Surname LaPointe - Meaning and Origin

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F. LaPointe

LaPointe: What does the surname LaPointe mean?

LaPointe is a French surname which literally translates to "the point" in English. It may carry geographical significance, referring to a notable point or peak in a landscape such as a peninsula or promontory. It could also reference a specific location such as the corner or end of a street or town. As with many European surnames, LaPointe was likely adopted as a means of identification - either referencing the bearer's place of residence or possibly their occupation. In the latter case, for example, it could have indicated that the person worked on boats as a lookout at the point, or used a pointed tool in their craft. Lastly, it might have been given to a person who was sharp or quick-witted, using "point" in a metaphorical sense. As a matter of fact, the exact meaning of the surname LaPointe can vary greatly based on historical and individual factors.

LaPointe: Where does the name LaPointe come from?

The surname LaPointe is of French origin, translating to "The Point" or "The Tip" in English. The name is believed to have been used to describe a person who lived at the edge or point of a village or town, or at a prominent physical feature such as a peninsula or headland. It might have also been used for a sharp or pointed person, referring to someone who was keen or effective in their pursuits.

Today, the LaPointe surname is found globally due to the historical French colonization and migration, but it is particularly common in French-speaking regions including France, Canada (especially in the French-speaking province of Quebec), and parts of the United States such as Louisiana which has a strong historical French influence. The spelling could vary in different regions (La Pointe, Lapointe) but the origin and meaning remain the same.

Variations of the surname LaPointe

The surname LaPointe originates from France and it translates to "The Point". Variations of this surname have emerged over time due to regional differences, illiteracy in early centuries, and migration, reflecting the way the name sounds or its meaning.

Alternate spellings of LaPointe can include Lapointe, Pointe, La Pointe, LaPoint, De La Pointe, and de la Pointe. It's not uncommon to find names without the prefixed "La", resulting in versions such as Point or Pointe. Variations of the surname may also include changes like Pointet, Pointin, Pointon, Pointard, and Pointeau.

Another variant of LaPointe is Lepointe. The addition of "e" in LePointe originated in certain regions of France. Occasionally, the name is hyphenated like in La-Pointe.

When French people emigrated, especially to English-speaking countries, the name could be translated directly to English. Therefore, we might find surname variations such as ThePoint or Point.

In terms of surnames of the same origin, they would reflect the occupational or topographical indication the original surname suggested, like LaMontagne for mountain, LeBois for wood, or LeRiviere for river.

Famous people with the name LaPointe

• Sasha LaPointe: Canadian television host, author, and podcast producer.
• Mark LaPointe: Canadian long-distance runner.
• Ryan LaPointe: American figure skater.
• Abanoub LaPointe: Egyptian-born Canadian actor.
• Louis René LaPointe: Canadian politician and a former Member of the Canadian House of Commons.
• David LaPointe: former long-time director of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
• Malinda LaPointe: Indigenous Canadian singer and songwriter.
• Audrey LaPointe: Canadian activist and member of the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women.
• Jimmy LaPointe: Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Cleveland Barons of the National Hockey League.
• Thomas LaPointe: former Canadian diplomat, serving as the United Nations Representative in Nigeria.
• Kyle LaPointe: Canadian professional Basketball player.
• Chantal LaPointe: a Canadian television and radio personality.
• Kenny LaPointe: a retired American ice hockey player who spent parts of two seasons in the National Hockey League.
• Francis LaPointe: a Canadian politician.
• Betty Ann LaPointe: a Canadian actor and singer who appeared in several films and television programs.

Other surnames

Lapoint