Surname Chesnier - Meaning and Origin
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Chesnier: What does the surname Chesnier mean?
The last name Chesnier is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word chanoire, meaning "a person who works with bricks and stone." This surname is often associated with the French industrial region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais in the far north of France. The earliest records of the surname date back to the 12th century, when the name appears in records of the region of Calais.
The Chesnier surname is also found in various variants such as Chesneur, Chesneau, Chesines, and Chesney. It is generally believed that the original name-bearer was a mason, that is, one who works with bricks and stones. The surname is most common in the region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais, but can also be found in areas such as Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States.
Although the heyday of the Chesnier name may have passed, there are still many people who bear the surname today. Those with the last name Chesnier can be proud of their heritage, and can thank their ancestors for carving a living in the industrial north of France.
Order DNA origin analysisChesnier: Where does the name Chesnier come from?
The last name Chesnier is still found today in both France and the French-speaking areas of Canada. The name shows up in the French-speaking provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick in particular. Researchers believe the name originates from the French provinces of Normandy or Bretonne.
In Normandy, the name is very prevalent in central France, particularly in the departments of Calvados and Orne. Many records show the name is associated with a place called Chesney, located in the Calvados department. The name might have emerged as a result of people in this area taking on the name of their hometown as their last name.
In Quebec and New Brunswick, the name Chesnier is found in greater numbers today. The communities of St. Hubert and Rivière-du-Loup both have records showing a heavy presence of people with the last name Chesnier. The name is also popular in Lac-Mégantic and Saint-Gédéon-de-Beauce, both located in Quebec.
There are also cases of the Chesnier name being found in other countries, such as the United States, Haiti, and Belgium.
Overall, the name Chesnier is most common in France and French-speaking areas of Canada, particularly in the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. It is possible to find cases of this name in other parts of the world, but with its clear French origin, it is most prevalent in the French-speaking areas of the world.
Variations of the surname Chesnier
Chesnier is a French surname, and it can have several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
Variant spellings and surnames of Chesnier include:
Chesneaux, Chasner, Chaisner, Chesne, Chesneau, Chensier, Chensner, Chensnier, Chesnall, Chesnaux, Chasnai, Chasnais, Chensneau, and Chasney.
Chesnier is an ancient French name for a maker of wooden dishes, utensils, and bowls, known as a "cainier," from the Latin "calendarium." The name is derived from the Latin word cahsso, which means "shaking," and refers to the act of shaking the bowl for seasoning. It can also be linked to the Latin word "cannon," meaning "cup."
The name was first found with a population of inhabitants in France during the Middle Ages. It was a common name in France and the surrounding areas in the 17th century.
This surname was used as a patronymic (last name based on a father's first name). The variant spellings can be connected to different dialects of old French, and to the culture, and geographical region or language of the person who used it.
The derivative surnames Chaisner, Chasner, Chesneau, Chesneaux, Chensier, Chensnier, Chesnall, Chesnaux, and Chasney can all be traced back to the original Chesnier.
Famous people with the name Chesnier
- Alphonse Chesnier: French painter and art collector
- Camille Chesnier: French archaeologist and scholar
- Delphine Chesnier: French dancer, singer, actress, and model
- Emma Chesnier: French singer, songwriter, and actor
- Eloïse Chesnier: French artist, photographer, and poet
- Florence Chesnier: French actress and singer
- Georges Chesnier: French playwright and novelist
- Jacques Chesnier: French actor and director
- Joseph Chesnier: French explorer, writer, and political thinker
- Oscar Chesnier: French chemist and physicist
- René Chesnier: French actor and comedian
- Roger Chesnier: French chess master
- Sylvain Chesnier: French artist, director, and producer
- Valentine Chesnier: French fashion designer and entrepreneur