Last Name Mauc

The surname Mauc originates from France. It is a habitational name derived from various places called Mauce or Mauves, located in several regions including Calvados, Maine-et-Loire, Orne, and Pas-de-Calais. These place names are believed to be derived from the Gallo-Roman personal name Maucius or Mauctius, meaning "brave warrior" or "fierce fighter." The surname was later brought to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mauc

The meaning and origin of the last name Mauc

The surname Mauc originates from France, specifically the regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur. It is a toponymic name, meaning it was originally derived from a place where the original bearer resided or held land. The name Mauc is believed to be associated with several locations in these regions, such as Mauges (in Maine-et-Loire) or Mauves (in Gard), both of which have Norman roots and were likely settled by followers of William the Conqueror after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Over time, people from these areas migrated to other parts of France and beyond, carrying their surnames with them. The name Mauc is relatively uncommon outside of France but has been found occasionally in countries with significant French immigration such as Canada and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mauc

The surname Mauc is predominantly found in France, specifically in the regions of Occitanie and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, where it originates from the medieval era. In Occitanie, it is most common in the departments of Tarn, Aveyron, and Haute-Garonne. In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, it is particularly present in Isère, Drôme, and Ardèche. There are also smaller concentrations of Mauc families in other parts of France, but the aforementioned regions account for the majority of its distribution. Outside France, there are scattered instances of the surname Mauc in countries with significant French-speaking populations such as Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mauc

The surname Mauc has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some of the common spelling variants include Mauk, Mauch, Mauhk, Mawck, and Mahk. These variations may be due to phonetic spelling changes over time, differences in regional dialects, or errors in transcription during immigration and census records. Additionally, some families with this name may have originated from France, where the name could be derived from the Occitan word "maus" meaning "moose," or from the Germanic word "mogk" which means "frog." It's essential to note that these are possible origins and not definitive, as surnames often evolved based on a variety of factors.

Famous people with the last name Mauc

Notable individuals with the surname Mauc include:

1. Daniel Mauc (born 1962), a French politician who served as Secretary of State for Sustainable Development and Town Planning under President Emmanuel Macron from 2017 to 2020.
2. Jean-Jacques Mauc let Houchard (1766-1845), a French general who played a significant role in the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Austerlitz and the Battle of Waterloo.
3. Georges Mauc (born 1936), a French mathematician known for his contributions to mathematical analysis, functional analysis, and dynamical systems.
4. Antoine Mauc (1752-1805), a French military officer who served during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. He was a notable figure in the Battle of Toulon in 1793.
5. Gérard Mauc (born 1944), a French historian specializing in the history of the Middle Ages, particularly the Carolingian era.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, military, mathematics, and history.

Genealogical research on the last name Mauc

The surname Mauc originates from France, specifically the region of Savoie, where it is believed to have emerged as a nickname for a person with a swarthy complexion or dark hair, derived from the Old French word "maus" meaning "dark." The name has various spellings, including Mauce, Mauss, and Mausse, due to historical inconsistencies in spelling and transliteration.

The Mauc family is believed to have migrated to Switzerland during the Middle Ages, with notable branches settling in Vaud and Geneva. By the 16th century, the name had spread across Europe, reaching areas such as Belgium, Germany, and Italy due to religious conflicts and economic opportunities.

In modern times, the Mauc family has been traced back to the French Huguenots who emigrated to the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries, settling primarily in Louisiana, South Carolina, and Virginia. The name continues to be prevalent today in these regions as well as in France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "mauc"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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