Show ContentsLe croix 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 Le croix 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 Le croix family

The surname Le croix 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 Le croix family

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

Le croix Spelling Variations

Changes of spelling have occurred in most surnames. The earliest explanation is that during the early development of the French language, names were not yet fixed in spelling. Usually a person gave his version of his name, phonetically, to a scribe, a priest, or a recorder. This depended on accent, and local accents frequently changed the spelling of a name. Some variables were adopted by different branches of the family name. Hence, there are some spelling variations of the name Le croix, including Lacroix, Lacrois, Lacroie, Lacroies, La Croix, Croix, Croixe, Crois, Croise, Cruce, Lacruce, La Cruce, La Croise and many more.

Early Notables of the Le croix family

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


United States Le croix migration to the United States +

In 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 Le croix 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 Le croix were

Le croix Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • August Lecroix, aged 19, who landed in America from Paris, in 1905
  • Mrs. Paul Lecroix, aged 23, who landed in America from Paris, France, in 1907
  • Napoleon Lecroix, aged 35, who immigrated to America, in 1908
  • Emile Lecroix, aged 52, who immigrated to the United States, in 1920
  • John E. Lecroix, aged 23, who settled in America, in 1922
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


  1. Dionne, N.-E., Origine Des Familles Canadiennes-Français. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1969. Print.


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