Decroix Surname History

Origins Available:
France

Directly translated, "la croix" means "the cross". It is believed by some sources that the name Lacroix was originally used for a person of importance in the field of religion, such as a priest or bishop. 1 Languedoc is the region of ancient France from which the name Decroix was derived. It comes from when the family lived in Languedoc, where the family has been found since the early Middle Ages.

Early Origins of the Decroix family

The surname Decroix was first found in Languedoc, where this eminent family held a family seat from ancient times.

Several members of this illustrious family played a great role in the military and were recognized by their peers for their heroic actions during the wars of their times. In recognition of their contributions towards their communities, several distinctive members of this ancient family were granted lands, titles, and letters of patent confirming their nobility. This family also believed strongly in their faith and as a result, some members entered the clergy.

Beginning in 1320, Jean Lacroix is mentioned as a descendant of Guillaume of la Croix, Governor and Seneschal of Montpellier, President in the Court of Aides (Court of tax disputes) and Receiver of the Barony of Castries. Guillaume's two sons, Louis and Geoffroy, founded a family branch in Champagne from Languedoc. Jacques, grandson of Louis La Croix, was a Knight of the Order of Malta in 1568 and was the father of Gaspard and Jean. Jean, Gentleman of the Chamber to the King, was the grandfather of René Gaspard, Marquis of Castries in 1645, Lieutenant General and Knight of the Order of Malta in 1661.

The noble house of La Croix of Castries obtained six honors from the Court. Jean François Lacroix was a member of the first Commission and had missions with Danton in Belgium. He was blamed by the Commission of Twenty-One for advising Damouriez not to read his letter to the Convention and was arrested and found guilty because no one defended him except Danton.

Early History of the Decroix family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Decroix research. Another 134 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1717, 1764, 1783, 1817 and 1821 are included under the topic Early Decroix History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Decroix Spelling Variations

French surnames were subject to numerous spelling alterations depending on the region and time it was used. The early development of the French language relied heavily on borrowing elements and grammar from other languages. For example, Old French was infused with Germanic words and sounds when barbarian tribes invaded and settled in France after the fall of the Roman Empire. Middle French also borrowed heavily from the Italian language during the Renaissance. As a result of these linguistic and cultural influences, the name Decroix is distinguished by a number of regional variations. The many spelling variations of the name include Lacroix, Lacrois, Lacroie, Lacroies, La Croix, Croix, Croixe, Crois, Croise, Cruce, Lacruce, La Cruce, La Croise and many more.

Early Notables of the Decroix family

More information is included under the topic Early Decroix Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Decroix Ranking

In France, the name Decroix is the 1,953^rd most popular surname with an estimated 3,179 people with that name. 2

Migration of the Decroix family

France was active as a cultural leader in the early 16th century. One particular area in which they lead was the exploration of the New World. The explorers, like Jacques Cartier in 1534, led the way to North America. Champlain, in 1608, made the first of twenty voyages to France to attract settlers and brought the first migrant in 1617. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec, and the French Acadian presence in the Maritimes had reached 500. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The family name Decroix has made many distinguished contributions in France and New France to the world of science, culture, religion, and education. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Decroix were Mr. or Mrs. Lacroix, aged 28; who settled in Louisiana in 1719; Mr. or Mrs. Lacroix, aged 36; who settled in Mississippi in 1820; Mr. or Mrs. Lacroix, aged 36.

Citations +

Dionne, N.-E., Origine Des Familles Canadiennes-Français. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1969. Print.
http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/