Last Name Roure

The surname Roure is of French origin, derived from a place name meaning "oak grove" or "grove of rowan trees". It is found primarily in regions such as Languedoc and Provence. Variations include de Roure, Le Roux, and Roux, among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Roure

The meaning and origin of the last name Roure

The surname Roure originates from the Occitan region in Southern France, specifically the Languedoc area, where it was originally spelled as "Roira" or "Ruira". The name is believed to be derived from the Old French word "rouer", meaning "reddish-brown" or "rustic", referring to a person with reddish-brown hair or a rustic dwelling. Over time, the spelling evolved into its current form as the name spread across France and other regions due to migration, conquest, and marriage. The Roure family has been traced back to medieval times, where records show them holding lands and titles in Languedoc during the 12th century. Today, the surname Roure can be found predominantly in France, Spain, and its former colonies due to historical movements of people.

Geographical distribution of the last name Roure

The surname Roure has a predominant distribution in various regions of Spain and France, reflecting its historical roots in these countries. In Spain, the highest concentration is found in Catalonia, particularly in the provinces of Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona. This could be attributed to the fact that the name Roure is a variant of the Catalan Roc, which means 'rock' in English. Additionally, significant numbers of people with the last name Roure can also be found in other Spanish regions like Valencia and Aragon.

In France, Roure is most common in Occitania, particularly in the departments of Aude, Pyrénées-Orientales, and Gard, where it shares similarities with the Occitan language. The name may have originated from the Old Provencal word 'roura', meaning 'oak forest'. Outside Europe, there are also pockets of Roure families, particularly in Latin American countries like Mexico, Cuba, and Argentina, due to historical immigration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Roure

The surname Roure has several variations and spellings, depending on regional dialects and historical records. Some common variations include de Roure, Le Roux, Losada de Roure, Rouer, Roere, Roura, and Rouaire. In Spanish-speaking regions, it is often spelled with an accent mark, such as Roure' or Rouère. Additionally, in some cases the name may be hyphenated with a patronymic or other surname, resulting in forms like Roure-Garcia or Garcia-Roure. In French-speaking regions, it is typically pronounced "roo-r" and is spelled as Le Roux, although it can also appear as De Roux or Les Roux. The root of the name is believed to be from the Occitan word "rocha," meaning rock, indicating a possible origin from a place with a rocky terrain.

Famous people with the last name Roure

Notable individuals with the surname Roure include:

1. Marc Roure i Pons (1848-1930), a Catalan painter and sculptor, known for his figurative and symbolic works, which often showcased themes from Catalonia's cultural heritage.

2. Eduard Roure i Garriga (born 1957), a Spanish economist, professor at the University of Barcelona, and former Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports of Spain.

3. Santiago Roure (1864-1930), a Spanish actor and theater director who was instrumental in modernizing Spanish theater during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

4. Francisco de Roure y Bordas (1759-1824), a Spanish military officer, politician, and writer who served as the Governor of Puerto Rico from 1807 to 1809.

5. Jaume Roure i Garriga (born 1965), a Catalan journalist, television presenter, and political commentator. He is known for his work on TV3, the main Catalan public television channel.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as art, education, theater, politics, and journalism, demonstrating the versatility of the Roure family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Roure

The surname Roure originates from Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, and is particularly common in the provinces of Girona and Barcelona. It is thought to be derived from the Old Occitan word "roir" which means 'red', referring to a person with reddish hair or a tanner who worked with red-colored hides. The first recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th century in the form of "Rorius" and "Rouric". Over time, it has been documented in various spellings such as Roire, Roura, Rouré, and Roure, which is the most common modern variation. The family expanded across Catalonia during the Middle Ages, with many members emigrating to France, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the Roure family can be found in various countries, but a significant number still reside in Spain and France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 : 13 June 2025

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