Last Name Paccard

The surname Paccard is of French origin and has a geographical meaning. It is derived from the Old French term "pacart", which means "field" or "clearing". The name was likely given to someone who lived near such a clearing, or it could have been used as a topographic name for someone living near a field or clearing. However, it's important to note that surnames did not become hereditary until the 12th and 13th centuries in Europe, so the specific individual who first bore this name is unknown.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Paccard

The meaning and origin of the last name Paccard

The surname Paccard is of French origin, specifically from the region of Savoie in southeastern France. It is believed to be a topographic name derived from the Old French word "pacart," which referred to a small enclosure or farmyard. Over time, this name may have been applied to someone who lived near such a place or whose occupation was related to it. The family name Paccard gained notoriety with Jean-Antoine Paccard (1798-1839), a prominent Swiss mountain guide and pioneer alpinist known for his first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1808. Today, the Paccard Glacier on Mont Blanc is named after him.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paccard

The surname Paccard is primarily found in French-speaking regions, particularly Switzerland and France. Its distribution in these countries reflects historical events such as migration and population movements. In Switzerland, it is most prevalent in the canton of Vaud, which was a hub for Calvinist refugees from France during the 16th century. In France, it is mainly concentrated in the Rhône-Alpes region, particularly around the city of Annecy where the famous mountaineer Michel Paccard was born. The name also appears sporadically in other French regions and in countries with significant French colonization history, such as Quebec, Canada. However, its occurrence outside these areas is relatively rare.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paccard

The surname Paccard has various spellings and variations, which may arise due to differences in transcription, translation, or regional dialects over time. Some common spelling variations include Pacard, Paccart, Paccard, Packard, Pacardo, Pacardet, and Pacarte. These variations may also be found with diacritic marks, such as Paccard (French) and Paccards (Flemish). Additionally, surnames can evolve over generations and geographical locations, leading to further alterations in spelling. For instance, a French-Canadian family bearing the original French name Pacard may have it spelled as Packard in the United States due to anglicization. However, it's essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different surnames, but rather alternative spellings of the same root name.

Famous people with the last name Paccard

Notable individuals with the surname Paccard include:

1. Henri Paccard (1793-1883), a French mountain guide who was instrumental in the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786, along with Jacques Balmat and Michel Gabriel Paccard. He is recognized for his contribution to alpinism.

2. Henri Paccard (1874-1953), a Swiss painter and etcher who was part of the Nabis group of modern artists in Paris during the late 19th century. His works often depicted scenes from his hometown of Geneva.

3. Michel Gabriel Paccard Jr. (1826-1874), the nephew of the original Mont Blanc guide, was also a mountain guide and explorer who led expeditions in the Alps and North America. He is known for his contributions to mountaineering literature.

These individuals have made significant marks in their respective fields, with Paccard's family name becoming synonymous with alpinism due to their historical and ongoing contributions to mountain exploration.

Genealogical research on the last name Paccard

The surname Paccard is primarily associated with France and Switzerland. Originating from the Old French 'pacquet', meaning 'small packet', it was likely an occupational name for a packer or porter. A notable bearer of this name is Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, a Swiss naturalist and geographer who lived in the 18th century. His family originated from Sion, Valais, Switzerland, where they were prominent citizens and held various public offices. In France, the Paccard family was established in Savoy, with several members serving as local magistrates and officials. A significant branch of the Paccard family resides in the town of Le Grand-Bornand in the Haute-Savoie region. The name has also been found in other parts of France, suggesting a dispersal from its original region of origin over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "paccard"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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