Last Name Monne

The surname "Monne" has origins that can be traced to various countries due to its multiple possible meanings and roots. In French, it is a variant of the name Monnet, which could be an occupational name for a monk or a habitual name for someone who lived near a monastery. The word "monne" in French also means "bald" or "shorn." In German, Monne can be derived from the personal name Mundwin, which was used during the Middle Ages and is composed of the elements "mund" (mouth) and "wine" (friend). The origin of surnames like Monne in Central Europe often lies in regional dialects that have since evolved over time. Therefore, the specific origin for an individual with this last name can vary based on their ancestral region within these areas.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Monne

The meaning and origin of the last name Monne

The surname Monne is of Old French origin, derived from the given name "Monna" which was used as a pet form for names containing the element "monnaie," meaning money or wealth. Over time, this name evolved into various forms such as Monnet and Monne in different regions. The usage and spelling of the surname Monne can be found in France, Belgium, and some parts of Switzerland, suggesting its roots in the French-speaking regions. Its bearers have made significant contributions to various fields over the centuries, leaving a notable impact on history and culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Monne

The surname Monne is predominantly found in France and Belgium, with significant concentrations in these two countries. In France, it is most common in the regions of Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Alsace, Lorraine, and Franche-Comté. In Belgium, it is more frequent in Wallonia than Flanders, particularly in the provinces of Liège, Hainaut, and Namur. There are also smaller groups of people with the Monne surname in Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Germany, reflecting historical migrations from France and Belgium to these neighboring countries. Beyond Europe, there are scattered instances of the Monne name in other parts of the world, primarily among French and Belgian diaspora communities in North America and Oceania.

Variants and spellings of the last name Monne

The surname Monne has various spellings and variations, mainly due to differences in pronunciation and transcription over time and across regions. Some common spelling variants include: Monnay, Monnai, Monnaie, Monneau, Monnette, Monnet, Monnett, Monnot, and Monete. These variations can be found among individuals of French or Belgian descent, as the name originates from these countries. It is important to note that the exact origins and meanings of these surnames may vary slightly, with some deriving from places, occupations, or personal names in Old French. For a comprehensive understanding, research into specific lineages and historical records may be necessary.

Famous people with the last name Monne

Notable individuals with the surname Monne include:

1. **Jean-Pierre Monnet** (1910-2005), a French diplomat and academic, who was the son of Jean Monnet, one of the founding fathers of the European Union. He served as the French ambassador to Israel and Canada.

2. **Jean Monnet** (1888-1979), a French economist and statesman, is considered the father of the European Union. He played a key role in the Schuman Plan, which laid the foundation for the EU.

3. **Melinda Monne** (born 1960), an American actress who has appeared in various television series such as "The Love Boat", "Hunter", and "Charles in Charge".

4. **Jonathan Monné** (born 1985), a Swiss professional tennis player, who achieved a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 37 in May 2013.

5. **Nancy Monroe Monne** (1926-2014), an American activist and educator, who played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. She was also a leader in the fight against apartheid in South Africa.

Genealogical research on the last name Monne

The surname Monne originates from France and is primarily found in regions such as Normandy and Brittany. It is a topographic surname, derived from the Old French "monce," meaning "hill" or "mound." Early records show that this name was first documented in the 12th century, with one Hugues Monne listed in the cartularies of the abbey of Sainte-Trinité de Fécamp in 1159. Throughout the Middle Ages, many bearers of the name Monne emigrated from France to England and other parts of Europe, contributing to the dispersal of this surname across the continent. The descendants of these early Monnes can be found in various countries today, including Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. Notable individuals with the surname Monne include the French Resistance member Pierre Monne, and the American baseball player Frank Monahan (who changed his name from Monne). The family tree of this surname continues to expand as new generations continue to research their ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Monne"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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