derived from a geographical location called Macquer or Maquaire, which was located near Amiens, according to some historical records. The name may have been originally a nickname for someone who lived near or hailed from this place. Over time, it became a hereditary surname as families carried the name from one generation to the next. As with many surnames, it followed the individual and their family when they migrated to other regions and countries.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Maquart

The surname Maquart is believed to originate from France, specifically the region of Picardy. It is a habitation name derived from various places called Maucourt or Maucourt, which can be found in several regions of the country. These place names are thought to have been named after the Old French word "mau" meaning "bad" or "poor", and "cort" meaning "enclosure" or "village". The name Maquart could have originally referred to someone who lived near one of these places with a less than favorable reputation. Over time, as families migrated and spread across regions, variations in the spelling of the surname emerged.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maquart

The surname Maquart is primarily distributed across France, particularly in the region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy, reflecting its historical roots. Its presence can also be traced in Belgium, specifically in Wallonia, due to geographical proximity and historical ties between these two regions. Surnames often provide insight into migration patterns, and in this case, the Maquart surname suggests a concentration of families within these regions for several generations. There are also smaller populations scattered across France and other European countries, likely due to migrations over time, though the majority of bearers still reside in the areas mentioned above.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maquart

The surname Maquart can have several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include MacQuart, Mackuart, MacKwart, Makwart, and Makvart. These variations arise from the French and Norman forms of the name, which originated as Mac Carthaigh or MacCarthy in Ireland. Over time, the name evolved to its current form through various processes such as anglicization and cultural assimilation. It is also important to note that different branches of the family may have adopted slightly different spellings over centuries, reflecting their unique histories and lineages.

Famous people with the last name Maquart

Notable individuals with the surname Maquart include:

1. Charles Maquart (1924-2016), a Belgian politician who served as the Minister of Public Works and Housing from 1978 to 1980, Minister of Defense from 1980 to 1981, and a Senator from 1974 to 1995.

2. Olivier Maquart (born 1986), a French musician who is the guitarist for the band Gojira. The band has gained international recognition in the heavy metal genre.

3. Léon Maquart (1872-1940), a Belgian painter and illustrator, known for his realistic paintings of animals and landscapes.

4. Jules Maquart (1896-1969), a Belgian footballer who played as a striker for several clubs including Racing White and Anderlecht, and represented the Belgium national team at the 1920 Summer Olympics.

5. Yves Maquart (born 1946), a Belgian writer and journalist, best known for his work on comic books and science fiction literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Maquart

The Maquart surname is of French origin, believed to have derived from various places named Maucourt or Mauquier in France. Early records indicate that this surname was first documented during the late Middle Ages. Notable individuals with the Maquart surname include Jean-Baptiste Maquart, a Flemish composer and organist born in the early 17th century, and Edouard Maquart, a French politician who served as Minister of Public Instruction under Napoleon III. The surname spread to various regions, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg due to historical migrations. In contemporary times, the Maquart family can be found primarily in France, Belgium, and North America, with notable concentrations in Quebec, Canada, and the states of New York and California in the United States.

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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