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Last Name Tricard

What is the origin of the last name Tricard?

The surname "Tricard" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French words 'trier' meaning 'to select' or 'to sort', and 'card', which refers to a piece of paper or parchment. Thus, the name could have originally been given to someone who sorted cards or paper, possibly in a religious or administrative context. Over time, it has been passed down through families in France and other regions where French influence is strong, such as Quebec (Canada) and Louisiana (United States).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tricard

The meaning and origin of the last name Tricard

The surname Tricard is of French origin, specifically from regions such as Normandy and Picardy. It derives from the Old French personal name "Trici" or "Thricius," which means "third battle" or "three powerful". This name was often given to children born during or after a parent's third successful engagement in battle. The surname Tricard emerged as families began to take on occupational or geographical names to distinguish themselves, and it is now found not only in France but also among French-speaking communities worldwide. Today, individuals with the surname Tricard can be found in various parts of the globe, reflecting the diaspora of French people over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tricard

The Tricard surname is primarily found in France, where it originates from the Old French word "triche" meaning "deception" or "card trick," and "card" indicating a person who comes from the same place. Historically concentrated in regions such as Normandy, Picardy, and Franche-Comté, the Tricard surname has also been found in other parts of France, reflecting the mobility of its bearers over centuries. Beyond France, the Tricard name can be traced to several French-speaking countries like Quebec (Canada), Belgium, Switzerland, and Haiti due to migration during colonial times and throughout history. In addition, individuals with the Tricard surname can also be found in the United States and various English-speaking countries as a result of immigration from France or French territories.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tricard

The surname Tricard exhibits several spelling variants due to historical and regional differences in naming conventions. Some common versions include: Tricart, Tricaud, Trichart, Tricardet, Triche, Tricher, Tricquet, and Tricou. These variations can originate from the same ancestral name but may have been altered through time due to factors such as local dialects, scribal errors, and individual preference. The name Tricard is primarily of French origin, derived from the words "tri" meaning three, and "card", a derivative of the Latin word "cor" for heart, symbolizing a person with courageous or strong heart. The variations serve as a testament to the fluidity of names over time, reflecting the rich history and diversity of the Tricard family lineage.

Famous people with the last name Tricard

The Tricard surname has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. In the field of science, Jean-Paul Tricart (1926-2013) was a French epidemiologist known for his work in infectious diseases and vaccinology. He made significant contributions to the understanding and prevention of malaria, hepatitis B, and other infectious diseases. In the realm of sports, Gilles Tricot (born 1956), a Canadian former ice hockey player, is remembered as an integral part of the Montreal Canadiens' Stanley Cup-winning teams in the late 1970s. Notably, he scored the winning goal in game six of the 1979 Stanley Cup Finals against the New York Rangers. In the art world, Jean Tricart (1896-1985) was a French painter and sculptor known for his abstract works. His artistic career spanned over five decades, and he was associated with several influential art movements of the 20th century, including Cubism, Abstraction, and Surrealism.

Genealogical research on the last name Tricard

The surname Tricard is primarily of French origin, derived from the medieval Latin term "tercius" meaning third child or third son. It was often given to the third son born into a family, as older sons would typically inherit the family name and estate, leaving the third son, and subsequent younger children, without a surname of their own. The Tricard family can be traced back to various regions in France, with significant populations in Normandy, Brittany, and Languedoc-Roussillon. The earliest recorded ancestor bearing the name Tricard is Jean Tricart, born in 1425 in Rouen, Normandy. Throughout history, numerous notable figures carrying the surname Tricard have emerged, including the philosopher Pierre Gassendi and the composer François Couperin, both from the Languedoc-Roussillon region. The Tricard family migrated to North America during the 17th and 18th centuries, with the largest influx occurring in Quebec, Louisiana, and the Southern United States. Today, the Tricard name is spread across various continents, demonstrating the family's rich history and diverse heritage.

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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