Last Name Mauger

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mauger

The meaning and origin of the last name Mauger

The surname Mauger is of French origin, derived from the Old German name Maginhard or Magnus Hard, which means "great warrior." It was originally a given name composed of the elements 'Mago' meaning "magnificent" or "powerful" and 'hard' denoting "brave" or "strong." The name later evolved into Mauger during the Middle Ages as French became widely spoken in Normandy. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Mauger de Valenciennes, a 10th-century Norman lord, and William Mauger, who served as Archbishop of Rouen in the 11th century. The name spread to England with the Norman Conquest in 1066 and has since become common among French and English speakers worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mauger

The surname Mauger has its roots in France and is predominantly found in that country. Historically, it was most common in the Normandy region, specifically in the department of Calvados, where it originated from the town of Mouger, hence the name Mauger. Over time, people bearing this name migrated to other parts of Europe, particularly England, Belgium, and Switzerland, due to historical events such as the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. In modern times, Mauger can also be found among French and British diaspora communities worldwide, including Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mauger

The surname Mauger has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across geographical regions. Some common variants include:

1. Maquereau (French)
2. Maugé (French)
3. Maquer (Belgian French)
4. Mager (Dutch)
5. Magor, Mawger (Anglicized forms in English-speaking countries)
6. Maguer (Spanish and Portuguese)
7. Mauguer (French)
8. MacGour, Mackour (Scottish Gaelic)
9. Maquire, Macquire (Irish)
10. de Mauger (noble French family)

These variations may have arisen from regional dialects, changes in pronunciation over time, or from attempts to adapt the name to different languages and cultures. Despite these differences, they all share a common root, originating from the Old French word "maquer" meaning "to stroke" or "caress."

Famous people with the last name Mauger

Notable individuals bearing the surname Mauger include:

1. Sir John Mauger (died 1406), an English knight and politician who served as Lord Mayor of London from 1379 to 1380.
2. Alain Mauger (born 1957), a French former professional road racing cyclist who competed between 1979 and 1992, and won the Paris-Nice race in 1986.
3. Pierre Mauger (1600–1667), a French Jesuit missionary to China during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties.
4. Jacques Mauger (born 1951), a Canadian retired professional ice hockey defenseman who played for several NHL teams in the 1970s and 1980s, most notably the Montreal Canadiens.
5. Jeanne Mauger (1827–1896), also known as Mère Jeanne de la Croix, a French Roman Catholic religious sister and founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny.
6. Arthur Mauger (born 1938), an English actor who has appeared in several films and television series since the 1950s, including roles in "The Lion in Winter" and "Doctor Who."

Genealogical research on the last name Mauger

The Mauger surname is believed to have originated from Normandy, France, and is derived from the Old Norse name Magus, meaning "magnus" or "great." It was introduced to England by the Norman conquerors in the 11th century. One of the earliest recorded instances of the Mauger surname is Robert de Mager, who fought alongside William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The family later settled in England and became prominent in various regions, such as Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Devon. Notable figures with this surname include Sir John Mauger, a knight who fought in the Hundred Years War, and Sir Hugh Maunder Mauger, a member of Parliament during the Tudor period. The name has since spread globally, with significant populations found in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mauger"
• 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 : 23 July 2025