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![Show Contents]() Leprou History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 France
The French name Leprou was derived from the French name Preux, a nickname meaning "wise," "worthy," or "valiant". Early Origins of the Leprou familyThe surname Leprou was first found in Brittany, where this eminent family was established in ancient times. The members of the branch Proust were the lords of Cleuz, of Gironnière and of Portlavigne in Brittany. The members of the family also branched into other regions of France and there they distinguished themselves by means of numerous contributions to the society and to their respective communities. The branch Prousteau was ennobled in 1597. The branch Proust produced an abbot of Saint Melaine in 1574, a mayor of Nantes in 1693 and two treasurers in 1725 and in 1766. The branch Prousteau of Montlouis was ennobled in 1817 in Paris. The family also rose in prominence by their important alliances to other distinguished families of the day. Jean Proulx, born in 1647, son of Jean and Louise (née Vallée), travelled from Nantilly, France to the New World in the 17th century and married Jacquette Fournier, daughter of Guillaume and Françoise (née Hebert), on 5th June 1673. Jean Prou, born in 1641, travelled from France to Canada in the 17th century. After arriving in Quebec he married Catherine Pinel, daughter of Gilles and Anne, on 2nd November 1676. They remained together in Quebec until Jean's death at Pointe-aux-Trembles on 9th December 1703. 1 Early History of the Leprou familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Leprou research. The years 1655, 1706, 1754 and 1826 are included under the topic Early Leprou History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Leprou Spelling VariationsFrench 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 Leprou is distinguished by a number of regional variations. The many spelling variations of the name include Proulx, Leproulx, Proux, Leproux, Prou, Leprou, Preux, Lepreux, Proust, Leproust, Prousteau, Leprousteau, Prouet and many more. Early Notables of the Leprou familyAnother 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Leprou Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Leprou familyIn 1643, 109 years after the first landings by Cartier, there were only about 300 people in Quebec. Migration was slow. The fur trade attracted migrants, both noble and commoner. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year 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 Leprou 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 Leprou were Jean Prou, who married Jacquette Fournier in Quebec in 1673; Jean-Baptiste Prou, who married Catherine Pinel in Quebec in 1676; Denis Prou, who married Marie-Anne Gagné.
- Olivier, Reginald L. Your Ancient Canadian Family Ties. Logan: The Everton Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 368, 1972. Print
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