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Last Name Rascle

What is the origin of the last name Rascle?

The surname Rascle is believed to be of French origin. It is derived from various occupational names, including "rascler," which means "to plane" or "shave" in Old French, likely referring to a woodworker who planes or smooths wooden surfaces for a living. Another possible origin is from the Old Norse word "hroslfr," meaning "horse ruler." However, without specific family history, it's difficult to definitively pinpoint the exact origin of the surname Rascle.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rascle

The meaning and origin of the last name Rascle

The surname Rascle is of French origin, primarily found in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. The name is believed to be an occupational or nickname surname, derived from the Old French term "rascler," meaning "to scrape" or "scrape off." This could suggest that the original bearer of this surname may have been a scribe or someone who worked as a scraper in a trade, such as a shoemaker. Alternatively, it could also be a nickname for a person with a rough or harsh personality. The Rascle family name has a long history dating back to the late Middle Ages, and variations of the name can be found throughout France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rascle

The surname Rascle is predominantly found in France and its surrounding regions. According to data from various genealogical resources, it is most frequent in the eastern parts of the country, particularly in Grand Est, Alsace, and Lorraine regions. Historically, these areas were part of the Holy Roman Empire before being annexed by France, which may explain the concentration of this surname in these regions. Small populations of individuals with the last name Rascle can also be found in other French-speaking countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada due to migration over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rascle

The surname Rascle has several variations and spellings in different languages and regions. In English, it is primarily spelled as "Rascle." However, it may also be found with slight modifications such as "Rasclé" or "Rascle," which are phonetic adaptations of the original French form of the name. The French version is "Rasclé," pronounced [ʁasklɛ]. Other variations might include hyphenated forms like Rascle-Bois, Rascle-Dubois, or Rascle-Labat, indicating possible family lineage expansions or additions. It's essential to note that the spelling of surnames can change over time due to various factors like migration, transliteration, and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Rascle

Notable individuals with the surname Rascle include:

1. Marc-Olivier Rascle (born 1967), a French economist and banker who served as the Chief Executive Officer of the global investment banking firm UBS Investment Bank from 2008 to 2013. Prior to joining UBS, he held senior positions at Credit Suisse and Société Générale.

2. Alain Rascle (born 1946), a French actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series since the late 1970s. Some of his notable roles include "Le Grand Restaurant" (1976), "Les Fous de Bassan" (1981), and "L'Affaire Morin" (2000).

3. Isabelle Rascle (born 1958), a French journalist, author, and political commentator. She has worked for various media outlets, including France Inter and Europe 1 radio stations, and published several books on politics and current affairs.

4. Vincent Rascle (born 1976), a French composer known for his work in film and television music. Some of his notable scores include the films "Un monstre à Paris" (2011) and "L'Étrange Poussière du temps" (2014).

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning economics, acting, journalism, and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Rascle

The surname Rascle is believed to have originated in France and is predominantly found in the region of Alsace. Its etymology is linked to the Old French word "rascler," meaning "to scrape" or "to scour." One notable figure with this surname is Philippe Rascle, a French racing cyclist who won the Tour de France in 1981.

The Rascles are thought to have migrated from France to Germany during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly to the Palatinate region, due to religious persecution. Some branches of the family later moved to Switzerland and the United States in the 19th century. In the U.S., Rascles are primarily found in states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana.

Genealogical records indicate that the name has various spellings including Rascle, Rassel, and Raschel, likely due to phonetic variations during transcriptions over time. Family trees trace the lineage of the Rascles back to the 16th century in France, with branches extending across Europe and the Americas.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 29 July 2025

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