Last Name Orleans

The last name "Orleans" has French origins. It is believed to have originally been a locational surname, derived from the city of Orléans in France. Orléans is a city located in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, and the name likely denoted someone who came from or lived near this city. The name could have been adopted by individuals who migrated from Orléans to other regions or countries. Today, the surname Orleans can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in countries with French influence.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Orleans

The meaning and origin of the last name Orleans

The surname Orleans is of French origin and is derived from the name of the city Orleans in France. The city itself gets its name from the Gaulish tribe that settled there, the Carnutes, who called the city "Genabum". Over time, the name evolved to "Aurelianum" in Latin, and eventually became Orleans in French. The surname Orleans likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived in or near the city of Orleans, or as a surname for someone who migrated from Orleans to a different region. The name may also have been adopted by French noble families who held titles or lands in the region. Today, the surname Orleans can be found in France and in countries with a history of French immigration, such as the United States and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Orleans

The last name Orleans has a diverse geographical distribution, with the highest concentration found in France, particularly in the city of Orleans and the surrounding region. It is also prevalent in other French-speaking countries such as Canada, particularly in Quebec. In the United States, the surname Orleans is most commonly found in Louisiana, likely due to the influence of French settlers in the region. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Orleans in various other countries around the world, including Brazil, Italy, and Israel. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Orleans reflects the historical movements of French-speaking populations and their descendants, with concentrations in areas where French culture and influence have been significant.

Variants and spellings of the last name Orleans

The last name Orleans can be spelled and variations include Orlean, Orléans, Orleanz, Orleane, and Orlians. This surname is of French origin and is derived from the city of Orléans in France. The variations in spelling could be due to different dialects, pronunciations, or simple errors in transcription over time. The name Orleans is relatively uncommon and is likely to be found in regions with French influence or heritage. Families with this last name may have roots tracing back to France or may have ancestors who emigrated from there. The surname Orleans is unique and distinct, making those who bear it stand out in a crowd. Whether spelled Orlean or Orleane, the name Orleans carries with it a sense of history and tradition from the French city it is linked to.

Famous people with the last name Orleans

One famous person with the last name Orleans is Philip d'Orleans, Duke of Orleans, who was a member of the French royal family during the 17th and 18th centuries. He was known for his involvement in the regency periods of both Louis XIV and Louis XV reigns in France. Another well-known individual with the surname Orleans is Louis-Philippe of Orleans, King of the French from 1830 to 1848. He was a key figure in the July Revolution of 1830 that resulted in the overthrow of King Charles X. Additionally, the rock band "Orleans" is famous for their hit songs such as "Still the One" and "Dance with Me." This American rock band was formed in 1972 and has been a staple in the music industry ever since.

Genealogical research on the last name Orleans

The last name Orleans is of French origin, deriving from the city of Orléans in central France. The name is believed to have been originally a locational surname, indicating someone from Orléans or a person who lived near this city. Variations of the surname include d'Orleans and De Orleans. The Orleans family has a rich history, with notable individuals such as the House of Orléans, a French royal house that descended from the Capetian dynasty. The family has played prominent roles in French history, with members holding titles such as Duke of Orléans and Count of Orléans. Genealogical research on the Orleans surname may reveal connections to noble and royal lineages in France, as well as branches of the family that have spread to other countries over the centuries.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Orleans"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends