Surname Therrien - Meaning and Origin
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Therrien: What does the surname Therrien mean?
The surname Therrien is of French origin. It is a topographical name derived from the Old French term "terrien", which means "landowner". In medieval times, the term was used to refer to someone who was a farmer or peasant who owned or worked on the land, and it later became a surname.
Over time, there were several variations and spellings of the surname Therrien due to regional differences in dialect and language. While the surname is popular in France, it is also common in some regions of Canada, particularly in French-speaking areas such as Quebec. Like many surnames, Therrien can provide insights into the history, place of origin, and occupation of a person's ancestors. Today, thousands of people around the world bear the surname Therrien, each contributing to the rich tapestry of its history and legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisTherrien: Where does the name Therrien come from?
The last name Therrien is a common family name in France, particularly in the Alsace Lorraine region in the northeast of the country, as well as in the Provence Alp Cote D'Azur region in the southeast. Additionally, the last name Therrien is found in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec, with as many as 15,000 people claiming this name. Some of the Canadian Therriens may be descendants of French immigrants who came to Canada in the 1600s, although the name likely dates back prior to that time.
The last name Therrien has also seen some popularity in the United States, particularly in the New England states, particularly in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. This increase in the last name Therrien in the United States is due to the large influx of people from Quebec who moved to New England in the late 19th century, particularly during the period of industrialization. It is estimated that tens of thousands of people of French-Canadian origin have now adopted the Therrien last name in the United States.
The Therrien last name can also be found in Belgium, the Netherlands, England, Scotland, Italy and Australia. This name likely originated in old French, most likely derived from the Latin “theriene,” meaning wild beast or hunter.
Variations of the surname Therrien
Therrien is a French-Canadian surname with several spellings and variants. The historical roots are found in France, but the origin of the name in Canada has been attributed to early settlers from the Western French regions.
The most common spelling is Therrien, though some families may have opted for other variations (e.g. Thirriens, Terrien, Therians, Terriens, Terriault, and Thériault). Thériault is the most common version of Therrien outside of Canada.
Within Canada, Therrien is the most common spelling. It is also found in plural form, spelled Therreins. Some families may have adopted other variants such as Tarrien, Thériens, Thirrien, Thirriens or Terrien.
The Irish an German variants are Terrian, Terryen and Terien respectively. Other Irish spellings for Therrien include O'Therrien, O'Therrin, and O'Thurrin.
Families of the same origin can also have changed spellings or adopted different surnames altogether. Some versions of Therrien may have been changed to sound more Anglicized, like Tariland, Tareen, Taren, Thareen, Terin, Terrine, or even Terrell. Other variants, such as Terrian, suggest a mix of ethnicities.
Due to the complexity of the French-Canadian surnames, it's best to ask family members to confirm the exact variant and spelling of the name.
Famous people with the name Therrien
- Claude Therrien: Canadian lawyer, judge and former politician.
- Jacques Therrien: Professional ice hockey coach.
- Benoît Therrien: Canadian politician and business executive.
- Larry Therrien: American actor and voice-over artist.
- Pierre Therrien: Canadian professional ice hockey coach.
- Julien Therrien: Quebec politician.
- Jules Therrien: journalist.
- Maryse Therrien: Canadian lawyer and former judge on the Supreme Court of Canada.
- Jérôme Therrien: Architect and urban planner.
- Raoul Therrien: Canadian lawyer and professor.
- Nathalie Therrien: Canadian singer-songwriter.
- Clément Therrien: Former Quebec provincial politician.
- David Therrien: Canadian actor.
- Sir Édouard-Étienne-Stanislas Therrien: former Lieutenant Governor of Quebec.
- Gabrielle Therrien: Canadian radio and television news anchor.
- Marie-Chantal Therrien: Canadian retired diver.
- Roger Therrien: Canadian musician.
- Phillippe Therrien: Quebec politician and business.
- Réjeanne Therrien: Canadian politician and activist.
- Julie Therrien: Canadian model and TV personality.