Surname Bégrand - Meaning and Origin
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Bégrand: What does the surname Bégrand mean?
The surname Bégrand is an originally French patronymic surname meaning "son of Grand" from the Old French personal name Grand. This name was borne by at least 2 saints, one of whom is Saint Grand, an abbot at St. Maire-le-Neuf in Normandy in the 5-6th century. The given name Grand was also popular in Old French and is derived from either the Latin grandiosus, meaning "large" or "great" or from the Frankish element grand, meaning "big" or "great".
The surname Bégrand is found mainly in France, late 19th century records suggesting the highest numbers were from PoITou, Saintonge, Normandy and Picardy. It is also found throughout Québec, proving its immigration to Canada during the late 1600s and 1700s. Since then, the surname has been spread around the world as descendants of the original Bégrands have migrated across continents. Today, Bégrand is still a common surname, not only in France but also in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Depending on the context that the name is found, Bégrand can have a variety of meanings. It can represent a larger-than-life idea, a person of great size and strength, or a family head who looks after the well-being of those in his or her care. It could also mean a person of courage with the ability to take on difficult tasks, someone who is dignified and respectable. All these qualities could easily be attributed to people who bear the Bégrand name.
Order DNA origin analysisBégrand: Where does the name Bégrand come from?
The last name Bégrand is primarily found in French-speaking countries within Europe. It is mainly seen in France, Belgium, and Switzerland, as well as former French colonies such as Haiti and Canada.
In France, Bégrand is most common in the northeast of the country, particularly in the region of Alsace. This is where it is believed to have originated, though some sources suggest the name could have come from elsewhere in Europe. Over the past century the name has spread to other corners of the country, such as Aquitaine, Provence, and Paris.
In Belgium, Bégrand is mainly found in the Antwerp area and Flanders. The name has also become popular in Switzerland, primarily in the cantons of Fribourg, Valais, and Vaud.
In Canada, the last name is mainly concentrated in Quebec, especially in the capital city of Montreal. Similarly, in Haiti the name is largely limited to the north of the country, particularly in Cap-Haïtien.
Overall, the last name Bégrand is most common today in French-speaking countries in Europe and the Americas. It is a slightly uncommon surname, but it nonetheless has a proud and long-standing history.
Variations of the surname Bégrand
The surname Bégrand is of French origin. It originates from the 15th century, when the name Grand was granted to someone who was deemed “grand” in some way. Over time, the name was changed to Bégrand. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for this name include:
Beagrand - This variant is the oldest form of the surname, believed to have been used in France in the 15th century.
Baegerant - This variant is derived from the French version of the name “Beagrand” and is a slightly more modern version of the name.
Begrand - This is a simplified spelling of the name, believed to have been used throughout the south of the United States.
Beauregrand - This version of the name was used in France, and is a combination of two French words “Beau” and “Grand” meaning “beautiful” and “grand” respectively.
Bégret - This variant is derived from the French version of the name “Beagrand”.
Bergeron - This is a French variant of the name, with the “Berger” meaning “hill” and “on” meaning “son”.
Bourgrand - Derived from the French “Beaugrand” meaning “beautiful grand”.
Grand - This is the original form of the name, derived from the French language.
Grande - This is a more modern form of the surname, with the “e” indicating the feminine form.
Grandier - This variant is derived from the Latin words “Grand” and “ius” meaning “grand” and “law” respectively.
Lebegrand - This is a variation of the surname derived from the French “Le Begrand.
Le Grand - This is a French version of the name, derived from the French word “Le” meaning “the”.
L'Grande - Derived from the French version “Le Grande” meaning “the large/grand.”
Overall, the surname Bégrand has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. From the original form of the name Grand, to its modern day forms such as L'Grande, there is sure to be variation that suit anyone's preference.
Famous people with the name Bégrand
- François Bégrand: François Bégrand was an influential French classical music critic. He was a frequent contributor to La Gazette des Concerts, wrote for various important music magazines, and had many of his articles published in book form.
- Arthur Bégrand: French organist, composer, and conductor who worked in the early 20th century. He was a professor of harmony at the Conservatoire de Musique in Paris and also wrote several books on organ techniques.
- Yves Bégrand: Well-known French recording engineer, who has worked with some of the top French recording studios. He has worked with many of the leading artists of the 20th century, including Serge Gainsbourg, George Moustaki, and Charles Trenet.
- Cécile Bégrand: Cécile Bégrand is a French journalist and editor-in-chief of Le Figaro magazine. She also authors the column Lettres Ouvertes, which addresses issues concerning society, politics, and culture.
- François Bégrand-Ferréol: François Bégrand-Ferréol is a French writer and literary theorist. He is best known for his novels, such as L'Ange et Les Ombres, La Magie de la Nuit and La Chute des Anciens, as well as works on Nietzsche, Marx, and Sartre.
- Christine Bégrand: Christine Bégrand is a French pianist who has performed and recorded extensively. Her repertoire includes works by Debussy, Ravel, and Poulenc, as well as contemporary composers such as Pierre Boulez and Elliott Carter.