Surname Degenard - Meaning and Origin
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Degenard: What does the surname Degenard mean?
The last name Degenard is of French origin and is derived from the Old French term ‘degener’, which translates to ‘degenerate’ or of low moral quality. It is believed to be a nickname given to individuals with bad behavior or those who had broken societal conventions or laws.
Historically, the name Degenard may have seen usage in an ironic sense. It is likely that the name was given to certain people with qualities deemed undesirable by the majority, to make light of the undesirable characteristics. These people could have been social outcasts, criminals, or simply those with individualistic lifestyles.
In the modern day, while the name Degenard is still widely used, its meaning has changed slightly. It is still often used as a joking nickname or for self-deprecation, but it can also be seen as a sign of strength and independence. Some people may even take the name as a badge of honour for resisting the social conventions and challenges faced by those with more unconventional lifestyles.
At the end of the day, the true meaning of the name Degenard is up to the individual. People may interpret it as either a sign of moral weakness or of unique strength.
Order DNA origin analysisDegenard: Where does the name Degenard come from?
The last name Degenard is most commonly found in Germany and the surrounding regions. It is thought to have descended from the Old German word "deger," which means strong and brave. Additionally, the name is believed to have been derived from a place name, specifically from a castle called "Degenard" located in modern-day Franconia, Germany.
Outside of Germany, the last name Degenard is found mainly in other Western and Northern European countries, such as France, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Across the Atlantic in the United States, the name is most prevalently found in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, California, and Illinois.
The name Degenard is very rare compared to other related names such as Degenhardt, Degenharz, and Degenhof. According to family records, some of the earliest known bearers of the name were from Lorraine and Alsace France, as well as Basel Switzerland.
Uniquely, the surname Degenard can also appear with other spellings found in various languages, including Dakinard, Dakenard, Daganard, Daginard and Deganart.
Variations of the surname Degenard
Degenard is an unusual surname of French origin. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Dagenais, Deganais, Degagne, Degain, Degenais, Degennais, Degennes, Deginnes, Delgnais, and Belgnais.
The surname may originate from the northern region of France known as “DeGene”. Here, many people adopted names based on their local regions. As a result, the Degenard name became associated with places such as Degenard Hill, located near the town of Amiens.
The spelling of the surname has also changed over time. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was commonly spelled Daginard, Degenais, Degagne, and Delgnais. And, in more modern times, it has been spelled Deganais, Degenais, Degennes, Deginnes, and Belgnais.
This name is further associated with several places in southwestern France. For example, the village of Degenard is located in the Aquitaine region, as well as the commune of Dognard found in the Landes region. It is possible that individuals with this surname may have ancestors from these areas.
In addition, other variants and spellings of this surname appear in records from the United States. These include Degnae, Degna, Degunne, Degnes, Degene, and Degeneres. It is possible that these variants were adopted by early immigrants to the New World.
In sum, the surname Degenard has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, such as Dagenais, Deganais, Degagne, Degain, Degenais, Degennais, Degennes, Deginnes, Delgnais, and Belgnais. It is possible that individuals with this surname may have ancestors from various regions of France as well as other locations around the world.
Famous people with the name Degenard
- Domenick Degenard: American television actor
- Gavin Degenard: Canadian actor
- Jimmy Degenard: MLB outfielder
- Frances Degenard: 1910s American silent film actress
- Harry Degenard: Irish artist
- Sylvain Degenard: French film producer and actor
- Pierre Degenard: American decorative artist
- Ryan Degenard: American YouTuber and Twitch streamer
- Leonardo Degenard: Spanish singer and performer.
- Will Degenard: former NBA All-Star
- Julian Degenard: American accountant and financial analyst
- Jean-François Degenard: French actor