Last Name Meurens

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meurens

The meaning and origin of the last name Meurens

The surname Meurens is of French origin, specifically from the region of Franche-Comté or Lorraine. It is derived from the Old French word "meure" which means "mule" or "donkey." In medieval times, occupational names often denoted the kind of work done by the individual, and in this case, it would have referred to someone who owned or worked with mules. As surnames were adopted during the Middle Ages, they became a way to identify individuals within their communities. Over time, various spellings and alterations have appeared for the name Meurens, including Mourens, Moeren, and Moren, reflecting the phonetic variations in local dialects. Today, this surname is primarily found in France but can also be found in other countries where French settlers have migrated, such as Canada and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meurens

The surname Meurens is predominantly found in France, particularly in the region of Alsace, which lies in the eastern part of the country along the German border. Additionally, it can be traced in other French-speaking regions such as Franche-Comté and Lorraine. A significant number of individuals with this surname also reside in Switzerland, specifically in the canton of Bern, due to historical migration patterns between Alsace and Switzerland. Small populations bearing the Meurens name can be found sparsely in other European countries like Belgium and Luxembourg as well. The dispersal of this name beyond Europe is minimal, but there are records of Meurens families in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States, primarily due to French and Swiss immigration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meurens

The surname Meurens, while predominantly found with this spelling, has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variations include Morens, Moehrs, Meurs, Meuron, Meyrers, Muerens, and Muirons. Each of these variations may be more prevalent in specific geographical locations or historical timeframes. For instance, the spelling "Meurs" might be more frequent in France, while "Muehrs" could be more common in Germany. It's important to note that the origins of this name are also diverse, with possible roots in various European languages such as French, German, and Dutch. The different spellings may have arisen due to factors like regional dialects, transcription errors, or changes in naming conventions over time.

Famous people with the last name Meurens

Notable individuals sharing the surname Meurens include:

1. Jacques Meurers (1949- ), a French politician who served as the Deputy Mayor of Nancy, France, from 2008 to 2014. He was also a member of the Regional Council of Lorraine from 2004 to 2015.

2. Jean Meursault (1896-1973), a French actor and singer who had an extensive career in both theater and film, appearing in over 70 films between 1929 and 1971. He is best known for his role as Roger Picquart in the 1954 film adaptation of "The Affair of the Dog at Bay."

3. Marcel Meurisse (1896-1960), a French comic strip artist who created the popular character "Prudhomme" during the interwar period. His work was influential in the development of the humorous comic strip genre.

4. Michel Meurice (1925-2013), a French racing driver who competed in Formula One from 1958 to 1961. He participated in 28 Grands Prix, scoring a best finish of fourth place at the 1959 Dutch Grand Prix.

Genealogical research on the last name Meurens

The surname Meurens is of French origin and is believed to have derived from various places named Mirecourt, Miraucourt, or Mérode in France. The name, which can also be spelled as Mairens or Meyerens, has been recorded since the late Middle Ages, primarily in Lorraine and Champagne regions. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Guillaume Meurens, who lived in the 14th century. The family is thought to have migrated from France to neighboring countries like Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland during the medieval period due to religious or economic reasons. The spread of the surname beyond these regions can be attributed to further migration waves throughout history, particularly during the Age of Discovery and industrial revolution periods.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "meurens"
• 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 : 15 June 2025