Surname Leroi - Meaning and Origin
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Leroi: What does the surname Leroi mean?
The last name Leroi is derived from the French l'éroi, which translates to "the hero". This surname is thought to have been used to denote heroic traits such as courage, valour, and strength, and may have been given to especially brave or renowned members of families during times of war.
The Leroi surname is also found in Italy, with the Italian version being L'eroe. In this case, the surname is thought to denote martial ability, as many families with this name can trace their heritage to Italy, where fighting for one's country was a highly held ideal. The meaning behind the Leroi surname is also befitting this concept, as it literally translates to mean "a soldier or brave warrior".
In addition, the French version of Leroi can also be interpreted as "noble", suggesting that the name was originally given to those of high or esteemed social standing. It is thought that the nickname may have been used to show respect and admiration for an individual who was held in high regard within their community.
Regardless of how the name was first given, the meaning behind it is clear. Leroi is a name steeped in the language of strength, courage, and independence, and it is a testament to those who have worn it with pride throughout the years.
Order DNA origin analysisLeroi: Where does the name Leroi come from?
The last name Leroi is a French-originated surname that is most common today in France. Although the name is less widespread in other countries, small populations of people bearing the Leroi name can be found in Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia.
In France, Leroi is a fairly common family name found in various regions, especially in the southeast portion of the country. Leroi is also prevalent in Cherbourg-Octeville in Normandy, Le Havre in Upper Normandy, Nantes in northwest France, and the Loire Valley. In each of these locations, there is a widely-known concentration of families bearing the name Leroi.
In Canada, the Leroi surname appears to be less widespread than in France. Nevertheless, the name does still appear in cities such as Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, and Toronto. Similarly, in the United States, small Leroi populations can be found in areas such as California, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland.
In New Zealand and Australia, meanwhile, the name Leroi appears sporadically throughout the two countries. The name is found fairly commonly in New Zealand's North Island, while in Australia, small populations of Leroi can be found in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
Overall, the last name Leroi is most commonly associated with France, but small populations can also be found in other countries such as Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia.
Variations of the surname Leroi
The surname Leroi is of French origin, and can have different spellings and variants including Leroy, Leroux, Leroye, Leroue, Leroise, Leroisse, Lerois, Leroit, Louroi, Lourois, Louroy. It can also appear as Leroes, Lerouge, Leroge, Leroger, Loueroger, Lerogue or Lerogues.
The variants and other spellings of the Leroi surname usually come from a lengthening or shortening of the name and how it was written in different dialects centuries ago. For instance, historically the name was sometimes spelled as de Leroi due to the French nobility that many families belonged to.
In fact, the Leroi surname is derived from the French words meaning "The King" or Plus Roy. Over the centuries, those with this surname held powerful positions in society, specifically in the military, law, or bureaucracy.
Some descendants of the original French Leroi family settled in Canada and the United States, changing their spelling to Leroy or LeRoy. Similarly, those who settled in England and Scotland adopted the spelling variants Leroux, Leroue, Leroise, and Leroisse.
Today, the Leroi surname is used all over the world, with many variations in spelling and ancestral heritage. However, regardless of origin, all variations of the name are considered to have the same meaning: "The King".
Famous people with the name Leroi
- Mocean Melvin Leroi Jones (1934-2014) better known as Amiri Baraka, poet, writer, and political activist.
- Marie-Germaine Leroi (1895-1950) French biochemist.
- Elesha Leroi Jones (1931-2015) American sculptor and mixed media artist.
- Jean-Baptiste Leroi (1934-2007) French entomologist.
- Thomas Leroi (1947- ) Belgian emeritus professor of physics who specializes in theoretical physics and statistical mechanics.
- Frédéric Leroi (1945-2009) French biologist and philosopher of biology.
- Jean-Paul Leroi (1915-1980) French graphic designer.
- Jean Leroi (1875-1938) French entomologist and bee specialist.
- Geneviève Leroi (1930-2014) French archaeologist and Egyptologist.
- Fabrice Leroi (1962- ) French classical guitarist and professor of guitar and music education at the Conservatoire de Nantes.