Last Name Quesnel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quesnel

The meaning and origin of the last name Quesnel

The surname Quesnel is a French name derived from various places bearing that name in France. It primarily comes from the town in Normandy, named Quesnay, which means "oak grove" in Old French. The name might have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near an oak grove or a habitational name for someone from any of the places called Quesnay. Over time, it has been anglicized to various forms like Chesnel and Quesnel. The surname Quesnel is also found among French Canadian settlers in North America due to the colonization efforts in the 17th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quesnel

The surname Quesnel has a notable presence in various regions, primarily in Canada and the United States, reflecting their French origins. In Canada, it is most frequent in the province of Quebec, where it is often associated with French Canadian ancestry. Outside Quebec, significant populations can be found in other provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick. In the United States, Louisiana, Maine, and Vermont show a considerable number of individuals bearing this surname, also indicative of their French-Canadian heritage. Additionally, smaller groups can be found in various parts of the U.S., often linked to migration from Quebec during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Quesnel River in British Columbia, Canada, is named after a French Canadian explorer with this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quesnel

The surname Quesnel has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variants include Quézel, Quesnell, Quezal, Kezell, Cusnal, Kesnel, Cuesnel, and Quesson. These variations can be found across different countries, including France, Canada, and the United States, where the name originates from the region of Normandy. The spelling "Quesnel" is the most common variant, with its pronunciation being /kuzˈnɛl/ or /keɪˈzɛl/. Despite these variations, all forms share a common etymology, deriving from the Norman-French surname meaning 'oak grove'.

Famous people with the last name Quesnel

Notable individuals with the surname Quesnel include:

1. Alexandre-Arsène Quesnel (1826–1903), a Canadian educator and priest, who played a significant role in the development of French Catholic schools in Quebec.

2. André Quesnel (born 1954), a Canadian former ice hockey player who won two Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens.

3. Émilie Quesnel (born 1987), a Canadian actress, best known for her role as Chantal Legault in the television series Trauma.

4. Gaétan Quesnel (born 1968), a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL).

5. Pierre Quesnel (1927–2021), a French politician and journalist, who served as Mayor of Rennes from 1977 to 2001.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as education, sports, acting, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Quesnel

The surname Quesnel originates from France and is derived from various places named Quesnay or Quenéville, primarily found in Normandy and Brittany regions. The name is an occupational name for a beekeeper, derived from the Old French "que(u)nele", meaning "hive". Some of the earliest records of the surname Quesnel date back to the 12th century in France, with notable figures such as Robert de Queneville, Lord of Falaise, who lived during the reign of King Henry II of England. The name spread to other parts of Europe during the medieval period due to migration and colonization efforts by French settlers. In North America, Quesnel is most common in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Quebec and British Columbia, where it is thought to have been brought by early French-Canadian settlers.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quesnel"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 28 July 2025