Surname Fraissier - Meaning and Origin
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Fraissier: What does the surname Fraissier mean?
The last name Fraissier is a French surname derived from the Old French words frais (“fresh”) and ier (“seller”). The surname was originally used to denote someone who sold or made items from fresh items such as fruits or vegetables. In other cases, the surname refers to someone who was a trader with fresh goods such as food, spices, and wine.
The Fraissier surname is particularly widespread in France where it is estimated that nearly 25,000 people worldwide bear the name. It is also common in the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario. In many cases, the surname was also adapted to spellings based on regional pronunciation, including Frashier, Fressier, and Fraysier.
The surname Fraissier in France and Canada is most associated with the early salutary trades and is also strongly linked to Norman origins. Research indicates that the earliest known reference to the surname in Europe is found in a census taken in 1552 in a small village in central France, near the border of Belgium.
As a representative of the salutary trades, the Fraissier name is believed to have derived from someone who was gifted with special talents for trading, one who was able to barter the right goods and agree upon the most advantageous price. Throughout history, this surname has thus been associated with people who have exhibited a talent for the business of trading goods of all kinds.
Order DNA origin analysisFraissier: Where does the name Fraissier come from?
The last name Fraissier is most commonly found today in the French-speaking areas of France, Switzerland, Canada and Louisiana. It is believed to have originated in the Franche-Comté region of France.
In France, Fraissier can be found mainly in Eastern France, specifically in Burgundy, Franche-Comté, and its Rhineland Neighbor Alsace. The population of individuals with this surname is relatively small, with the highest concentrations of Fraissiers found in the communes of Besancon and Sochaux.
In Switzerland, Fraissier is most frequently seen in the cantons near the Swiss/French border, such as Geneva, Valais, Vaud, and Fribourg. They are also found in other Swiss cantons such as Zurich, St Gallen and Bern.
In Canada, there is a larger population of individuals with this last name, due to the great influx of French-speaking immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. The largest concentrations are found in Quebec and Ontario.
Finally, in Louisiana, Fraissiers are found mainly in the Acadian parishes of Iberville, Vermilion, and St. Martin. The largest numbers are centered around the city of Baton Rouge.
Overall, the numbers of Fraissiers remain small worldwide, and the greatest concentrations are found in countries that speak French.
Variations of the surname Fraissier
The surname Fraissier has several different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common of these are: Fressier, Frazer, Frese, Fresser, Freser, Frieser, Freysser and Frisier.
Fressier is the oldest version of the surname and is believed to have originated in the southwest region of France. The name was derived from the French word fraise meaning strawberry, which indicates that someone in the family was likely a strawberry farmer.
Frazer is a Scottish variant of the name, associated with clans from the Highlands, and is derived from the Gaelic word fraoch meaning heather. It is also another variation of the French Fraissier.
Frese is the German and Dutch version of the surname, and is thought to have its origins in the Rhineland area near the Dutch border. It is derived from the Middle High German word vresen meaning to trim or prune, likely indicating a profession such as a gardener or orchard worker.
Fresser is believed to be a Jewish Ashkenazic variant of the name, derived from the Middle High German word fressen meaning to devour. It is thought to have originated in Germany or Austria in the 1700’s.
Freser is another Germanic variant, and is likely a variation of the word freieren meaning to interpret or explain.
Frieser is another Germanic variation, and is likely a derivative of the word freien meaning to free or liberate.
Freysser is the Swiss variant of the name, derived from the Middle High German freisen meaning to attack.
Finally, Frisier is a version more commonly found in the French- sphere, and is derived from the Middle French word frizier meaning hairdresser or barber.
Famous people with the name Fraissier
- Romain Fraissier: Romain Fraissier is a French professional footballer who plays as a defender for Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace.
- Pierre Fraissier: Pierre Fraissier was a French engraver who specialized in horse and figure subjects.
- Denise Fraissier: Denise Fraissier was an actress and voice-over artist who dubbed English dialogue into French for French cinema and television. She was one of the most respected and prolific French dubbing artists of her time.
- Cédric Fraissier: Cédric Fraissier is a French professional football player who plays as a goalkeeper for Stade Brestois 29.
- Inès Fraissier: Inès Fraissier is a French professional basketball player who currently plays for French league club ASPTT Arras.
- Philippe Fraissier: Philippe Fraissier is a French politician and civil servant who served as the mayor of Maisons-Laffitte from 1995 to 2008. He was also a senator representing the Yvelines department in the Senate of France from 2004 to 2014.
- Jérémie Fraissier: Jérémie Fraissier is a French artist and sculptor known for his remarkable work in bronze. His pieces have been collected and exhibited across Europe, North America and Asia.
- Laurent Fraissier: Laurent Fraissier is a French rugby union player who plays as a fly-half for Stade Francais in the Top 14.
- Paul Fraissier: Paul Fraissier is a French film historian who specializes in the history of world cinema. He has written several books and has contributed to a number of French film journals.