The surname Plancq is a French patronymic name derived from the given name "Plancher," which comes from the Old French word "planchet" meaning "plank" or "floor." This name was often given as an occupational name to someone who worked with wood, specifically someone who made flooring. The surname Plancq is believed to have originated in Normandy, France and was brought to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066 by William the Conqueror's forces. Over time, variations of the name such as Planque, Planck, and Planke have also emerged.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Plancq
The meaning and origin of the last name Plancq
The surname Plancq is of French origin, derived from a topographical name meaning "from the flat land" or "from the plain field." It was originally a geographic name for someone who lived near a level or open area, and eventually became a hereditary surname. Over time, variations in spelling have arisen due to differences in transcription, including Planque, Placq, and Plank. The name is most commonly found in French-speaking regions of Europe, particularly in northern France.
Geographical distribution of the last name Plancq
The surname Plancq is primarily distributed across northern France, particularly in regions such as Picardy and Hauts-de-France, suggesting its origins may be traced back to these areas. It is also found in significant numbers in the Belgian provinces of West Flanders and East Flanders, which share a border with northern France, indicating potential migration or historical ties between the two regions. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the surname Plancq scattered across other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia, likely as a result of emigration events over centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Plancq
The surname Plancq has several variations and spellings. Some common versions include Planck, Plank, Planc, Plaunk, Planché, Plonk, Ploncq, and Plonqué. These variations may have originated due to differences in spelling conventions, transcription errors, or regional dialects over time. The name is likely of French origin, derived from a place name meaning "flat land" or "plain". This family name has been recorded in various regions of France and Belgium, with the earliest known records dating back to the 13th century. Some notable individuals bearing this surname include the German physicist Max Planck, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918, and Belgian author François-Auguste Gevaert, who wrote under the pen name Plancq.
Famous people with the last name Plancq
Notable individuals with the surname Plancq include:
1. Jean Plancq (born 1934), a French astronomer who is known for his research on variable stars and the discovery of numerous novae. He was the president of the International Astronomical Union from 1982 to 1985.
2. Pierre Plancq (1760-1827), a Belgian painter, primarily known for his landscapes and genre scenes in the Neoclassical style. His works can be found in museums across Europe.
3. Paul Plancq (born 1945), a French politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2019, representing the Union for a Popular Movement. He was previously a mayor and regional councilor in the Nord department.
These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields of astronomy, art, and politics, demonstrating the versatility and achievements of people sharing the Plancq surname.
Genealogical research on the last name Plancq
The Plancq surname originates from France, specifically the Normandy region. It is derived from the Old French word "plancher," meaning "floor" or "board." The name was likely an occupational name for a maker of floors or wooden structures. The Plancq family can be traced back to the 12th century, with the first recorded instance being Robert Planki in Normandy in 1170. The family expanded across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands during the Middle Ages, with notable branches established in Flanders and Brabant. In the 16th and 17th centuries, many Plancq descendants emigrated to the Americas, settling primarily in Quebec, Louisiana, and the United States. Notable figures bearing the surname include Pierre Plancque, a French colonist in Louisiana, and Pierre Plancke, a Flemish painter. The Plancq family tree has branches across multiple continents today.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The origin of the last name "Pla" can vary depending on the cultural or geographical context. Here are a few possibilities:
1. Pla is a Catalan surname derived from the Catalan wo...
The surname Placid is of Latin origin derived from the personal name "Placidus," meaning calm or serene. It was a popular name among early Christians and was later adopted as a sur...
The surname Plagnol is believed to have origins in France. It is derived from various places with similar names found in that country. For instance, "Plagnoles" is a commune in the...
The last name "Plaimeh Gurung" is of Nepalese origin. Gurung is a common surname in Nepal, particularly among the Gurung ethnic group. Plaimeh is likely a variation or combination...
The surname Plais (or Plaiz) is of French origin. It comes from a place name or geographical feature, such as a field or clearing, and is derived from the Old French word "plaz" me...
The surname Plakalo is believed to have origins in Russia and Ukraine. It is derived from a variety of sources, including geographical locations, occupations, or nicknames. One pos...
The last name "Plakkal" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is a surname commonly used by families belonging to the Syrian Christian community in Kerala.
The last name Plakkan is of Norwegian origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse personal name Plakkr, which means "to splitter" or "to shatter".
The surname "Plameras" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "palma," meaning palm tree. It is likely that the original bearer of the surname lived near or work...
The last name Plamkudathil is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is believed to be derived from the place name "Plamkudathil" in Kerala, indicating a possi...
The last name "Plammoottil" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is a traditional surname used by families who belong to the Syrian Christian community in...
