Surname LeGard - Meaning and Origin

LeGard: What does the surname LeGard mean?

The last name LeGard is of French origin and was formed from two constituent elements; ‘Le’ and ‘Gard’. The first element, ‘Le’, is the French article meaning ‘the’ and is also sometimes combined with topographical or geographical locations. The second element, ‘Gard’, is derived from the Latin word ‘garrdia’ which stands for ‘farm or an estate’. Therefore, the name LeGard means ‘the farm’ or ‘the estate’.

LeGard is an old French surname. In the 1400s the French government started registering surnames and instituted stringent regulations and restrictions regarding the use and choice of surnames. It is believed that LeGard belongs to a cluster of variants, also known as patronyms, that can be found in the records of this period.

In the United States, the LeGard family initially settled in Pennsylvania and later moved to other states such as Delaware, New York, Ohio, and Maryland. Currently, the LeGard surname is quite common in France, as well as Canada, the United States, and parts of Europe.

The LeGard surname embodies a rich and unique culture, one that is deeply rooted in French heritage. The LeGard family has a vast and fascinating history, and their descendants can be proud of their ancestry.

LeGard: Where does the name LeGard come from?

The last name LeGard is most commonly found in Northern France, mainly in the region of Brittany. It is also found in large numbers in some parts of Quebec, Canada. LeGard is a French-origin surname, derived from the word La Garde, which translates to “guard” or “caretaker”. It is thought to have come from the name of a person who was in charge of protecting his lord or as a nickname given to a person who was known for their vigilance or loyal defence of his people.

The LeGard surname appears in many records dating back to the Middle Ages. It first shows up in 1397 in Argentan, in Normandy, and also in 1435 in Clichy, a neighbouring town. Over time, the LeGard family spread from their origin in France to a wide variety of other European countries. As new worlds opened up, members of the LeGard family were among the first to embark for the New World, mainly settling in Canada and the United States.

Today, the LeGard surname continues to be popular in both France and in Quebec, Canada. In the French department of Seine-Maritime, the LeGard name appears in more than fifty communes. In Quebec, it is one of the fifty most popular surnames. As a result, it is highly likely that you will find individuals with the LeGard name as you travel throughout France and Canada.

Variations of the surname LeGard

The surname LeGard is of French and Dutch origin, primarily found in England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin are La Garde, Le Garde, de La Garde, mpLeGarde, de LeGarde, de LaGuard, de LaGarde, L'Gard, LeGardier, Legardier, La Gardie, and Le Gardie.

In France, the name LeGard is principally found in the town of La Garde-Freinet in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, with elevations ranging from sea level to 870 meters.

In England, the most common variant spellings are Le Gard and La Gard, due to the Great Vowel Shift of the 15th-16th centuries, where "e" broadened into "a". La Gard became La Garde as early as the 13th-14th century, with some adopting the spelling de La Garde out of a desire to show status or to indicate an inherited surname.

In Germany, LeGard is found as LeGarde and de LaGarde, while in the Netherlands it is primarily found as de LeGarde and de LaGuard. In Belgium, the variant spellings of LeGard are La Gardie and Le Gardie.

In Canada, the most common spellings are La Garde, Le Garde, and de LaGarde. However, depending on the age of the document, or who is writing it, the spelling may vary.

Overall, the surname LeGard and its variants are highly localized to France, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada.

Famous people with the name LeGard

• Patrick LeGard: Patrick is an acclaimed French actor and voice actor, best known for his roles in films such as Les Amants du Pont Neuf (1991).
• Bob LeGard: Bob is a renowned jazz bassist. He was a member of Thelonious Monk's band, and has played with many top jazz artists including John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock.
• Cyndi LeGard: Cyndi is an American fashion designer and entrepreneur. She is the founder of the luxury fashion house Cyndi LeGard Inc. and her collections have been featured in Harper's Bazaar magazine.
• Cathy LeGard: Cathy is a former professional tennis player. She won the French Open Girls' Singles title in 1980 and represented France in the Federation Cup.
• Louise LeGard: Louise is a Canadian novelist and historian. She has written numerous novels, including Monsieur de La Palice (1980) and The Last Voyage of the St. Lawrence River (2004).
• Paul LeGard: Paul is a celebrated French painter. He is known for his impressionist style and his landscapes and seascapes. His work is displayed in many galleries and museums across Europe.
• Pierre LeGard: Pierre is a French entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder of the technology company Advance Value Solutions and a partner with the private equity firm Alain Invest.
• Luc LeGard: Luc is a Swiss football striker. He currently plays for FC Thun in the Swiss Super League and has represented his country at the U-21 level.
• Antoine LeGard: Antoine is a noted French sculptor. He has exhibited works in numerous galleries across Europe and his pieces are included in many public and private art collections.

Other surnames

LeGardo