The surname Meges or Mègue is of Old French origin, derived from the personal name Meilhac (a variant of Melchior), which was borne by various saints and a number of early medieval figures. It later evolved into the toponymic surname indicating a person from a place named with this personal name or a derivative thereof.
In French-speaking regions, it is often spelled as Mègue or Méjean; in Anglophone countries, it has been anglicized into various forms including Meggs, Megee, and Meigs. The surname's distribution is primarily found in France, the British Isles, and North America.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Mege
The meaning and origin of the last name Mege
The surname Megé is primarily of French origin, stemming from various regions such as Normandy and Brittany. It is derived from several possible sources, with one being a locative name for someone who lived near a meadow or pasture, as "mégiez" means "meadow" in Old French. Another possibility is that it originated as a nickname for someone with red hair, as "mège" is an old term for ginger or reddish-brown color in Middle French. The surname has various spellings and variations over time, including Megée, Mégé, Mègue, etc., due to the phonetic changes and regional dialects of medieval France.
Geographical distribution of the last name Mege
The surname Meges is predominantly found in Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria, where it originates from medieval Germanic origins. Historically, it has been associated with several Germanic tribes such as the Alamanni, Bavarians, and Swabians. In Germany, it is most prevalent in the southern regions, including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Hesse. In Austria, it is more common in the provinces of Lower Austria, Styria, and Carinthia. In recent times, due to migration, people with the surname Meges can also be found in other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variants and spellings of the last name Mege
The surname Megé, Megae, Mégé, or Mega can be found across various regions, largely due to its Latin origin. The name is derived from the Roman family name Magnus, meaning "great" or "large." Over time, it has been spelled and pronounced in several ways depending on regional dialects and language evolutions. Some other variations of this surname include MacMegaw, Mac Megan, Maguire, and MacEgan, which are mostly found in Ireland due to the influence of Gaelic phonetics and spelling customs. Additionally, some French-speaking families with the name may spell it as Mégard or Mégie, reflecting the evolution of the name through the years.
Famous people with the last name Mege
The Meges family has produced notable individuals in various fields. One of the most renowned is Paul-Émile Victor Megaw (1863-1953), a French explorer, ethnologist, and photographer who made significant contributions to the knowledge of the Arctic regions and indigenous peoples. Another well-known individual is Jean Megargee Glenny (1884-1976), an American actress who appeared in more than 200 films during Hollywood's silent era. In recent times, Christie Brinkley Megaw (b. 1954), an American model and actress, has gained fame as a cover model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for three consecutive years and for her roles in various TV shows and movies. Lastly, the Meges family also includes Peter Megaw (1873-1926), a geologist who was instrumental in the discovery of oil in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq.
Genealogical research on the last name Mege
The surname Megé, originating from France, is believed to have several potential origins. One theory suggests that it comes from the Old French term "mège," meaning "boy" or "servant." Another hypothesis links the name to the Old Norse personal name "Mikjälfr," which could have been brought to France by Viking invaders. The Megé family, originating from Normandy, played a significant role during the Hundred Years' War, with members serving in various military capacities for both the English and French forces. Notable figures with this surname include Jean-Baptiste Megé, a French artist known for his works on religious themes, and Victor Megé, a renowned French composer and musician. The name has since spread worldwide due to migration waves, particularly to countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia.
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