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Last Name Toucas

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What is the origin of the last name Toucas?

The surname Toucas is of French origin and it is derived from a nickname meaning "crested cock" or "turkey." The name was originally given to someone with feathers sticking out from their hat, resembling a crest on a bird's head, or to someone who had a tuft of hair on their head. This surname has since been adopted in various countries, including Brazil, where it is relatively common due to Portuguese colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Toucas

The meaning and origin of the last name Toucas

The surname Toucas is of French origin and is derived from a nickname. It was originally given to someone who was compared to a crested jay or magpie, due to their distinctive plumage resembling the crest found on these birds. In French, "touc" means beak or bill, while "casqué" means helmeted or crested. Over time, the name evolved to Toucas as a surname for an individual who was believed to have physical features that were reminiscent of these birds. The name is also found in Portuguese-speaking countries due to French influence during colonial times.

Geographical distribution of the last name Toucas

The surname Toucas is predominantly found in Portugal and Brazil, reflecting its historical connection to these two nations. In Portugal, it originates from the region of Minho, specifically in the districts of Braga and Viana do Castelo. The name is also popular in other parts of northern Portugal due to migrations over time. In Brazil, Toucas is mostly found in the southeastern states such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais, where a significant number of Portuguese immigrants settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is believed to be derived from "tuca" or "toucan," a native Brazilian bird, suggesting that some bearers of this surname may have originated from or lived near areas with these birds.

Variants and spellings of the last name Toucas

The last name Toucas has several variations and spellings, mainly due to differences in transcription from French to other languages over time. Some common variants include:

1. Toucasse - This is a more traditional spelling, although less commonly used.
2. Toussac - A variant that originated from different transliteration of the original name.
3. Toussaert - A form adapted by some families as they assimilated into other cultures.
4. Toucay - Another variation, possibly derived from a phonetic interpretation or regional dialect.
5. Toquaz - A less common spelling that may have arisen from attempts to simplify or modernize the name.
6. Doucet (Toucet) - This is a French surname often used as a nickname for someone with dark complexion or raven hair, possibly being confused with Toucas in some cases.

It's essential to note that surnames can change over time due to migration, language shifts, and other factors, leading to numerous variations of the same name.

Famous people with the last name Toucas

The Toucas family is relatively less renowned compared to other prominent surnames, but there are notable individuals who share this last name. One such figure is Jean-Michel Toucas (born 1944), a French illustrator and designer best known for his work on the popular children's book series "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Another prominent individual is Ana Toucas (born 1962), a Brazilian actress, who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows in her home country. Additionally, there is Robert Toucas (born 1980), a Canadian writer, musician, and artist, known for his work on the graphic novel "The War of 1812." These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as literature, art, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Toucas

The surname Toucas originates from France, specifically the region of Brittany. It is derived from the occupational name "tucher," meaning a tanner, or a topographer named for living near such an occupation. The family name Toucas can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, with one of the earliest records being Guillaume Tucher, who lived in the 14th century. Throughout the centuries, the Toucas family expanded and migrated from Brittany, with notable members settling in Normandy and Paris. The name has also been found among the early French colonizers in Canada, specifically in New France (now Quebec). Notable individuals bearing the surname include Pierre Tougas, a French explorer who sailed with Jacques Cartier, and Philippe Toussaint, a prominent Canadian politician of the 19th century. The Toucas name continues to be prevalent in both France and Canada today.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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