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Last Name Touze

What is the origin of the last name Touze?

The surname Touze is of French origin. It comes from a diminutive form of the Old French word "touse," which means "little bird." This surname was likely originally used as a nickname for someone who was thought to resemble a small bird or who had some other association with birds. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations in France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Touze

The meaning and origin of the last name Touze

The surname Touze is of French origin, derived from various locations with the same name found in France. One such location is Touzac in the Dordogne region, which means "the place on the little river" in Old Occitan language. Another possible origin could be from the Middle Ages, where it was a nickname for someone who was nimble or agile, derived from the Old French word "touse," meaning swift or fleet-footed. Over time, the name has been spelled various ways including Touze, Toose, and Toosey, due to regional dialects and historical variations in spelling. The surname Touze is predominantly found in France but has also spread across the world as a result of French immigration, particularly to countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Touze

The surname Touze is primarily found in France, particularly in the southwestern region around Bordeaux and the Dordogne department. It is also present in smaller numbers in other French regions such as Hautes-Pyrénées and Gironde. The name may have originated from various locations with the same name, including Touze-et-Ormes in the Saône-et-Loire department, Touze-l'Évêque in the Aveyron department, and Touzes in the Puy-de-Dôme department. Outside of France, the surname Touze can be found among French diaspora communities in countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Touze

The last name Touze has various spellings and variations across different regions and historical periods. Some common spelling variants include Toose, Tooze, Tuze, Touse, Tuz, and Towse. These variations can occur due to differences in transcription, translation, or local dialects over time. The origin of the surname Touze is believed to be French, derived from a personal name based on the Old French "Tous," meaning "all" or "every." The family name may also have originated from places named Touze or variations thereof in France, such as Tourouze and Tousey. Additionally, it's worth noting that the surname Touze can also be found among the Normans who invaded England in 1066, making it a common name in both France and England.

Famous people with the last name Touze

Notable individuals bearing the surname Touze include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Touzé (1823-1906), a French politician who served as Minister of War during the Second Empire and the Third Republic.

2. Pierre Touzé (born 1951), a French philosopher, writer, and historian, known for his works on philosophy, politics, and culture.

3. Mathieu Touze (1867-1940), a French painter who was part of the School of Pont-Aven, a group of artists that played a significant role in the development of Impressionism in France.

4. Pierre Touzé (cyclist) (born 1951), a French former cyclist who participated in the 1972 Tour de France.

5. Cédric Touzé (born 1986), a French professional footballer who plays as a defender for Ligue 1 club Montpellier HSC.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, philosophy, art, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Touze

The surname Touze is of French origin and is believed to have derived from various regional place names in France, such as Touzac in Dordogne or Toussac in Puy-de-Dôme. It is also possible that the name is a variant of the Old French personal name Tosse, which meant 'goit' or 'throat.' The earliest recorded spelling of the surname dates back to the late 13th century when Hugues le Touze appeared in the "Cartulary of Saint-Sever" in Gascony. The family was present in various regions of France throughout the Middle Ages, and some members emigrated to other European countries during the early modern period. Notable individuals with the surname include Pierre Toussaint, a slave who became a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, and Émile Touzé, a French politician who served as Prime Minister of France from 1937 to 1938.

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 : 28 July 2025

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