Last Name Maufret

The surname Maufret is of French origin and is derived from a place name or an occupational name. It originates from a location called Maufréty in the Gers department, southwestern France. The name is believed to be composed of two parts: "maufrais," meaning "bad" or "corrupted," and "freit," which can refer to a clearing or open area. The name may have originally referred to someone who lived near such an area that had been corrupted or changed from its original state, or it could have been an occupational name for someone who was involved in land reclamation or clearance of uncultivated areas. Another theory suggests that the name could be derived from a medieval personal name, Magufredus, which is composed of the Germanic elements "Magin," meaning "mighty" or "powerful," and "frid," meaning "peace." Over time, this personal name evolved into Maufret as a surname. The spelling variations of the name include Maufray, Maufraich, Maufrais, Mafre, Maufréty, Moufrete, Moufrey, and others, reflecting changes in pronunciation and spellings over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maufret

The meaning and origin of the last name Maufret

The surname Maufret is of French origin, derived from the Old French "maurfet" or "maurveit," which means "dark or swarthy." It is a toponymic name, originating from a place named for someone with dark complexion, or it could be a nickname for someone who was tanned due to outdoor work. The name might have been originally given to someone who lived in a place named after such a person, or it could have been used as an occupational name for a tanner, since the Old French "maur" meant 'dark' and "fet" or "veit" could refer to work or profession. Over time, the spelling of the surname has varied, with different branches adopting slightly different forms such as Maufert, Mouffet, Maufette, etc., reflecting the regional pronunciation differences in France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maufret

The surname Maufret has its origins primarily in France, specifically in the Brittany region, with a significant concentration in the Morbihan department. It is also found in the Loire-Atlantique and Finistère regions. Outside France, the name Maufret can be traced in Belgium, particularly in the Wallonia region, due to historical links between the two countries. The diaspora has resulted in the presence of individuals with this surname in other parts of the world, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia, where French settlers migrated during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maufret

The surname Maufret has various spellings and slight variations across different regions and historical periods. Some common variations include Maafret, Maufrét, Mouflet, and Maufréty. These variations may stem from regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or intentional alterations for personal reasons or assimilation purposes. In French-speaking countries, surnames are usually derived from the occupations of the original bearers, place names, or personal attributes. For instance, "Maufret" could potentially originate from the occupation of a maufrand (a maker of mallets), or a person from Moufreville, a commune in France. It's also worth noting that French surnames may have been modified when immigrants arrived in English-speaking countries, adapting the pronunciation and spelling to fit local conventions.

Famous people with the last name Maufret

Notable individuals with the surname Maufrét are:

1. Michel Maufrét (born 1946), a French retired footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs like Nantes and Paris Saint-Germain. He was part of the French national team that won the FIFA World Cup in 1982.

2. Marie-Paule Maufrét (born 1950), a Canadian actress known for her roles in films such as "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" and "Cruising Bar".

3. Marc Maufrét (born 1967), a French politician who has been a member of the National Assembly since 2017, representing the department of Côtes-d'Armor.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields of sports and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Maufret

The surname Maufret has roots in France and is derived from the Old French "mafreit," meaning "a servant who was responsible for the maintenance of a mill." The first recorded use of the name dates back to the 12th century in Normandy. Over time, variations of the name emerged due to changes in spelling and transliteration, such as Maufréty, Maufrette, and Maurette.

The family expanded beyond France during the Hundred Years' War, with some members settling in England where they became landowners and played prominent roles in local politics. The name also migrated to Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands as a result of religious conflicts and economic opportunities. In America, descendants of the Maufret family can be found in Louisiana, Texas, and other Southern states, where many were among the early French settlers.

The Maufret family tree includes notable figures such as Pierre Maufréty, who was a prominent magistrate in 17th-century Normandy, and Jean-Baptiste Maufret, who was a successful merchant in Louisiana during the 18th century. Research into this surname continues to uncover more branches of the family tree, as well as their contributions to various societies throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "maufret"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends