Last Name Marche

The surname Marche is believed to have origins in various regions and periods throughout history due to its multiple possible etymologies. 1. Geographical Origin: It is thought that the surname Marche could originate from a place called Marche, which is located in several Italian regions such as Marche (The Marches), Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. This suggests a geographic origin for the surname. 2. Occupational Origin: The name Marche might also have an occupational origin, derived from the Old French word "marcher," meaning "to march" or "a borderer." In medieval Europe, such names were often given to people who lived near borders or traveled frequently for work. 3. Patronymic Origin: Marche could potentially be a patronymic surname, derived from the personal name Marc or Mark. This name has its roots in both Greek (Marcus) and Latin (Marcus, Marcellus). In this context, the suffix "-e" would indicate that the surname belongs to the son of someone named Marc/Mark. 4. Diminutive Origin: Some sources suggest that Marche could be a diminutive or nickname form of other names containing the elements "marc-," such as Marcellus, Marcus, or Marcia. The "-e" suffix in this case would likely indicate affection or endearment. Without more specific information about an individual with the surname Marche, it's difficult to determine its exact origin with certainty. Historical research and genealogical records can provide additional insights into the origins of specific families with this surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Marche

The meaning and origin of the last name Marche

The surname Marche originates from Italy, specifically from regions such as Marche (formerly known as the Marches) and Romagna. It is a topographic or local surname derived from the name of a place where the original bearer lived or hailed from. Over time, the name has been anglicized from various Italian regional dialects into the more familiar form, Marche. The region of Marche, located in central Italy, was once ruled by various powerful families like the Malatesta and Montefeltro, which could have contributed to its adoption as a surname by their followers or subjects. The surname Marche is now widespread globally due to Italian immigration, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Marche

The surname Marche has a significant presence in various regions across Europe, particularly in Italy, where it is one of the most common Italian last names and can be found predominantly in the regions of Abruzzo, Marche, Lazio, and Umbria, reflecting its historical origin from these areas. The name also appears in France, especially in the region of Franche-Comté and around Paris. In Belgium, it is mainly concentrated in the French-speaking Wallonia region. Additionally, there are small populations with the surname Marche in Switzerland and the Netherlands. In North America, Italian immigrants brought the name to countries like Canada and the United States, where it can be found primarily in areas with high concentrations of Italian-Americans.

Variants and spellings of the last name Marche

The surname Marche has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. In English, it is primarily spelled as Marche, Marché, or Marchi. In French, it can be spelled as Marche, Marches, or Marcès. Additionally, there are Italian versions such as Marchio, Marchi, or Marcello. The name has Germanic origins and is derived from the word 'mark', meaning boundary or frontier. These variations and spellings have evolved over time due to differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, and transliteration.

Famous people with the last name Marche

Notable individuals with the surname Marche include:

1. John Marche (1897-1964), an American writer and screenwriter known for his work on films like "A Farewell to Arms" and "The Old Maid."

2. Robert Marche (born 1954), a French journalist, television presenter, and author who has written multiple books on politics and history.

3. Joseph-Armand Marche (1870-1946), a Canadian lawyer and politician who served as the 12th Premier of Quebec from 1926 to 1935.

4. Jean Marche (1924-2014), a French poet, novelist, essayist, and translator who was a member of the Académie française.

5. David Marche (born 1987), an American actor and voice actor known for his roles in animated series such as "The Legend of Tarzan" and "The Batman."

6. Elisa Marche (born 1989), an Italian footballer who plays as a midfielder for ACF Fiorentina and the Italy women's national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Marche

The surname Marche originates from Italy, specifically the region of Marche, where it is believed to have been derived from various locations within the area such as Macerata and Ancona. The name has Italian roots, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a topographical name for someone who lived in or near a marshy area, derived from the Italian word "maccio" meaning marsh or swamp. As Italian immigrants migrated to other countries, particularly North and South America, the surname Marche also spread, establishing communities in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Variations of the name include Marchi, De Marche, and Macci. Notable figures with the surname Marche include Giuseppe Marchese, an Italian poet and writer, and Giovanni Battista Marchetti, a renowned 19th-century Italian mathematician.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Marche"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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