Last Name Vaugeois

The surname Vaugeois is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the town of Vaules, which can be found in several regions of France. The name originated as a topographic or local surname meaning "from the wood" or "from the thicket." The suffix "-eois" or "-ois" is a common French diminutive used to indicate that the place referred to was small or insignificant. This type of surname was often given to people who lived in or near a particular village or area, and over time, the name became hereditary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vaugeois

The meaning and origin of the last name Vaugeois

The surname Vaugeois originates from France and is derived from the Old French word "vaus," meaning valley or lowland, and the diminutive suffix "-eau" which denotes small or little. As such, the name likely referred to an individual who lived in a small valley or lowland area. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved from Vauegeois, Vaugeais, and other variations to its current form, Vaugeois. The name is relatively rare but can be found among French-speaking populations both in France and elsewhere due to migration and colonization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vaugeois

The surname Vaugeois is primarily found in France, particularly in the Normandy and Brittany regions. It is derived from the French word "vau" meaning valley, and "gauche" meaning left or rough. Historically, it was often associated with inhabitants living near a left-bank valley or rough terrain. As French colonization spread, variants of the surname, such as Vaugeois-Lafleur and Vaugeois-Bissonnette, can also be found in Canadian provinces like Quebec. However, its distribution beyond these regions is relatively limited due to its regional origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vaugeois

The surname Vaugeois has several variants and spellings due to historical and regional differences in transcription and pronunciation. Some common spelling variations include Vaugeoisse, Vaageois, Vaugeois, Vaugais, Vaugaisse, Vaugaise, and Vaugerois. These variations arise from factors such as the handwriting of scribes during historical record-keeping or the regional dialects in which people spoke French. Additionally, immigrants may have adapted their surnames to better fit the phonetics and spelling conventions of their new countries, leading to further variations. It is important to note that these variations can sometimes lead to confusion when researching family history or genealogy, as different records may list the same name with a slightly different spelling.

Famous people with the last name Vaugeois

Notable individuals with the surname Vaugeois include:

1. Émile Vaugeois (1863-1927), a French archaeologist and prehistorian who contributed to the study of Neolithic and Bronze Age artifacts in France.

2. Yves Vaugeois (born 1944), a Canadian politician who served as Member of the National Assembly of Quebec from 2003 to 2008, representing the electoral district of Montmagny–L'Islet–Kamouraska-Rivière-du-Loup.

3. André Vaugeois (1920-1997), a French musician, composer, and accordion player who was a founding member of Les Compagnons de la chanson in 1946.

4. Jacques Vaugeois (born 1953), a Canadian politician who served as the Mayor of Gatineau, Quebec from 2001 to 2005 and again from 2009 to 2017.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning archaeology, politics, and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Vaugeois

The surname Vaugeois originates from France and is derived from the Old French term "vau" meaning valley and "gausse" meaning goose or hillock. Initially, it served as a topographical name referring to someone who lived in a valley with a goose-shaped hill. The earliest known records of the Vaugeois family date back to the 13th century, primarily found in regions such as Normandy and Brittany. Notable figures bearing this surname include François Vaugeois, a French composer from the Renaissance period, and Pierre Vaugeois, a prominent artist during the Baroque era. Throughout history, the name has also spread to other parts of Europe due to migration and colonization, with substantial communities in Belgium, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vaugeois"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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