Last Name Orliac

Learn more about the origin of the last name Orliac

The meaning and origin of the last name Orliac

The surname Orliac is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany. It is derived from a place name, indicating that an individual originally hailed from a location named Orliac. The name "Orliac" itself comes from the Celtic language and can be interpreted as "oar-like" or "rowlock," possibly referring to the shape of the land where the original settlement was located. Over time, the surname has been spelled in various ways, including Orlian, Orlean, and Orliac, reflecting the phonetic variations that occurred during migration and historical recordkeeping. The name's French origin suggests a Norman or Breton ancestry for those bearing this surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Orliac

The surname Orliac is predominantly found in France, with significant concentrations in the regions of Brittany and Pays de la Loire. It originates from the village of Orléans, located in Loiret, a department in central France. As a result, many bearers of this name can be traced back to the area around Orleans. Beyond France, there are also scattered instances of the surname Orliac in other French-speaking countries like Belgium and Switzerland, as well as in English-speaking countries, particularly in Canada and the United States, due to historical migrations. It's important to note that the distribution can vary significantly depending on the specific spelling variations of the name, such as Orléan or Orliacq.

Variants and spellings of the last name Orliac

The surname Orliac has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common forms include Orlyak, Orliyak, Oryak, and Uriak. These variations may originate from regional dialects or errors during the recording of genealogical data. The name could also have been altered as a result of assimilation or migration. Despite these differences, they all share the common root of "Orly" which is believed to be of Slavic origin and translates to "oak meadow" or "oak clearing".

Famous people with the last name Orliac

Notable individuals with the surname Orliac include:

1. Jean-Pierre Orliac (born 1938), a French violinist and conductor, known for his work with various orchestras worldwide.
2. François Orliac (1940-2015), a French actor who appeared in numerous films and television series, notably "Le Clan des Siciliens" and "Les Misérables."
3. Vincent Orliac (born 1978), a French professional soccer player who played for clubs such as Olympique de Marseille and FC Lorient.
4. Alexandre Orliac (born 1982), a French screenwriter, director, and producer, known for his work on television shows like "Nos chers voisins" and "Plus belle la vie."
5. Pierre-Alain Orliac (born 1960), a French journalist and writer who has contributed to publications such as Le Monde and Les Inrockuptibles.

Genealogical research on the last name Orliac

The Orliac surname originates from France, specifically the region of Gers and Tarn-et-Garonne, where it is believed to have been first recorded during the late Middle Ages. The name is thought to be derived from various places named Orliac in these regions, such as Orliac-de-Saint-Saulieu, Orliac-Dessus, and Orliaguet. Throughout history, several branches of the Orliac family have been documented. Notable members include Guillaume Orliac, a knight who fought in the French army during the 14th century, and Antoine Orliac, a French officer and nobleman who lived in the 18th century. Additionally, many descendants of the Orliac family emigrated from France to North America, with significant numbers settling in Louisiana and Quebec. The Orliac surname remains relatively uncommon but is still found across several countries today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "orliac"
• 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 : 26 July 2025