Louisiana Last Names: A Guide to Common Surnames and Their Origins

Louisiana, a state steeped in rich history and diverse cultural influences, boasts a fascinating tapestry of last names. This guide delves into the origins and meanings of some of the most common Louisiana surnames, showcasing the state's unique heritage. From French and Spanish roots to Cajun and Creole influences, these names reflect the varied ancestry and traditions that have shaped the state's identity.
1. **Acosta:** Of Spanish origin, meaning "he who lives by the coast."
2. **Alario:** Derived from the Italian surname Alari, which means "eagle."
3. **Anderson:** A common English surname meaning "son of Andrew."
4. **Ardoin:** A French surname originating from the village of Ardoin in the region of Normandy.
5. **Bailey:** An English surname with several possible meanings, including "bailiff" or "one who lives by a bay."
6. **Barras:** A French surname meaning "bar" or "barrier."
7. **Baton:** A French surname meaning "baton" or "club."
8. **Bellard:** A French surname derived from the word "bel" meaning "beautiful" or "handsome."
9. **Bernard:** A French surname meaning "brave" or "strong."
10. **Blanchard:** A French surname meaning "white" or "fair."
11. **Boone:** An English surname meaning "dweller by the stream."
12. **Bourque:** A French surname derived from the word "bourre" meaning "wool" or "felt."
13. **Brown:** An English surname referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
14. **Butler:** An English surname meaning "wine steward."
15. **Callais:** A French surname meaning "from the limestone quarry."
16. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname meaning "crooked mouth."
17. **Cancienne:** A French surname derived from the word "canne" meaning "cane" or "reed."
18. **Carmouche:** A French surname possibly meaning "caraway" or "cumin."
19. **Castille:** A Spanish surname meaning "castle."
20. **Chauvin:** A French surname meaning "shaggy" or "hairy."
21. **Clement:** A French surname meaning "merciful" or "gentle."
22. **Comeaux:** A French surname meaning "count" or "earl."
23. **Cooley:** An English surname meaning "blacksmith."
24. **Cortez:** A Spanish surname meaning "courteous" or "polite."
25. **Cote:** A French surname meaning "slope" or "hillside."
26. **David:** A Hebrew surname meaning "beloved" or "friend."
27. **Delacroix:** A French surname meaning "of the cross."
28. **Delhomme:** A French surname meaning "of the man."
29. **Deshotel:** A French surname meaning "of the hotel."
30. **Dugas:** A French surname meaning "sweet" or "pleasant."
31. **Dupre:** A French surname meaning "of the meadow."
32. **Edwards:** An English surname meaning "son of Edward."
33. **Esponge:** A French surname meaning "sponge."
34. **Falgout:** A French surname of unknown origin.
35. **Fontenot:** A French surname possibly meaning "from the spring."
36. **Ford:** An English surname meaning "ford" or "crossing."
37. **Fournier:** A French surname meaning "baker."
38. **Gautreaux:** A French surname meaning "gaunt" or "thin."
39. **Gilliam:** An English surname meaning "son of William."
40. **Girard:** A French surname meaning "from the fortified settlement."
41. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalez."
42. **Graham:** An English surname meaning "gravel."
43. **Green:** An English surname referring to someone with green hair or complexion.
44. **Guillory:** A French surname possibly meaning "William's meadow."
45. **Harper:** An English surname meaning "harp player."
46. **Harris:** An English surname meaning "son of Harry."
47. **Harvey:** An English surname meaning "from the town of Harvey."
48. **Heath:** An English surname meaning "dweller on the heath."
49. **Hebert:** A French surname meaning "herb" or "plant."
50. **Henson:** An English surname meaning "son of Henry."