Surname Lefebvre - Meaning and Origin
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R. Lefebvre
read moreLefebvre: What does the surname Lefebvre mean?
The last name Lefebvre is of French origin and derives from the Old French word Febvre, which means smith. The name is thought to have originated with a family of Blacksmiths from the region of Normandy.
The Lefebvre last name is one of the oldest and most noble in France, and is associated with a distinguished lineage. Historically, the Lefebvre name has been linked to many prominent people throughout history, including French revolutionaries, war veterans, mayors, generals and authors.
For the traditionalists, the Lefebvre name holds the status of a classic French family with strong ties to history and honor. To those who trace their origins to the family, the name represents power, strength and courage.
The last name Lefebvre also carries a deep sense of loyalty and familial belonging. It is symbolic of a long-standing commitment to country and heritage, values that are integral to French culture. Many people of the Lefebvre family have worked to advocate for the preservation of French culture and identity in a fast-moving modern world.
Modern Lefebvres have held to these strong family values throughout the generations, while forging ahead in the modern business, scientific, and technological fields. The name has enabled many of its members to contribute to their communities in various ways, including making charitable acts or taking on leadership roles in their localities. It continues to be an inspiration for many, who proudly carry on the traditions and legacy of the Lefebvre name.
Order DNA origin analysisLefebvre: Where does the name Lefebvre come from?
The last name Lefebvre is most common today in two main areas, Quebec in Canada and in Northern France.
In Quebec, Lefebvre is one of the thirty most common last names, accounting for about 0.11% of the population of the province. It is particularly well represented in the outskirts of Montreal and its surrounding region (Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Laval, Riviere-des-Prairies-Pointe-aux-Trembles and Vaudreuil-Soulanges).
In France, Lefebvre is one of the fifty most common last names, representing about 0.13% of the population of the country. The highest concentration is around Arras in northern France, between the Pas-de-Calais and the Somme départements.
The last name Lefebvre is also found in many smaller concentrations throughout Canada, the United States, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. In all these countries, it is usually spread across different regions and doesn’t usually rank as one of the most popular last names.
Generally, the last name Lefebvre is thought to be of French origin, and derived from the old French word “fevre”, meaning blacksmith. This likely points at a long line of blacksmiths whose descendants still carry the last name today.
Overall, the last name Lefebvre can be found today in many parts of the world, although it is primarily in Quebec, France, and smaller concentrations in other countries.
Variations of the surname Lefebvre
The surname Lefebvre has various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Lefèbvre, Lefebure, Lefèvre, Fabvre, Lefbvre, and Lefeuvre.
The variation of the Lefebvre name traces its roots to the Latin phrase “faber” which means “smith”. The word “faber” then evolved to “Lefebvre”, which has also been spelled as “Lefevre”. This name originates from the Old French word “Le Fefvre” and later became “Lefebvre” as it spread throughout Europe.
The surname also has derivatives like Lefeuvre, which was derived from “Le Feuvre” meaning “the colt”. This was used as a surname for those who bred or trained horses in France. There is also “Lefebure”, which has slightly different spelling and means “a serf who was granted land by his lord”. Lastly, there is “Fabvre” which is a simpler spelling of “Lefebvre”.
The Lefebvre name is most common in France and Belgium, but is also found in the Netherlands, Germany, and North America. The variations of the name have been used to identify and commemorate individuals of their heritage as they travel and settle in new lands.
Often the spelling of a name will change or adapt over time due to mistranslations or differences in regional dialects. Ultimately, the core meaning of the Lefebvre name remains the same: “smith”.
Famous people with the name Lefebvre
- Brigitte Lefebvre: French actress, best known as Lucie Desmond on the television show Plus belle la vie.
- Nicolas Lefebvre: French Comedian, known for his roles in films such as Le dernier des Templiers, La nouvelle histoire d’Amélie and Les travaux d’Hercule.
- Yves Lefebvre: Canadian ice hockey player who played 16 seasons for the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens.
- Paul Lefebvre: Canadian politician from Ontario, representing the riding of Sudbury for the Liberal Party of Canada.
- Étienne Lefebvre de Cheverry: French naval officer who served as the Commander-in-Chief of the French Navy from 1819-1825.
- Jacques-François Lefebvre: French expresses artist, known for his Neoclassical style of art.
- Danielle Lefebvre: French film director, screenwriter and writer, known for her films Changer d’air and Les moines de Tibhirine.
- Émile Lefebvre: French playwright and theatre director, his work includes La cuisine des anges, Blankety Blanks and L’affaire Barnouf.
- Cathérine Lefebvre: French writer, known for her work L’hiver de la vie.
- André Lefebvre: French engineer and inventor, best known for designing the first car ever produced by Citroën.