Last Name Marcade

Learn more about the origin of the last name Marcade

The meaning and origin of the last name Marcade

The surname Marcade is of French origin, derived from various places with similar names found in France. One possible source of the name is the commune Marcillac-en-Combraille in the Auvergne region, which was named for a local church dedicated to St. Maclac. Another possibility is the village Marcillat-en-Combraille, also in the Auvergne region. In these places, the name Marcade could have been a topographic name for someone who lived at or by a place with a "marc" (a post used for marking boundaries) or a habitation name for someone who lived at such a post. Over time, the spelling of the name has undergone variations due to factors like phonetic changes and scribal errors in records. The surname Marcade is relatively uncommon outside of France, but it has been found in other French-speaking countries as well as in parts of North America where French settlers migrated.

Geographical distribution of the last name Marcade

The surname Marcade has a notable concentration in France, with significant numbers in the Brittany and Pays de la Loire regions, reflecting its potential Breton origins. Smaller groups can be found in other French-speaking areas like Quebec in Canada and various Francophone African countries such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Haiti due to historical migrations. Scattered instances of the Marcade surname also appear in English-speaking regions, primarily in the United States, where it is most prevalent in states with large French-American populations like Louisiana and Maine. Additionally, minimal occurrences can be found in other European countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The distribution of the Marcade surname reflects historical patterns of migration and settlement among people of Breton descent throughout Europe and its colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Marcade

The surname Marcade has several variations and spellings, including Marcadet, Marquette, Markado, Marquet, and Markatt. These alterations may be due to phonetic changes over time, regional dialects, or errors in transcription. Other less common variants include Marcat, Marcaud, Marcaut, Marcauld, and Markeade. The name Marcade originates from France and is derived from the occupation of a maker or seller of goods made from wood, specifically "marqueterie" or marquetry. This occupation was often associated with skilled craftsmen who produced intricate designs on wooden surfaces. The spelling and pronunciation of this surname may vary based on factors such as geographical location and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Marcade

The Marcades are a notable family with significant contributions across various fields. One of the most renowned members is Marion Marcaude, a French actress and singer known for her roles in films like "The Night Visitor" and "The Lady from Shanghai." In the world of music, Marc Johnson, born as Marcel Marcade, is a Canadian jazz bassist who has collaborated with artists such as Herbie Hancock and Pat Metheny. Lastly, there's Marcade Hirschi, a Swiss tennis player, who achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 165 in 2014. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements associated with the Marcade name.

Genealogical research on the last name Marcade

The surname Marcade is of French origin, primarily found in the regions of Brittany and Normandy. Historically, it was a topographic name for someone who lived near a market or marketplace, derived from the Old French "marcat", meaning 'market'. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 13th century in Normandy, with Jean Marcad being documented in 1250. The family migrated to England during the Norman Conquest and established a presence there for several centuries. Notable individuals bearing the surname include Pierre Marcade, a French naval officer who fought against the British during the Seven Years' War, and Jacques Marcade, a Breton poet from the 16th century known for his contributions to the language and culture of Brittany. Today, the name remains relatively common in France, particularly in western regions, as well as among the French-Canadian diaspora in North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "marcade"
• 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 : 15 June 2025