Surname Guiscard - Meaning and Origin
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Guiscard: What does the surname Guiscard mean?
The last name Guiscard is a French surname derived from the Middle Ages. During this time there was a Norman chief, Robert Guiscard, who was a leader in the first Norman conquest of Sicily, as well as many other places in Italy. His name became the source of the surname Guiscard. The surname itself means “wise leader”, “valiant leader”, or “crafty”, and it reflects the influence of a great leader from the past.
The Guiscard family was influential in the 16th and 17th centuries. During this time, many Guiscard family members held various high-ranking titles, including knights, mayors, and barons. They were also successful in the military with notable members achieving rank of Admiral and General.
At the beginning of the 20th century, there were Guiscard members living all over Europe and the Americas. Over time, the population has spread throughout many countries including the United States, France, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Today the Guiscards remain one of the most powerful and influential families in France and worldwide.
The Guiscard name has been associated with intelligent, brave, and dedicated leadership. Also, its members are known for their intellectual acumen, wealth, and power. In fact, the Guiscard family has become one of the most recognizable and distinguished names in modern history.
Order DNA origin analysisGuiscard: Where does the name Guiscard come from?
The last name Guiscard is a French surname. It is derived from the Old French word "giscard" or "giscardin" which means "bold in battle." In the past, this name was given to warriors or rulers who were deemed brave or courageous in combat.
Today, the last name Guiscard is still quite popular throughout France. It is especially frequent in the Poitou-Charentes region, situated in the country's southwest. In 2019, the name Guiscard was listed as the 615th most popular name in France. It is also present in Belgium and Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec.
Outside of France, the last name Guiscard is also found in the United States. In the late 1960s, a significant number of Guiscards moved to the US after the end of French colonization in Africa. There they settled in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, as well as parts of California, Nevada and Arizona.
Overall, the last name Guiscard is not very rare but has much higher concentrations in certain parts of the world, particularly France, Quebec, and the southern US.
Variations of the surname Guiscard
The surname Guiscard is derived from the Germanic personal name Wiskard, which translates to “bold” or “courageous” in English. Variants and alternate spellings of the surname Guiscard include: Guisard, Giscard, Giskard, Gyscard, Guiskard, Gyiscard, and Guiskhard.
During the Middle Ages, there were numerous families bearing the name Guiscard across Europe. Additionally, a large number of minor variants of the surname were established in various regions of France, such as Guisard, Guisquet, Guischard, and Gandoiscard. The surname was particularly popular in the Provence region of Southern France.
In addition to these variant spellings, there are also a number of other surnames that are considered to have the same origin as Guiscard, including Wischard, Wiskar, Wuiscard, Ouiscard, Guischar, Guischard, Wischard, and Wyschard. These surnames are mostly found in France, but are also present in other countries such as Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland.
In some cases, these variants of Guiscard may be altered forms of other surnames. In some cases, the surname may also be a shortened form of another longer name. One example of this is the surname Guisard, which is a variant of Guisolles, which was derived from an old French given name, Guillou.
Those with the surname Guiscard can also from the noble family of Guiscard, which originated in the Haute-Marne region in France during the 11th century. This family is one of the oldest French families, and have produced some notable figures throughout history, including Roger Guiscard, the Count of Southern Italy during the 11th century.
Famous people with the name Guiscard
- Robert Guiscard: Robert Guiscard (c.1015-1085) was a Norman adventurer from southern Italy who became one of the most successful conquest leaders of the Middle Ages. Guiscard was first and foremost a military strategist and his military successes were what enabled him to gain a strong foothold in Italy and beyond.
- William Guiscard: William Guiscard (died 1069) was a Norman nobleman, the younger brother of Robert Guiscard. He accompanied Robert Guiscard on numerous campaigns and was made the Count of Apulia and Calabria, the leading Norman principality in Italy during the mid-11th century.
- Maio of Bari: Maio of Bari (950–1009) was a Lombard military leader of the late 10th and early 11th centuries. He was a protégé of Robert Guiscard and served the latter in the wars against the Byzantines.
- Drogo of Hauteville: Drogo of Hauteville (died 1051), also known as Dreux or Dru, was the eldest son of Robert Guiscard and his wife, Alberada. He succeeded his father as the Duke of Apulia and Calabria.
- Humphrey of Hauteville: Humphrey of Hauteville (died 1057) was the second son of Robert Guiscard and his wife, and he succeeded his elder brother, Drogo, when the latter died. He held the title of Count of Apulia and Calabria, and also held territories in northern Italy.
- Freda Guiscard: Freda Guiscard (born c.1058) was the daughter and only known child of Robert Guiscard and his wife. She was betrothed to RogerB debilitating him of the Lordship of Sicily in 1083, but the marriage never occured.
- Tancred of Hauteville: Tancred of Hauteville (c.1075-1112) was an Italo-Norman commander and prince of the house of Hauteville that was founded by his father, Robert Guiscard. He participated in the First Crusade (1095-1099) and became King of Galilee.