Meillard (surname)

Meillard is a surname of French origin. It is a relatively common surname found primarily in France and Switzerland.

Origin and Meaning:

The name Meillard is believed to be derived from the Germanic personal name "Maginhard," composed of the elements "magin" (strength, might) and "hard" (hard, strong, brave). It is considered a patronymic surname, meaning it originated as a name given to someone who was the son or descendant of a person named Maginhard (or a variant of that name).

Distribution:

The surname Meillard is most prevalent in France, particularly in the eastern regions, and in Switzerland. Its presence in other countries is likely due to migration from these areas.

Notable People:

• Loïc Meillard: A Swiss World Cup alpine ski racer.

Variations:

Variations of the name may include Maillard, Meynard, and other similar spellings reflecting regional dialects and phonetic differences.

See Also:

• French surnames
• Swiss surnames