Surname Lefaivre - Meaning and Origin
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Lefaivre: What does the surname Lefaivre mean?
The last name Lefaivre is a French name which means a maker of stirrups. It originated during the Middle Ages and has been an inherited surname since that time.
The stirrups were used by riders to support their feet when they rode horses. This allowed riders to sit atop the horse securely and gave them greater control over their steeds. The Lefaivre family was traditionally involved in the manufacture and sale of these pieces of equestrian equipment, which is how they earned their surname.
Historically, the Lefaivre family was primarily based in northern France, mainly in Flanders, Picardy, and Picardie-Dremord. By the 17th Century, the family had associations with the French Huguenots, who brought them south into La Rochelle. Later, they spread further along the north-west coast of France, where many Lefaivres can still be found today.
The family is well known in the localities they inhabit for their extraordinary contributions to horse-riding and equestrian sports. The family name is still strongly associated with the craft of making and supplying stirrups, bridles, and other equestrian equipment.
The Lefaivres have retained their courageous spirit and commitment to their craft throughout the centuries, and many members have found success in various fields of work. Their continued commitment to the making of these essential pieces of equestrian equipment have earned them a great respect among horse riders and equestrian enthusiasts.
Order DNA origin analysisLefaivre: Where does the name Lefaivre come from?
The surname Lefaivre is primarily found in Canada and France today. It originated in France and was brought to Canada by French Canadian immigrants during the 17th and 18th centuries.
In Canada, it is most commonly found in Quebec, but also in the other provinces. In the 2016 Canadian Census there were over 800 individuals named Lefaivre, with over 700 of them living in Quebec. The majority of these individuals were of French Canadian ancestry. The name was also particularly common in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba.
In France, the name is fairly common and can be found throughout the country. According to a 2015 census of French names, the surname is particularly present in the regions of Normandy, Franche-Comté, and Pays de la Loire.
Overall, the surname is present in numerous countries worldwide, however, it is most common in France and Canada. Its popularity in both countries is largely a result of French Canadian immigration to Canada.
Variations of the surname Lefaivre
The surname Lefaivre has many variants of spelling and surnames of the same origin. Depending on the region, spelling or language, the surname can be spelled LaFavre, LaFave, LeFavre, LeFave, Lefaver, Faivre, Lefevre, LeFevre, Lefebvre, LeFebvre, Febvre, Febray, Fevre, Fevret, LaFevre, LaFevret, LaFever, LaFevray, Lefevray, Lefever, LaFaver, Feber, LaFaver, Lafavre, Feaver, Lavere and LaFouraux and Lefaure.
In Northern France, the original spelling is Lefevre, and is derived from the Latin word Faber, meaning 'craftsman' or 'artisan'. The Le prefix is taken from the Old French verb "lever" meaning 'to lift', and the Fevr means 'iron'. Thus, the Lefevre surname originally indicated someone who worked with or crafted iron. It is from this same root, ironworker, the surname is thought to have spread throughout France and eventually to other countries.
In the UK, the surname Lefaivre is thought to be a Huguenot refugee surname, given to those who arrived after the 16th century French religious persecutions. In some cases, the Huguenot refugees changed their Together, LaFavre, LeFavre, Lefevre and LeFevre variants of the surname are believed to be the most common.
In Canada, similar variations on the surname exist and family lines might be traced to France or the UK, depending on the region.
In the US, some of the other variations of the Lefaivre surname include Lafever, LaFaver, LaFevre, LeFever and Feaver. It is believed these variations developed through exposure to other languages, like Dutch and German.
Overall, the Lefaivre surname is derived from the Latin word Faber meaning 'artisan', and despite the many variations, the origin of the surname remains the same.
Famous people with the name Lefaivre
- Antoine Lefaivre: Antoine Lefaivre is a French film director, screenwriter, and playwright who is best known for his 2001 film, "Laurence Anyways." He has also written the screenplay for films such as "Laurence Anyways," "97 fois l'amour," and "De Rouille et d'oss."
- Jacques Lefaivre: Jacques Lefaivre is a Canadian professor, curator, and author of several books on modern and contemporary art. He is a professor emeritus at the Université de Montréal and was a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.
- Marie-Pierre Lefaivre: Marie-Pierre Lefaivre is a Canadian figure skater who competed in women’s singles. She is the 2002 Canadian champion and a three-time bronze medalist at the Canadian Championships.
- Philippe Lefaivre: Philippe Lefaivre is a French chess grandmaster who holds the title of Grandmaster. He is the winner of several tournaments including the 2010 French Chess Championship and the 2010 Open of Corsica.
- Thomas Lefaivre: Thomas Lefaivre is a French alpine skier. He competed in four consecutive Winter Olympics, and was the bronze medalist in the giant slalom at the 1998 Winter Olympics. He is also the first alpine skier from Eastern France to medal in an Olympics.
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Comments or additions to the name "Lefaivre"
22.01.2024
My last name was converted from french to the English translation which is now "Stirrup". How can I find my families original surname.