Surname Montfort - Meaning and Origin

Montfort: What does the surname Montfort mean?

Montfort is a surname of French origin, formed by combining two words: "mont," meaning "mountain," and "fort," meaning "strong." It was often used as a geographic identifier in medieval times for people who lived in or near a strong mountain, a high, fortified place, or a stronghold. There are several places in France named Montfort, hence the name might have been given to an individual coming from any of these areas. The name became well-known through Simon de Montfort, a French-English nobleman in the 13th century, famous for his role in the Barons' Crusade. Some people bearing this surname may be his descendants. The surname Montfort may denote strength and stability, reflecting the enduring and immovable nature of the mountains.

Montfort: Where does the name Montfort come from?

The last name Montfort is now mainly associated with Britain, France, and their former colonies. In France it is the most common in the north and west, while in Britain it is mainly found in the south-west. It is also found in other English-speaking countries, such as Canada and the United States, but it is comparatively rare.

Originating in Brittany, France, the Montfort family has a long and illustrious history. Certain branches of the family are descended from the powerful counts of Montfort in the 11th and 12th centuries, and others are descended from the younger cadet branch of the family who moved to northern England during the 14th century.

The Montfort family have left their mark throughout Europe. They have founded the powerful Houses of Montfort in France, and the Earldom of Durham in England. They have also been influential in the Holy Roman Empire, the Duchy of Brittany, the County of Hainaut, and the Burgundy.

Today, the most common historical Montfort surname is Mountfort, rendered in French asMontfort. This can also be found in Canadian records as Mountford and Moutford. The composite surname of Montfort-Fougeroux – associated with insurers in France – has been well documented throughout the 19th century.

By the early 21st century, Montfort was no longer a popular name in Britain or France, although it continued to be found in states such as Virginia, Louisiana, and New York. Despite its diminished presence in Britain and France, Montfort is still very much a part of history, carrying with it a grand and noble heritage.

Variations of the surname Montfort

Montfort is a French surname derived from a place name. It is derived either from the French "Montfort" which means large hill or from the Old French "Montfort-L'Amaury" which means 'strong fortress'. The variants, spellings and surnames of Montfort are Montford, Montferrat, Montforte, Monteforte, Monteforti, Montefortino, Montfortier, Montfermeil, Montferrand, Montfuron, Montfaucon, Montfroid, Montesano, Montfaucon, Montanari, Montagne, Montalto, Monticiano, as well as other variations.

Montford is a variant which was first found in Staffordshire in England, where the Montfords were anciently seated and became powerful in Staffordshire in the 13th century. This family was one of the major influences behind the Great Stour and Wylye rivers.

Montforte is a variant found in Italy, derived from the Latin term ‘Mons Fortis’, meaning ‘strong mountain’. Monteforte is another variant, also from Italy, derived from the same Latin term. Monteforti is another Italian variant, and Montefortino is derived from the Italian term ‘Monte Forte’, meaning ‘large mountain’. Montfortier is a French variant derived from the same Latin term.

Montfermeil is found in France and derived from the Old French terms ‘Mont ferm’ which means ‘closed mountain’. Montferrand is a variant derived from the Old French term ‘Mont ferr' and Montfuron is a French variant derived from the Old French term 'Mont furot'.

Montfaucon is a French variant derived from the Old French term ‘Mont Faucon’, meaning 'falcon'. Montfroid is derived from the Old French term ‘Mont Froide’, meaning 'cold mountain'. Montesano is a Spanish variant derived from the Latin term ‘Mons Sanctus’, meaning 'sacred mountain'. Montfaucon is a French variant derived from the Latin term ‘Mons Falco’, meaning 'falcon mountain'. Montanari is an Italian variant derived from the Latin term ‘Mons Montanarius’, meaning 'mountain dweller'. Montagne is a French variant derived from the Latin term ‘mons Montana’, meaning 'mountain'.

Montalto is an Italian variant derived from the Latin term ‘Mons Alto’, meaning 'high mountain'. Monticiano is an Italian variant derived from the Latin term ‘Monsicianus’, meaning 'belonging to Mount Cicero’.

Famous people with the name Montfort

• Henry de Montfort (1175-1218): He was a medieval French nobleman, the son of the first-born of Simon de Montfort.
• Maud de Montfort (1203-1278): She was the daughter of Simon de Montfort and a prominent member of the Montfort family. She was involved in her father's various rebellions against Henry III of England and was married to Simon Salisbury, Earl of Salisbury.
• Simon de Montfort (1208-1265): He was a French nobleman and one of the most important figures of the Second Barons' War. He served as an ally to King Henry III and then rebelled against him, leading the baronial revolt against the King.
• Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester (1238-1265): He was the second son of Simon de Montfort. During the Second Barons' War he sided with his father, but after his death he submitted to the King.
• Henry de Montfort (1242-1265): He was the eldest son of Simon de Montfort and fought alongside his father during the Second Barons' War.
• Simon de Montfort, 1st Earl of Leicester (1208-1265): He was the eldest son of Henry de Montfort, and the first member of the Montfort family to be given a hereditary title. He fought in the Second Barons' War and eventually became the Earl of Leicester in 1263.
• Amaury de Montfort (1243-1302): He was the third son of Simon de Montfort and a key ally of King Henry III during the Second Barons' War.
• Amaury de Montfort, Earl of Leicester (1224-1300): He was the eldest son of Henry de Montfort and the first Earl of Leicester to be given a hereditary title.
• Guy de Montfort (1248-1301): He was the fourth son of Simon de Montfort and an important supporter of King Henry III during the Barons' War.
• John de Montfort (1250-1319): He was the youngest son of Simon de Montfort and sided with his father during the Second Barons' War. He later went on to become a trusted advisor to King Edward I of England.

Other surnames

Montford