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Last Name Sixdenier

What is the origin of the last name Sixdenier?

The surname Sixdenier is believed to have French origins and is derived from a profession or an occupation. "Six-" likely refers to the number six, possibly indicating that the original bearer was the sixth in a line of people with the same name, or it could relate to a trade where goods were sold in bundles of six. The suffix "-denier" is a variant of "-dent," which means "tooth." This could potentially refer to a tooth-puller or dentist. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and meanings, and the exact origin of Sixdenier may vary depending on specific family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sixdenier

The meaning and origin of the last name Sixdenier

The surname Sixdenier is of French origin, derived from a medieval occupational name for a fuller, a person who cleaned and thickened woolen cloth by soaking it in a solution of urine and lime, followed by rinsing and beating. The term "six deniers" referred to the cost of one fulling operation in old French currency, with six denier being equivalent to about one penny. Over time, this occupational name evolved into various regional variations such as Sixer, Soixdenier, and Sixdinier, depending on the specific dialect and geographical location within France. The name eventually spread beyond France due to immigration and colonization, and can now be found among French-speaking communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sixdenier

The surname Sixdenier is predominantly found in France, particularly in the region of Picardy, specifically in the departments of Oise and Somme. It is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of northern France, such as Aisne and Nord. There are a few occurrences of this surname in Belgium, which borders Picardy, possibly due to historical migration. In addition, there have been some records of Sixdenier families in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec, where French immigration was substantial during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sixdenier

The surname Sixdenier has several variants and spellings due to historical translations, regional dialects, and changes over time. Some variations include: Sixdinier, Sixtdenier, Six-Denier, Sixdenyers, Sixdiner, and Sixdien. These variations may arise from slight differences in pronunciation or spelling errors during the recording of ancestry information. It is important to note that these variants may be found in different parts of the world where people with French origins have settled, such as France, Canada, and the United States.

Famous people with the last name Sixdenier

Notable individuals bearing the surname Sixdenier include:

1. Jean Sixdenier (born 1947), a French politician who served as a member of the National Assembly from 2002 to 2017, representing the department of Meurthe-et-Moselle.
2. Laurent Sixdenier (born 1963), a French professional footballer who played for various clubs in France during the 1980s and 1990s.
3. Sylvie Sixdenier (born 1954), a French professor of history, specializing in the history of the Middle Ages and the early modern period. She has authored numerous books on medieval history.
4. Frédéric Sixdenier (1876-1920), a French painter, known for his oil paintings of landscapes and still lifes. His works are part of various public collections in France.
5. Yves Sixdenier (born 1939), a French philosopher who has written extensively on philosophy, ethics, and theology, particularly focusing on Jean-Paul Sartre's philosophy. He is currently a professor emeritus at the University of Lille.

Genealogical research on the last name Sixdenier

The surname Sixdenier is believed to have origins in France, specifically from Normandy. It is derived from the Old French "seis" meaning "six" and "denier," a coin worth one-twelfth of a solidus or denarius, indicating that the name may have been occupational for someone who weighed or dealt with six coins of this denomination. The name was brought to England by Normans following the conquest in 1066 and can be found throughout regions formerly under Norman control, such as Kent, Yorkshire, and Essex. Notable bearers of the name include Jean-François Sixdenier, a Canadian politician and businessman, and the French actor Jacques Sixdenier. Genealogical records in France and Britain offer valuable insights into the lineage and migrations of individuals bearing this surname.

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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