Surname Lacrosse - Meaning and Origin

Lacrosse: What does the surname Lacrosse mean?

The last name Lacrosse is of French origin, deriving from the term for the game of lacrosse. In French, "la crosse" means "the crook" or "the stick", referencing the curved sticks used to play the game. The name could have been originally given to someone who made such sticks, someone who played the game, or potentially someone who carried a bishop's crosier (which also resembles the stick used in lacrosse). However, the exact interpretation may differ based on specific family histories. It should also be noted that despite the similarity in names, the modern game of lacrosse originated from Native American sports, not French ones, and has significantly different rules. Therefore, the last name's relation to the game is mostly etymological rather than historical.

Lacrosse: Where does the name Lacrosse come from?

The surname Lacrosse is of French origin and likely originated as a geographical or occupational name. The term "la crosse" in French directly translates to "the stick", suggesting that the initial bearer of the surname could have been a producer or trader of staffs or walking sticks. Mont-de-Lacrosse is a place in France, suggesting that the name could also refer to someone from that region.

This surname, like many others, spread across regions as people moved for various reasons like trade, war, or better opportunities. Despite this dispersion, Lacrosse surname is still most commonly found in France. It is also prevalent in nations where French immigration occurred in significant numbers such as Canada, particularly the region of Quebec, United States, and some parts of Belgium. It is worth noting that the distribution of the Lacrosse surname is quite rare, making it unique in any given location.

Variations of the surname Lacrosse

The surname Lacrosse comes from French origin, precisely from a sport's name "La crosse", which is popular in Canada today. Given its French origin, it’s likely that it could be spelled differently depending on geographical location and historical variations. Some of these variations may include:

1. Lacross

2. Lacros

3. La Crosse

4. LeCrosse

5. Lacrossee

6. Lacrossee

It might also be linked to the French surname "Crosse", which has derivatives like "Cross", "Cros", and "Croux".

Adding a regional twist or phonetic differences to the name, other derivatives outside of French origin could potentially include:

1. Lacrosa

2. Lacrosi

3. Lacrosas

4. Lacrosie

These are just possible variations, and it largely depends on how the surname was adopted, adapted, or altered over generations and geographical relocations. What might have started as "Lacrosse" in one area could be spelled differently in another region due to language differences, or to fit in with a new culture or society. This is a common occurrence with many surnames.

Famous people with the name Lacrosse

• Philippe Lacrosse: Belgian politician and former State Secretary of Refugee Intake from 2011-2012
• Sébastien Lacrosse: French composer and performer
• Jeff Lacrosse: NBA player in the early 2000s
• John Ronald Lacrosse: Canadian Member of Parliament for the riding of Prince from 1997-2004
• Édouard Lacrosse: French artist and sculptor
• Lucien Lacrosse: French painter from the 19th century
• Stan Bunger: Radio presenter from the San Francisco Bay Area
• Chris Lacrosse: Electronic music artist
• Edouard Lacrosse: French astronomer from the 19th century
• Joseph-Étienne Lacrosse: French veterinarian and physician from the 19th century
• Sean Lacrosse: American mixed martial artist
• Joe Lacrosse: Canadian ice hockey player from the 2000s
• Paul Lacrosse: American director and producer from the early 2010s
• Mangy Lacrosse: American country music singer
• Bobby Lacrosse: American drag racer from the 1990s
• Justin Lacrosse: French tennis player from the 2000s
• Naomi Lacrosse: American figure skater from the 1990s
• Loïc Lacrosse: French football player from the 2000s
• Lafayette Lacrosse: American television actor from the 1990s
• Maurice Lacrosse: French Olympic gold medalist in modern pentathlon in 1928 and 1932
• Theodosius Lacrosse: Serbian prince from the 16th century

Other surnames

Lacross