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Last Name Queyroux

What is the origin of the last name Queyroux?

The surname Queyroux is of French origin. It is derived from the Old Occitan word "querolh" which means "crooked mouth." Over time, this term evolved into Querou, and eventually, Queyroux. People bearing this surname may have origins in southwestern France or the adjacent regions of northern Spain and Portugal, where Occitan was historically spoken.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Queyroux

The meaning and origin of the last name Queyroux

The surname Queyroux is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It's derived from the Old French "que" meaning 'head' or 'chief', and "roux", meaning 'red'. Thus, Queyroux can be interpreted as 'Red Chief' or 'Red Head'. The name may have been given to someone who had red hair or a prominent position in their community. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have varied across regions due to the phonetic and orthographic changes that occurred during the Middle Ages and beyond. Today, it can be found among French-speaking communities worldwide, as well as in countries with significant French influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Queyroux

The surname Queyroux is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, where it represents one of the most common surnames among the Acadian community and those of French descent. It also has significant presence in France, notably in the southwestern region of La Réunion island, as well as in the departments of Guyane and Martinique, due to historical Acadian migration patterns. Additionally, Queyroux is found sparsely in Louisiana, United States, among descendants of the Acadians who were exiled from Canada in the 18th century. Small numbers of families bearing the name can also be traced in countries such as Argentina and Uruguay, where French immigrants settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Queyroux

The surname Queyroux is primarily of French origin and has various spellings and variants due to differences in transcription over time and regions. Some common variations include Keyroux, Keirouaux, Kieouroux, Keiroux, Querouze, Kerouac (popularized by the American novelist Jean-Louis Lebris de Kérouac), and others such as Queyrat, Queyras, and Queyssi. It's important to note that these variations may not all be directly interchangeable due to differences in regional pronunciation and historical context. However, they are all derived from the root "Queyroux," which is generally believed to mean "from the rough woodland" or "rough place."

Famous people with the last name Queyroux

Andre Breton, a prominent figure in the Surrealist movement, was one of the most notable individuals bearing the surname Queyroux. Born in 1896 in Tours, France, he is renowned for co-founding the Surrealist group in 1924 and authoring key works such as "Manifestoes of Surrealism" and "Nadja." Another significant figure with the last name Queyroux was Marie Vieux-Champion (1914–1967), a Haitian novelist known for her passionate depictions of life in Haiti. Her novels, including "Cold Earth" and "Voodoo and Love," explored themes of love, political upheaval, and the complexities of Haitian culture and society. Additionally, Raphaël Queyroux (born 1987), a French footballer, gained fame as a midfielder for clubs such as AS Monaco and Lille OSC. His international career has also included appearances for France's youth teams, further cementing his status in the sporting world. These individuals, hailing from diverse fields, demonstrate the breadth of achievement and influence by those sharing the last name Queyroux.

Genealogical research on the last name Queyroux

The Queyroux surname is of French origin and is predominantly found in the provinces of Quebec and Acadia in Canada. It derives from the Occitan word "quèraus," meaning "furrow" or "ditch." One of the earliest known records of the name in North America is Michel Quiroux, who settled in Quebec in 1645. Over time, variations such as Quirouette, Keiroux, and Queiroux emerged due to regional dialects and spelling discrepancies. Many descendants of this line can be traced back to the colony of Acadia, where they were expelled during the Great Expulsion in 1755. Today, the Queyroux surname is still predominantly found in Canada and Louisiana, USA, where French settlers migrated after being driven out of Acadia.

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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 : 15 June 2025

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