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Last Name Negre

What is the origin of the last name Negre?

The last name "Negre" is of Catalan origin. It is derived from the Catalan word "negre" which means "black" in English. The surname likely originated as a descriptive term for someone with dark hair, complexion, or clothing. It is a common surname in Catalonia and other Catalan-speaking regions of Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Negre

The meaning and origin of the last name Negre

The surname Negre is derived from the Catalan and Occitan word "negre," meaning "black" in English. This surname was primarily bestowed upon individuals who had dark skin tone or had physical features associated with the color black. As a surname, it can be traced back to the regions of Catalonia and Occitania in present-day Spain and France, respectively. Given its meaning and origin, it is likely that the name was either a nickname or a descriptive name originally. Additionally, variations of this surname can be found in different regions, such as Negré in France. Over time, individuals with the surname Negre migrated to various parts of the world, leading to the dispersion of the name. Despite variations in spelling and pronunciation, the underlying meaning remains consistent, representing the connections to one's ancestry and heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Negre

The last name Negre has a diverse geographical distribution, predominantly found in several countries across Europe and Latin America. In Europe, it is more prevalent in countries like France, Spain, and Italy. France, in particular, is known to have a significant population with this surname, especially in regions like Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. In Spain, it is commonly found in regions like Catalonia and Valencia. Italy also has a notable presence of individuals with the last name Negre, particularly in regions such as Veneto and Lombardy.

Outside of Europe, the last name Negre is also found in various Latin American countries. Countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil have significant populations with this surname. Specifically, Argentina has a notable concentration of individuals with the last name Negre, particularly in the regions of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, and Córdoba. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Negre showcases its prevalence in Europe and Latin America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Negre

The last name Negre can be found spelled in various ways, with different variations and spellings. Some common variations include Negre, Nègre, and Nègre. Other less common variations may include Negra, Negris, and Negres. The origin of the name Negre is French and it is derived from the word "négre" which means "Negro" or "Black" in French. It is a surname that has likely been passed down through generations and may have different spellings due to changes in language, migration, or personal preferences. Despite the variations in spelling, the name Negre remains a distinct and recognizable surname with a rich history and cultural significance.

Famous people with the last name Negre

There are several famous people with the last name Negre, including Spanish photographer and visual artist Cristina de Middel Negre, known for her work exploring themes of identity and representation. Additionally, French photographer Bernard Plossu Negre is renowned for his captivating black-and-white images that capture the essence of everyday life. Another notable figure is French footballer and coach Raoul Barrière Negre, who achieved success as a player and later went on to coach multiple teams. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on the worlds of art, sports, and photography.

Genealogical research on the last name Negre

The surname Negre is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "negre" meaning black or dark-skinned. This name was likely used to describe someone with dark hair or complexion. One of the earliest recordings of the surname is in 1223, when a Gautier le Negre is mentioned in Langlois, France. Over time, the Negre family spread throughout France and into other parts of Europe. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Negre surname can be found in Spain, Italy, and even the Americas, as individuals with this name immigrated to seek new opportunities. Today, the Negre surname is still found in various countries around the world, with individuals carrying on the legacy of their ancestors. Genealogical research on the Negre surname may uncover connections to different regions and historical events that have shaped this family's history.

Last name distribution maps

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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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