What is the origin of the last name Martin-dit-latour?

The surname Martin-Dit-Latroque (or Martin-Dit-Latour) is a French patronymic name derived from the given name Martin and the preposition "de," which means "of" or "from." In feudal France, the use of surnames was common as a way to distinguish individuals with the same first names. The addition of "dit" (which means "called") before the surname became popular in the Middle Ages and allowed people to choose their own nicknames or descriptive names to differentiate themselves further. The term "latour," which is often seen as part of this name, may have originated from a place name or a specific location. For example, it could refer to someone who lived near or came from a town called Latour (which means tower in French). This practice of using place names as surnames was common in France and other European countries during the Middle Ages. However, without specific genealogical records for an individual named Martin-Dit-Latroque, it is impossible to determine the exact origin or the specific location that this surname came from.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Martin-dit-latour

The meaning and origin of the last name Martin-dit-latour

The surname Martin-Dit-Lapointe is a compound French name consisting of two distinct parts: "Martin" and "Dit-Lapointe."

The origin of the name Martin can be traced back to the Latin name Marcus, which was borne by the ancient Roman god of war, Mars. Over time, this Latin name evolved into the Old French form "Materne," which eventually transformed into the modern surname "Martin."

On the other hand, Dit-Lapointe is a locative name that originated from a specific place or geographical feature. The term "Dit" is a Norman-French word meaning 'small estate' or 'farm,' while "Lapointe" is believed to refer to a point or promontory, possibly named after a local landmark.

Combined, the surname Martin-Dit-Lapointe suggests that an ancestor once lived on a small farm near a prominent geographical feature, such as a hill or cape, and was known by both names. The name has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including French-Canadian politicians, artists, and scientists.

Geographical distribution of the last name Martin-dit-latour

The surname Martin-Dit-Latroque is predominantly found in France and has roots traced back to the region of Picardy, specifically the village of Latour-Saint-Hilaire. Over time, it spread across the country due to migration and settlement. Today, it remains a common surname in various regions of France, particularly in the northern and western parts of the country. Outside of France, the name can also be found among French diaspora communities in other countries, notably Canada, Belgium, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Martin-dit-latour

The surname Martineau-Latroche,Martin dit Latour, Martin-Latour, and Martin Latoche are variants of the same family name, which is of French origin. The "dit" (meaning "called") and hyphenation in these names serve to differentiate individuals with the same last name, particularly within a single generation or region. These variations may have evolved over time due to factors such as geographical migration, spelling errors, or personal preference. In genealogical research, it is important to consider all possible spellings and variations of a family name in order to accurately trace ancestors.

Famous people with the last name Martin-dit-latour

Notable individuals sharing the surname Martin-Dit-Lapoire include:

1. Jacques Martin-Chauffier dit Latour (1867-1942), a French politician who served as a Deputy for the Seine department between 1919 and 1932.

2. Bernard Martin-Launde, also known as Bernard Martin dit Lauré, was a French architect from Normandy, famous for his work on the Cathedral of Bayeux.

3. Pierre Martin-Dit-Latour (1807-1865), a French general who fought in the Crimean War and participated in the Siege of Sevastopol.

4. Yves Martin-Dit-Latour (born 1942), a French businessman and politician, President of Renault from 1992 to 1996.

5. Jean-Marie Martin-Laurière (1938-2020), a French actor known for his roles in films such as "The Four Hundred Blows" and "Breathless."

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, architecture, military service, business, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Martin-dit-latour

The Martin-Dit-Latur family originates from France and is believed to have roots dating back to the medieval period. The surname Martin, meaning "warlike" or "a servant of Mars," is one of the oldest and most common in France. The addition of "dit" (meaning "called") and "Latour" (meaning "tower") are nicknames indicating a distinctive physical feature or profession.

The family's earliest known ancestor is Hugues Martin, who lived in the Lorraine region during the 12th century. Over time, various branches of the Martin-Dit-Latur family spread throughout France and Belgium. One notable branch settled in Normandy, where they held prominent roles in local government and nobility. The family's coat of arms features a white tower on a red field, representing the Latour part of their name.

Throughout history, members of the Martin-Dit-Latur family have made significant contributions to various fields such as politics, military service, art, and literature. Notable figures include Jean Martin-dit-Latour, who was an influential architect during the 18th century, and Marie Martin-dit-Latour, a prominent social activist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, descendants of the Martin-Dit-Latur family can be found all over the world.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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