Show ContentsLacross History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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 Lacross 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 Lacross family

The surname Lacross 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 Lacross family

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

Lacross Spelling Variations

History has changed the spelling of most surnames. During the early development of the French language in the Middle Ages, a person gave his version of his name, phonetically, to a scribe, a priest, or a recorder. Some variables were adopted by different branches of the family name. Hence, there spelling variations of the name Lacross, some of which include Lacroix, Lacrois, Lacroie, Lacroies, La Croix, Croix, Croixe, Crois, Croise, Cruce, Lacruce, La Cruce, La Croise and many more.

Early Notables of the Lacross family

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

Lacross Ranking

In the United States, the name Lacross is the 18,142nd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 2


United States Lacross migration to the United States +

Immigration to New France was slow; therefore, early marriage was desperately encouraged amongst the immigrants. The fur trade attracted migrants, both noble and commoner. 15,000 explorers left Montreal in the late 17th and 18th centuries. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year the Acadian presence in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island had reached 500. In 1755, 10,000 French Acadians refused to take an oath of allegiance to England and were deported to Louisiana. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The distinguished family name Lacross has made significant contributions to the culture, arts, sciences and religion of France and New France. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Lacross were

Lacross Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • William Lacross, aged 28, who landed in America from London, in 1903
  • Marziale Lacross, aged 25, who landed in America, in 1906
  • Mrs Tubius LaCross, aged 46, who immigrated to America, in 1914
  • Tubius LaCross, aged 40, who landed in America, in 1914
  • Else LaCross, aged 22, who immigrated to the United States, in 1914
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Lacross (post 1700) +

  • McKenzie LaCross, American actress
  • Joshua LaCross (b. 1976), American Visual Effects specialist and actor
  • Thomas A. Lacross, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Rhode Island, 1932 3
  • Celia C. Lacross, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Rhode Island, 1932 3
  • Alfred F. LaCross, American politician, Candidate for Connecticut State House of Representatives from Bristol, 1932 3


  1. Dionne, N.-E., Origine Des Familles Canadiennes-Français. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1969. Print.
  2. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 7) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


Houseofnames.com on Facebook