The last name Quenu is of French origin. It is derived from a medieval personal name, "Quenon," which comes from the Old French word "quenot" meaning "small head." This name was common among the Normans and was brought to France with the Norman Conquest in 1066. Over time, variations in spelling emerged, including Quenu, Quenod, and Quenette, due to scribal errors and regional dialects.
The surname Quenu is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany. It is believed to be derived from various places named Quenou or Quénéo found in this region. In Old Breton, "quen" means "head" and "ou" can mean "new" or "young," which might suggest an original meaning like "new headland" or "young head." However, it's important to note that surnames did not become widespread in France until the 13th and 14th centuries, so the exact origin of the name may be difficult to trace for individuals before this period. The spelling variations Quenou, Quénéo, Quenu, and others can also be found due to the phonetic changes that occurred over time in the French language.
The surname Quenu is primarily found in France, with significant concentrations in the Brittany region. It originates from the town of Quénéhan in the Côtes-d'Armor department of Brittany. Over time, variations such as Kwenou, Quenet, and Queneu have emerged due to spelling variations and migration. Smaller populations can also be found in other French-speaking regions like Quebec, Canada, and Switzerland. The name may have been brought to these areas by immigrants from Brittany during colonial times or later periods of emigration.
The surname Quenu has several variations and spellings in different contexts. Some common variants include Quenou, Quénol, Quenot, and Queno. These variations may originate from regional dialects or transcription errors over time. Additionally, some individuals may alter their last names during immigration, which can lead to further differences in spelling. It is important to note that these variations may affect the family history research as well as genealogical records associated with this surname. However, despite these variants, the root of the name, Quenu, is derived from a French occupational name for a maker of wooden vessels or casks, specifically "cunetier" in Old French, which comes from Latin "cuneus," meaning wedge-shaped.
Notable individuals with the surname Quenu include:
1. Jean-Baptiste Quénu (1794-1864), a French lawyer and politician who served as the Prefect of the Seine under Napoleon III.
2. Jacques Quénu (1905-1983), a French historian, specialist in early Christianity, and member of the Académie française.
3. Gilles Quénéau (born 1942), a French actor known for his work in cinema and television, particularly for his role in the French series "Les Frères Du Sang."
4. Dominique Quénu (born 1968), a French writer and journalist who has authored several novels and is known for her investigative reporting.
5. Laurent Quéniu (born 1974), a French former professional footballer who played as a defender for various clubs in France, including Marseille and Bordeaux.
The surname Quenu originates from France and is predominantly found in the Brittany region. It is derived from the Old Occitan word "Quint," meaning fifth. The name was initially used as a nickname for someone born as the fifth child in a family or perhaps for someone who lived on the fifth farm in a group of settlements. Notable figures bearing the Quenu surname include Jean-Jacques Quenu, a Breton writer and politician in the 19th century, and Jean Baptiste Quenu, a French architect known for his work in Brittany. The name's distribution has remained primarily within France, with some instances found in Canada due to French immigration.
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