NomOrigine Background

Last Name Rappaz

What is the origin of the last name Rappaz?

The last name "Rappaz" is of Swiss origin. It is a surname commonly found in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. The name likely has its roots in the old French word "rappa", meaning a large, flat stone. This surname may have originally been an occupational surname for someone who worked with or lived near such stones. It is also possible that the name could have originated from a place name in Switzerland.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rappaz

The meaning and origin of the last name Rappaz

The surname Rappaz is of Swiss origin, specifically from the region of Valais. It is believed to be of Germanic and ultimately Celtic origin. The name Rappaz is derived from the personal name "Rappo," which is a diminutive form of the Germanic name Radbod, meaning "fame-bright" or "renowned counsel." The addition of the suffix "–az" is a common practice in Swiss surnames, denoting a son of the original bearer. Over time, the surname Rappaz may have been used to denote the descendants of an individual named Rappo who then became known as the Rappaz family. Today, the surname Rappaz is still found in Switzerland and among Swiss descendants around the world, carrying on the legacy of its ancient origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rappaz

The last name Rappaz is a relatively rare surname with a geographical distribution primarily in Switzerland. It is most commonly found in the Valais region of the country, particularly in the cities of Sion and Martigny. In addition to Switzerland, there are also smaller populations of individuals with the surname Rappaz in neighboring countries such as France and Italy, where they may have migrated to over the years. Due to its limited presence outside of Switzerland, the surname Rappaz is considered to be a distinctly Swiss last name with strong ties to the Valais region. The name likely originated from a local place name or occupation and has been passed down through generations within families residing in this region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rappaz

The last name Rappaz can also be spelled as Rappas, Rappazet, Rappásová, Rappár, Rapa, Rapaise, Repaz, Rappazee, Rapazz, Rappazzo, or Rappan. These variations may differ based on the region of origin or the immigration history of the family. The name Rappaz is of Swiss origin and may have been altered as it spread to different countries over time. In some cases, the spelling may have been changed to accommodate different language preferences or to match the phonetic pronunciation in a particular region. Despite the various spellings, each version of the last name still holds significance for those who bear it, representing their heritage and familial connections.

Famous people with the last name Rappaz

There are no famous individuals with the last name Rappaz. It is possible that it is a rare surname or that no well-known individuals with this surname have gained widespread recognition in public or professional domains. It is important to note that fame and recognition are subjective and may vary among different cultural or regional contexts. If there are individuals with the last name Rappaz who have achieved notable accomplishments or made significant contributions to their fields, their recognition may be limited to specific communities or industries. Therefore, while there may not be any widely recognized figures with the last name Rappaz, it does not diminish the potential for individuals with this surname to have made important impacts in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Rappaz

The surname Rappaz is believed to have originated in Switzerland, specifically in the region of Valais. The name is derived from the old French word "rapace," meaning greedy or rapacious, suggesting that it may have been used as a nickname for someone with a greedy or rapacious nature. The earliest recorded instances of the Rappaz surname date back to the 14th century in the Valais region. Over the centuries, the Rappaz family likely spread to other parts of Switzerland and possibly beyond. Genealogical research on the Rappaz name may reveal connections to noble families in Valais or other historical figures. Today, individuals with the Rappaz surname can be found in various parts of Europe and even in other parts of the world, continuing the legacy of this ancient Swiss name.

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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Rapz (Last name)

surnames > rapz

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Rapygodd (Last name)

surnames > rapygodd

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Rapy (Last name)

surnames > rapy

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Rapvs (Last name)

surnames > rapvs

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Rapuzzi (Last name)

surnames > rapuzzi

The surname "Rapuzzi" is of Italian origin. It is believed to be derived from a regional or dialectal variation of the common Italian surname "Rapuzzi" or "Rapuano". The name may h...

Raput (Last name)

surnames > raput

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Rapusas (Last name)

surnames > rapusas

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Rapurcel (Last name)

surnames > rapurcel

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Rapur (Last name)

surnames > rapur

The last name "rapur" is of Finnish origin. It is a habitational name derived from the word "rapo," meaning moist or wet earth, indicating that the original bearer likely lived nea...

Rapunsel (Last name)

surnames > rapunsel

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Rapuncel (Last name)

surnames > rapuncel

The surname "Rapuncel" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "rapunzel," which refers to the rampion plant or the edible plant known as "rampion." The...

Rapun (Last name)

surnames > rapun

The last name "Rapun" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "rapon," which means "turnip." It is believed that this surname was originally given to someone wh...

Rapuk (Last name)

surnames > rapuk

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Rapuhdalamkenangan (Last name)

surnames > rapuhdalamkenangan

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Rapuh (Last name)

surnames > rapuh

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...