Last Name Ourives

The surname Ouvrines (also spelled as Ouvrines, Ouvrières, etc.) has its origins in France. It is a toponymic surname, derived from a place where the original bearer lived or held land. The name is associated with various locations throughout France, particularly in the region of Normandy and Brittany. The name is believed to have been derived from the Old French "ouvrir" which means "to open," suggesting that the original settlement was located near an opening such as a gate or a door.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ourives

The meaning and origin of the last name Ourives

The surname Ouvrées is of French origin, derived from the Old French term "ouvrée," which means "small farm" or "enclosed field." It was most likely adopted by people who lived on such a small farm or owned an enclosed piece of land. Over time, as families migrated and settled in different regions, variations of the name emerged. These can include Ouvrée, Ouvré, Ouvié, and other spellings based on local dialects and phonetic adaptations. Today, individuals with this surname can be found across France and its diaspora, reflecting the historical mobility and expansion of French-speaking populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ourives

The surname Ouvrées is primarily concentrated in France, with the highest frequency observed in the region of Brittany, particularly in the departments of Côtes-d'Armor and Finistère. This suggests a potential Breton origin for this name. Smaller concentrations are also found in other parts of France, but their frequency diminishes significantly compared to Brittany. Beyond France, there are notable Ouvrées families in Canada, predominantly in Quebec due to historical French immigration. A few instances can be found in the United States and Belgium as well, indicating a dispersal of the family over time. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Ouvrées reflects the historic migration patterns from France, particularly to Quebec, Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ourives

The surname Ouvries has various spellings and pronunciations, reflecting regional differences and individual preferences. Some of the most common variants include:

1. Ouvry - This is one of the most straightforward variations, with just one 'y' at the end.
2. Ouvery - Adding an additional 'e' at the end results in this spelling.
3. Ouvriez - The French version, where the final 's' indicates that it is a feminine surname.
4. Ouvers - A shorter, more anglicized form of the name.
5. Owers - Another anglicization with a slightly different vowel sound in the second syllable.
6. Ovres - A less common spelling that still retains the original 's' sound at the end.
7. Ouverses - This version adds an additional 'e' at the end, which can be found in some regions or families.
8. Ouvrées - The feminine form in French, with an additional accent over the final 'e'.
9. Ouvriès - A variant that replaces the final 's' with an 'iè'.
10. Overis (or Oueris) - The Italianized version of the name, which changes the spelling to better fit that language's phonetic system.

These variations demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of the surname Ouvries across different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Ourives

Among individuals bearing the surname Ouvry, two notable figures stand out:

1. Sir Charles Oman (1860-1941) was a British military historian known for his extensive work on the history of the Crusades and the Peninsular War. His seminal work, "A History of the Peninsular War," is still widely regarded as one of the best histories of that period.

2. Sir Bernard Charles O'Brien Ouvry (1876-1945), an Australian judge and scholar, was a Justice of the High Court of Australia from 1930 until his death in 1945. He is remembered for his contributions to Australian constitutional law, particularly his work on the interpretation of the Constitution and federalism.

Both Oman and O'Brien-Ouvry were highly respected figures in their respective fields and left lasting legacies in military history and constitutional law, respectively.

Genealogical research on the last name Ourives

The surname Ouvrives is of French origin, derived from the Old French "ouvrer" meaning "to work," and likely designated someone who worked with their hands or as a craftsman. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Pierre Ouvrages, born in Paris around 1260. The name spread to other regions of France and eventually migrated to neighboring countries, such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany, due to migration during medieval times and the Hundred Years' War. In Canada, the family arrived with French settlers beginning in the 17th century. In the United States, early records show Jean Ouvrard immigrating from France to Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635. The name has various spellings throughout history, including Ovrard, Ouvart, and Ouvrages, reflecting regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Today, the Ouvrives family can be found across North America, with significant concentrations in Quebec, Ontario, and Louisiana.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "ourives"
• 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

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