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Last Name Treguer

What is the origin of the last name Treguer?

The surname Treguer is of Breton origin. It comes from a place called Tregor (meaning "long peninsula" in Breton) located in Brittany, France. Over time, as people migrated or moved, some families carried this name with them. This name can also be found spelled as Tréguer or Treger in modern times.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Treguer

The meaning and origin of the last name Treguer

The surname Treguer is of Breton origin, hailing from the region of Brittany in France. It is derived from the Breton word "tre-gwer", which translates to "house of the blacksmith" or "blacksmith's estate". This name is a combination of two elements: "tre", meaning house, and "gwer", meaning smith or blacksmith. The use of occupational names was common in medieval Europe, as they often reflected the trade or profession of the original bearer. Over time, the name has been spelled in various ways, including Treguier, Treger, and Tréguier, due to differences in transcription and pronunciation across regions. Today, it remains a common Breton surname and is found among the Breton diaspora around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Treguer

The surname Treguer has its origins in the Brittany region of France and is primarily concentrated there. In Brittany, it is most prevalent in the departments of Finistère, Morbihan, and Côtes-d'Armor, reflecting the historical and cultural influence of this region on Breton surnames. Beyond Brittany, significant concentrations of Treguer family members can also be found in other parts of France such as Paris, Normandy, and the Rhône-Alpes regions. Additionally, a small number of Treguers can be traced in French-speaking countries like Canada, particularly Quebec, and Switzerland. In these diasporic communities, the surname often serves as a link to their Breton heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Treguer

The surname Treguer has several variations and spellings, primarily due to regional dialects and historical phonetic changes. Some of these variants include Treoger, Trogueur, Triguere, Triguer, Treguier, Tregui, Tregur, Tregour, Treguar, Treguerre, and Treherne. These variations can be found in France, particularly in the Brittany region where the name originates. The name is believed to have come from the town of Tréguier, which is situated in the Côtes-d'Armor department of Brittany. The name could be derived from the Celtic word "tre", meaning village or homestead, and "gwer", meaning worker or craftsman. However, it is essential to note that the exact origin and variations of a surname can often be complex, reflecting the diverse history and linguistic developments over time.

Famous people with the last name Treguer

Notable individuals with the surname Treguer include:

1. Pierre Treguer (1892-1973), a French botanist and explorer, known for his expeditions to Madagascar, New Caledonia, and Brazil, during which he discovered several new plant species.

2. Françoise Sagan (born Colette Marie Colette Aurélia Treguer; 1935-2004), a French author, best known for her debut novel "Bonjour Tristesse" (1954). The book was an international success at a young age and made her a literary sensation.

3. Dominique Treguer (born 1967), a French composer, arranger, and musician who is the founder of the band Indochine and has composed music for numerous films and theater productions.

4. Pierre-Jules Treguer (1805-1871), a French naval officer who participated in several expeditions to Africa, South America, and the Pacific during the 19th century. He is particularly remembered for his role in the capture of Juan Fernández Archipelago (Robinson Crusoe Islands) by France in 1843.

Genealogical research on the last name Treguer

The surname Treguer originates from the Brittany region in northwestern France. It is derived from the Breton language and means "the miller" or "from the mill." The name has several variants including Tréguier, Trégoat, Tréguennec, among others. Notable persons with this surname include Yves Treguer, a French Resistance fighter during World War II; Anne Tregouët, a Breton language author and poet; and Olivier Tregouet, a professional tennis player of French-Mauritian descent. The Treguers can be traced back to medieval records in Brittany and have been recorded as living in various towns such as Tréguier, Plougonven, Plouescat, and Plounéour-Treaoué. The name is relatively rare outside of Brittany but has been found in small numbers in other regions of France, Canada, and the United States.

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 : 12 June 2025

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