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Last Name Marfaing

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What is the origin of the last name Marfaing?

The surname Marfaing is believed to have origins in France, specifically from the region around Dole in the Jura department. The name may be derived from various local places named "Marfens" or "Marcfen". The first known mention of this name dates back to the 13th century. As with many surnames, it was likely originally a geographical or occupational name.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Marfaing

The surname Marfaing is of French origin, specifically from the region of Picardy in northern France. It is derived from the personal name "Mafra" or "Maffre," which was a medieval given name of uncertain etymology. Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Maumfret, Maufray, and Marfaing. The surname likely emerged during the High Middle Ages (10th-12th centuries) as an occupational or nickname for someone associated with a certain locality named Maffre or Mafra. Alternatively, it could have originated from a family that held a fief or land called Mafra or Maffre. The name spread to other regions of France and eventually immigrated to other parts of the world due to historical events such as the French Revolution and colonization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Marfaing

The surname Marfaing is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Haute-Savoie, Rhône-Alpes, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, where it originated. It's also present in other parts of the country but at lower frequencies. Outside of France, the name can be found in countries with significant French-speaking populations, like Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland, due to historical migrations. In Canada, Quebec province shows a notable concentration of individuals bearing this surname. However, its distribution outside these regions is relatively low compared to its prevalence in France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Marfaing

The surname Marfaing has several variants and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some common variations include Marfaining, Marfeing, Marffeing, Marving, Marfieng, and Mafraing. These variations may arise from regional dialects, errors in record-keeping, or attempts to phonetically represent the name in different languages. Additionally, some individuals may have slightly modified their surnames due to personal preference or assimilation into a new cultural environment. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different families but rather different representations of the same original surname.

Famous people with the last name Marfaing

Among the well-known individuals bearing the surname Marfaing are:

1. Jean-Claude Marfaing (born 1946), a French politician who served as the Secretary General of the Socialist Party between 2008 and 2012.
2. Gérard Marfaing (1923-2016), a French archaeologist, best known for his work in Mesopotamia and his contributions to Assyriology.
3. Christine Marfaing (born 1958), a French politician who has served as a Member of the European Parliament since 2019.
4. Michel Marfaing (born 1967), a French artist known for his sculptures and installations, often inspired by nature and mythology.
5. Pierre Marfaing (born 1938), a French economist and statistician who worked extensively on economic development and poverty issues.

Genealogical research on the last name Marfaing

The Marfaing surname is believed to have originated from France, specifically from the region of Savoie. It is thought to be a toponymic name derived from various locations named "Marfay" or similar variations found in Savoie and Isère. The earliest known record of this family name dates back to the 13th century, with the mention of Guillaume de Marfay in a document from 1246. Over the centuries, the surname has spread throughout France and beyond due to migrations. Some notable individuals bearing the Marfaing name include Jacques Marfaing (1827-1895), a French painter, and Jacques Marfaing (1850-1931), a French engineer and inventor. Genealogical research reveals various branches of the Marfaing family in France, as well as in countries like Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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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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