Last Name Quenard

The surname Quenard is of French origin. It originates from a number of places in France, particularly Normandy and Brittany, where it was often spelled as Quignard or Quignart during the Middle Ages. It's derived from a given name, either Quiniard or Quirier, which were popular in these regions during that time. The name is thought to be derived from Old Norse 'Kvíarr', meaning 'war-brave'. As with many surnames, it was often used as a nickname for someone who displayed the qualities associated with the given name. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have varied due to local customs and scribal errors during record keeping.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quenard

The meaning and origin of the last name Quenard

The surname Quenard is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "quenart," which means "spear-heart" or "warrior with a spear." It is a variation of the more common French surnames such as Courtois (courageous) and Leclerc (the lion). The name Quenard was often given to warriors who were skilled in the use of spears, indicating their bravery and martial prowess. Over time, it became a hereditary name, passed down from father to son, and spread across France as families migrated for various reasons. Today, the surname Quenard is most commonly found in France, but also among French-speaking communities in other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quenard

The last name Quenard is primarily distributed across France, with significant concentrations in Brittany and the historical provinces of Normandy, Maine-et-Loire, and Ille-et-Vilaine, reflecting its Breton and Norman origins. Beyond France, descendants of French emigrants have carried the surname to various parts of North America, particularly Quebec, Ontario in Canada, as well as the United States, predominantly in the northeastern states such as Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Smaller groups can also be found in Australia and South America, often due to migrations from these North American settlements over time. The geographical spread of the Quenard surname reflects both historical French migration patterns and subsequent diaspora from these original settlements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quenard

The surname Quenard has several variations and spellings due to historical and regional differences in transcription. Some of these variations include: Quenart, Kenard, Quinnard, Keenard, Kienard, and Kaynard. These alternate spellings can be found in France, where the name originated, as well as in other countries where French settlers or immigrants have resided. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a given individual's surname may depend on factors such as regional dialects, scribes' errors, and personal preferences when immigrating to new countries. The name Quenard can be traced back to various regions in France, with the most common etymology deriving from the Old French words "quene" (countess) or "kenne" (gallows), indicating a family of nobility or a connection to justice and law enforcement.

Famous people with the last name Quenard

Notable individuals with the surname Quenard include:

1. Pierre-Édouard Bellegarde Quenard (1824–1904), a Canadian lawyer and politician, serving as the premier of Quebec from 1873 to 1878 and again in 1887.

2. Émile Quenard (1856-1932), a French painter and printmaker who was part of the Impressionist movement. His works include "La Rue de l'Échouerie" and "Les Champs d'Avril".

3. Pierre Quenard (1907-1986), a French footballer who played as a defender for teams like Red Star FC and RC Paris, and represented France in the 1930 World Cup.

4. Maurice Quenard (born 1927), a French actor known for his roles in films such as "The Green Slime" and "The Day of the Triffids". He also appeared in several television series including "The Saint" and "The Prisoner".

5. Jean-Paul Quenard (born 1948), a Canadian politician who served as the mayor of Sainte-Julienne, Quebec from 2001 to 2017. He also served as a Member of the National Assembly for the riding of Vaudreuil from 1998 to 2012.

Genealogical research on the last name Quenard

The surname Quenard originates from France, specifically the region of Brittany, and is derived from the Old French "quenard" meaning "fencer," reflecting its origin as a professionally-oriented name for someone who was skilled in fencing or archery. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 13th century in Normandy and Brittany, with some of the most notable families bearing the Quenard name settling in the region of Rennes during the Middle Ages. Over time, the family expanded across France and eventually emigrated to other European countries as well as North America due to religious and economic reasons. The largest groups of Quenards can now be found in France, Canada, and the United States, with notable branches extending to Australia and South America. As a result of this dispersal, there are various Quenard families across the globe who share similar origins but may have developed unique traditions or cultural practices over generations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quenard"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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