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Last Name Paque

What is the origin of the last name Paque?

The surname "Paque" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "paque" which means a sack or pack used for carrying goods, and later became a metaphorical term meaning someone who was strong and sturdy like a sack. It may have been a nickname for a person who carried heavy loads or possessed strength and resilience. The surname Paque is also found in Belgium, the Netherlands, and other French-speaking regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Paque

The meaning and origin of the last name Paque

The surname Paque, pronounced /ˈpɑːk/, is of French and Portuguese origin. It derives from the Old French word "paque" or the Portuguese word "paquete," which mean 'package' or 'parcel.' In medieval times, it was often used as an occupational name for a packer or a porter who carried goods in bundles or packages. The surname may also have been acquired as a nickname for someone of sturdy build, resembling a heavy package or burden. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have varied across different regions due to linguistic shifts and historical influences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paque

The surname Paque is predominantly found in regions that were once under French influence, primarily France and its former colonies. It is particularly common in Quebec, Canada, where it ranks among the top 1000 most common surnames. In France, it can be found across various departments, although it is more prevalent in the northern region of Normandy. The name also has a presence in the French Caribbean islands such as Martinique and Guadeloupe. Additionally, small populations carrying the last name Paque are scattered across the United States, particularly in states with large French-Canadian or Acadian communities like Louisiana and Maine. In summary, the geographical distribution of the surname Paque is primarily concentrated in areas influenced by French culture, most notably Canada, France, and its Caribbean territories, as well as the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paque

The surname Paque can be spelled and pronounced in several ways, offering various alternatives and regional spellings. Here are some common variants:

1. Paqué - This variant is typically found among French speakers and has an accent over the 'e'. It implies a more formal or traditional pronunciation.
2. Pague - This spelling is less common but can be seen occasionally, particularly in English-speaking regions where accents may not be used consistently.
3. Paco - A shortened form that originates from Spain and Portuguese-speaking cultures, typically used for male individuals named Paquito or Paquimón as a nickname.
4. Pagé - This variant is found among French Canadian families, often due to phonetic spelling differences between the two countries.
5. Packe - An Anglicized version of the surname, which may have originated from immigrants coming from France or other regions where Paqué was common.
6. Paake - A less common variant that could result from typographical errors, mispronunciations, or transcriptions over time.

Famous people with the last name Paque

Notable individuals with the surname Paquette or its variation Paque include:

1. **Alexandre Paquette**, a French Canadian artist born in Quebec City in 1863, known for his portraits and landscapes.
2. **Fabrice Paquet**, a Swiss politician who served as the member of the Swiss Federal Council from 2015 to 2021, representing the canton of Geneva.
3. **Gerard Paquette**, an American musician, composer, and conductor best known for his work in the field of choral music.
4. **José Paquete-Blois**, a Portuguese-born Brazilian politician who served as the 26th President of Brazil from 1985 to 1990.
5. **Robert Paquette** (1937–2015), an American historian, author, and professor known for his work on the history of the Iroquois Confederacy and Native American-French relations.

Genealogical research on the last name Paque

The surname Paque originates from France and is derived from the Old French word "paque" meaning pack or bundle, reflecting its original occupational connotation. The earliest recorded instances of the surname can be traced back to the 13th century in regions such as Brittany and Normandy. As French settlers migrated to other parts of Europe and later America, the name spread, with notable Paque families emerging in Canada, Germany, Belgium, and the United States. In North America, many descendants of the Paque family can be found in Acadia (present-day Nova Scotia), having been expelled during the Great Expulsion in 1755. The surname continues to be popular among these French Canadian communities and has branches across North America today.

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 : 13 June 2025

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