Surname Frappier - Meaning and Origin
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Frappier: What does the surname Frappier mean?
Frappier is a French surname. The word “frapper” in French means "to strike" or "to impact". The surname Frappier may have originated from an occupational name for a blacksmith, someone who forges and shapes iron by striking it. However, like many surnames, the exact origin can be uncertain as it may also reflect a characteristic or notable feature of an early ancestor. This surname is most prevalent in Canada, specifically in Quebec, due to the historical French colonization. While the name is French, it is also found in various other countries around the world due to migration throughout history.
Order DNA origin analysisFrappier: Where does the name Frappier come from?
The last name Frappier is of French origin, derived from the occupation of a blacksmith who used to strike or forge with a hammer, from the old French word "frapper" meaning "to strike". It is a classic example of an occupational surname.
Today, the surname Frappier is found most commonly in Canada, especially in Quebec, due to the historical French influence in the country. It is also found in the United States and still to some extent in France. However, compared to other French surnames, Frappier is not as common globally. Even in places where it is most frequent, its concentration isn’t particularly high. As a point of reference, as of 2020, fewer than 4,000 individuals were carrying the Frappier name in Canada, and census data indicates the name usage has been relatively stable in recent decades. This reflects the overall global distribution pattern of the surname.
Variations of the surname Frappier
The surname Frappier is of French origin and has several variant spellings with the most common ones being Frapier, Frapper, Frapear, Frapeer, Frappey, and Frappe. It is believed to have originated from the Old French term "frapper", which means to hit or strike, often linked to a blacksmith or a person who worked with a forge or a hammer. Therefore, it might be an occupational surname for someone who performed such chores in older times. This surname might also be associated with locations in France, such as the village of Frappier in Haute-Marne. Therefore, regional variants with a locational flavor could also exist. Surnames similar to Frappier, both phonetically and thematically, may contain different heritage strings attached to them, so they cannot be considered as originating from the same root. Nevertheless, the previously mentioned variants are the direct derivatives mostly used and recognized. It is also important to note Surnames can tend to change with migration, language transformation, and regional pronunciations.
Famous people with the name Frappier
- Chris Frappier: professional snowmobiler and skier, known for his stunts and trick videos.
- Paul Frappier: French industrialist and philanthropist.
- Michael Frappier: former professional hockey player and Admiral of the Canadian Navy.
- Jessica Frappier: American musician, singer and songwriter.
- Meaghan Frappier: founder and chief executive of Frappier Productions, a production-based company.
- Bill Frappier: Canadian athlete who competes in swimming, cycling, and triathlon.
- Ryan Frappier: professional soccer player who has played for Real Salt Lake, the San Jose Earthquakes, and D.C. United.
- Blake Frappier: former college basketball player and coach at the University of Notre Dame.
- Matthew Frappier: photographer and artist based in Los Angeles, California.
- John Frappier: retired amateur American association football player.