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Last Name Meignan

What is the origin of the last name Meignan?

The last name "Meignan" is of French origin. It is derived from the medieval personal name "Magnus," which means "great" in Latin. Over time, "Magnus" developed into various forms and spellings, including "Magin," "Megne," and eventually "Meignan." Like many surnames, Meignan may have originated as a way to distinguish or identify individuals within a community.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Meignan

The meaning and origin of the last name Meignan

The surname Meignan derives from the Old French word "mai(n)e," meaning "hand," indicating someone who worked with or had skillful hands. This occupational name suggests that the original bearer may have been a skilled artisan or craftsman. The suffix "-an" denotes a connection or association, thus highlighting that the individual was specifically linked to the trade or craft involving skillful handwork. The name likely originated in medieval France, where specialized trades were essential to the economic and social fabric of the time. Over the centuries, the Meignan surname may have spread beyond its original region due to migration, changes in occupation, or other circumstances. As with many surnames, variations and alternate spellings may exist over time, reflecting different pronunciations or regional dialects. Today, individuals with the surname Meignan can be found globally, although the name is not particularly common.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meignan

The last name Meignan has a relatively limited geographical distribution. It is primarily associated with the western region of France, particularly in the department of Maine-et-Loire. This department, located in the Pays de la Loire region, is where the name has its strongest concentration. Within Maine-et-Loire, Meignan is frequently found in towns and cities such as Angers, Cholet, and Saumur. Outside of France, the surname Meignan is less common but can still be found in other parts of the world. Many individuals with this name emigrated during various waves of French migration, particularly to North America. As a result, there may be small communities of individuals with the surname Meignan in countries such as Canada and the United States. Overall, the geographic distribution of the last name Meignan is centered in the western region of France, but it can also be found in other parts of the world due to emigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meignan

The surname Meignan is of French origin and is believed to have originated from the region of Normandy. However, over time, variations and spellings of this name have emerged due to various factors such as migration, transcription errors, and regional dialects. Some potential variations and spellings of the last name Meignan may include Meignen, Mainhan, Meingnan, Maygnan, Mainan, Meignand, Menan, Maignen, Meignane, Meinan, and many others. These variations may have arisen as individuals moved to different regions or as scribes recorded the name phonetically. It is also common for individuals to anglicize their surnames, resulting in different spellings, which may include Mainan, Maygnan, or Menan. Despite these variations, all the spellings are likely to be derived from the same ancestral name, Meignan, and reflect the diversity and evolution of surnames throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Meignan

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any famous individuals with the last name Meignan. It is possible that there may be lesser-known figures or individuals with this surname who have not gained widespread recognition or prominence in the public eye. It is also worth noting that certain details or nuances within the context of the question may contribute to this lack of information. If there are any specific interests or backgrounds associated with the name Meignan, please provide further details, and I will try my best to assist you.

Genealogical research on the last name Meignan

The last name Meignan can be traced back to medieval times in France. The name is derived from the Old French word "mesnée," which originally referred to a household or family. Over time, "mesnée" evolved into "mesnage," and later "maisonnage," which means household management. The name Meignan is thought to have originated as a surname for someone who was responsible for managing a noble or important household. Records show that the Meignan family has long resided in various regions of France, including Brittany, Normandy, and Anjou. The surname has gained prominence in these regions, with branches of the Meignan family establishing themselves as notable landowners, merchants, and professionals throughout history. Today, Meignan is a relatively rare surname, primarily concentrated in France. However, due to emigration and globalization, individuals with the last name Meignan can also be found in other countries, particularly Canada and the United States.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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