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Last Name Rivard

What is the origin of the last name Rivard?

The surname Rivard is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "rivière," which means "river." This name was originally used as a topographical name for someone who lived near a river or stream, or it could have been an occupational name for someone who worked on or maintained a river. The name has since spread to other countries where French settlers have emigrated, such as Canada and the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rivard

The meaning and origin of the last name Rivard

The surname Rivard is of French-Canadian origin, derived from the term "rivière" which means 'river' in French. This name was often given to people who lived near or worked on rivers, or to those who migrated from France along the Saint Lawrence River into Canada. Over time, variations such as Riviere, Riveau, and Ribault emerged due to regional dialects and phonetic adaptations. The surname Rivard is most prevalent in Quebec, Canada but can also be found among French-speaking populations in Louisiana, USA due to historical migration patterns. It is a common surname within the Canadian Francophone community, reflecting the region's history and cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rivard

The surname Rivard is predominantly distributed across French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada. It also holds a significant presence within the French communities in Louisiana, United States, due to historical migrations from Quebec in the 18th and 19 centuries. Additionally, the name Rivard can be found in small numbers in France, particularly in the region of Normandy, suggesting an early origin of the name there. In recent times, individuals with the surname Rivard have also been located in other parts of Canada and the United States, as well as countries like Belgium, Brazil, and Haiti, reflecting diasporic movements and globalization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rivard

The surname Rivard has several variations and spelling derivatives. They include Riouard, Ryvoire, Rivoire, Rivoire, Ryvaux, Riveau, Riveau, Riviere, Ryver, Reveur, and Revoir. Each of these names represents a unique take on the original name, which likely originated from France. The name Rivard is derived from "rivière," the French word for river, indicating that an ancestor may have lived near or worked on a river. Variations may arise due to differences in dialect, migration patterns, and historical spelling conventions. It's always fascinating to explore the history and variations of surnames like Rivard, as they often offer insights into our ancestors' lives and stories.

Famous people with the last name Rivard

Notable individuals sharing the surname Rivard include:

1. Michel Rivard (1948-), a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician who is considered one of Quebec's greatest troubadours, having released more than 20 albums over his career.

2. Georges Rivard (1956-), a French Canadian writer and columnist known for his work with Radio-Canada and the French edition of Maclean's magazine. He has published numerous books on politics, history, and current affairs.

3. Alexandre Rivaud de Rivard (1802-1864), a prominent Canadian politician who served as the first Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada from 1841 to 1848.

4. Jean Rivard (1945-), a former professional ice hockey player who played for the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL) between 1967 and 1975. He was a part of four Stanley Cup-winning teams with Montreal.

5. René Rivard (1894-1963), a French Canadian artist best known for his murals, paintings, and stained glass work. His most famous works can be found in various churches across Quebec, including the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal.

Genealogical research on the last name Rivard

The surname Rivard is of French origin, derived from the Old Norman word "rive," meaning river bank or shore. This occupational name was given to individuals who lived near a river or worked on rivers. The earliest known record of the Rivard family in North America dates back to the 17th century. Pierre Rivard, born around 1605 in Rouen, France, immigrated to Quebec, Canada, where he established a farm in the Beauport region. His descendants spread throughout Quebec and later moved to the United States, primarily settling in New England states such as Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine. Notable Rivard descendants include political figures like Ernest Rivard, who served as the 36th Mayor of Lowell, Massachusetts, and Maurice Rivard, a Canadian politician and former Member of Parliament.

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 : 11 June 2025

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