Last Name Saint-surin

The surname Saint-Surin is of French origin. It comes from a place name, specifically from the commune of Saint-Surin located in the department of Aisne in France. The name likely means "Saint's swamp" or "saintly marsh," derived from the Old French words "saint" (saint) and "sur" (swamp, marsh). As with many surnames, over time, some individuals who originated from this area may have emigrated to other countries, taking their surname with them. This is how the name Saint-Surin came to be found in various regions around the world today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Saint-surin

The meaning and origin of the last name Saint-surin

The surname Saint-Surin is a French patronymic name, derived from a given name, specifically "Saint-Surin." This name has two distinct origins. One origin suggests it comes from a place name, which could be the village of Saint-Surin-l'Abbaye in France, and was originally a toponymic surname for someone who lived there. The second origin indicates that the name might have been given as an occupational or nickname for someone associated with a church or monastery named Saint-Surin, possibly referring to a monk, priest, or someone whose duties were connected to the church. Over time, the name evolved from "Saint-Surin" to "Saintsurin," and eventually to its current form, "Saint-Surin." The spelling can vary due to differences in regional pronunciation and recording methods over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Saint-surin

The surname Saint-Surin is primarily found in French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada. It's also common in France, where it originated. The name has historical roots in the Normandy region, with some early records tracing back to the 14th century. Over time, due to migration and colonization, descendants of families bearing this surname can be found in various French-speaking communities around the world, such as Louisiana, USA, and Haiti. The name's geographical dispersion reflects historical events like the French colonial era and the movement of French-Canadian settlers to other regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Saint-surin

The surname Saint-Surin has several variations and alternative spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common variants:

* Sainct-Surin
* Saint-Surin de Tergis
* St. Surin
* Saint Surin
* Sanct-Surin

These variations may stem from the original French spelling, which could have been slightly different or evolved over time as it was adapted to other languages and cultures. The name is typically of French origin, with "Saint" likely referring to a holy person or place, and "Surin" possibly deriving from a location or personal name of Germanic origin. However, the exact origins and meanings may vary depending on individual family histories.

Famous people with the last name Saint-surin

Notable individuals bearing the surname Saint-Surin include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Du Halde de Saint-Surin (1674–1743), a French Jesuit scholar and traveler known for his work "Description de l'Égypte."
2. Louis Pierre Alphonse de Saint-Albin, comte de Saint-Surin (1725–1790), a French naval officer who served during the Seven Years' War and the American Revolution.
3. Jean-Baptiste Antoine Suard, known as Abbé Saint-Non (1760–1843), a French writer and critic who was one of the leading proponents of Romanticism in literature.
4. Charles-Philippe de Saint-Albin, comte de Saint-Surin (1762–1845), a French politician who served as Minister of War during the Bourbon Restoration.
5. Alexandre de Saint-Hilaire (1803–1879), a French botanist and explorer, best known for his work on orchids.
6. Louis Pierre François de Saint-Albin, comte de Saint-Surin (1794–1862), a French naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars and later became a politician.
7. Henri Louis Duperré de Saint-Maur, comte de Saint-Surin (1830–1896), a French general who fought in the Crimean War and the Franco-Prussian War.

Genealogical research on the last name Saint-surin

The surname Saint-Surin is of French origin and is believed to have derived from two separate elements: "saint" meaning saint or holy, and "Surin," possibly a place name originally referring to the region around Suriname in South America. The name may have been brought to France during the Crusades, where it was likely used as a nickname for a pious individual or someone from the area.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, many French Huguenots fled religious persecution in France and settled in various parts of Europe, including the Netherlands, England, and the American colonies. It is likely that some individuals with the surname Saint-Surin were among these refugees.

In the United States, the Saint-Surin family has been found in Louisiana, where they arrived as early as the 18th century. Some members of the family have played significant roles in the history of that state, including the plantation owner and politician Jean-Baptiste Le Surin de Bourbonnais, who served as the mayor of New Orleans from 1794 to 1795.

Today, the Saint-Surin surname is most common in France and its former colonies, particularly in Louisiana and Quebec.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "saint-surin"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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