Noble surnames, such as Cayer, evoke images of the ancient homeland of the French people. The original bearer of the name Cayer, which is a
local surname, once lived, held land, or was born in the beautiful region of Picardy. In France,
hereditary surnames were adopted according to fairly general rules and during the late Middle Ages, names that were derived from localities became increasingly widespread.
Local names originally denoted the proprietorship of the village or estate.
Early Origins of the Cayer family
The surname Cayer was first found in Picardy (French: Picardie.)
Early History of the Cayer family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cayer research.
Another 183 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1380, 1425, 1454, 1554, 1559, 1562, 1572, 1636, 1645, 1650, 1658, 1664, 1673, 1688, 1696, 1780, 1811, 1825, and 1864 are included under the topic Early Cayer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Cayer Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Cail, Calhau, Caillou, Cailloux, Caillouet, Caillaret, De Caillaret, Caillette, Callier, Caillé, Caillot, Caillet, Caillat, Cailliat, Cailliot, Caillau, Caillaud, Caillaux, Cailleaux, Caillard, Cailleteau, Cailleton, Caillotin, Caille, la Caille, Caill, Caillebot, Caillemer, Cayer, Cayart, Caye, Cayeu, Cayeux and many more.
Early Notables of the Cayer family (pre 1700)
Notable amongst the family name at this period was Jean Cayart, born in La Capelle in 1645 who was an engineer; the Caillau family produced two principal county magistrates of Mans in 1658 and 1664, councilors of this city, three lawyers at the Parisian parliament, and many officers; the name Caillaux...
Another 170 words (12 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cayer Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Cayer family to the New World and Oceana
Some of the first settlers of this family name were:
Cayer Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
- Catherine Cayer, who married in Quebec in 1730
Cayer Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
- Henri Cayer was a laborer in St. Cunegonde, Quebec, in 1891
Contemporary Notables of the name Cayer (post 1700)
- Ovila "Frenchy" Cayer (1844-1909), Canadian-born, Union Army soldier in the American Civil War who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Globe Tavern