From the historical and enchanting region of Bourgoigne emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Lebas family. Originally, the French people were known only by a single name. The process by which
hereditary surnames were adopted in France is extremely interesting. Surnames evolved during the Middle Ages when people began to assume an extra name to avoid confusion and to further identify themselves. Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames.
Nickname surnames were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The name Lebas is a
nickname type of surname for a short person. The surname Lebas is derived from the Old English words "bas" and "basse", which mean low, short; these words ultimately stem from the Latin word "bassus" which means "thickset".
Early Origins of the Lebas family
The surname Lebas was first found in Burgundy (French: Bourgogne), an administrative and historical region of east-central France, where the family has held a
family seat since ancient times.
Early History of the Lebas family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lebas research.
Another 155 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1229, 1258, 1294, 1300, 1400, 1501, 1573, and 1620 are included under the topic Early Lebas History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Lebas Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Baissey, Baissy, Baisseys, Baissie, Baysee, Bassey, Bassye, Baysey, Baysay, Baysie, Baycy, Baycey, Baissies, Bayssey, Bayssie, Bayssies, Beissey, Beissie, Beissies, Baicey, Baicie, Baicies, Baycey, Baycie, Baycies, Beicey, Beicie, Beicies, de Baissey and many more.
Early Notables of the Lebas family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Lebas Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Lebas family to the New World and Oceana
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Elizabeth Bassye, who settled in Virginia in 1650; Sarah Baysee settled in Virginia in 1654.
Contemporary Notables of the name Lebas (post 1700)
- Louis-Hippolyte Lebas (1782-1867), French architect, best known for his work on the Parisian church Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
- Alain Lebas (b. 1953), French two-time silver (Olympic and World Championship) and bronze medalist sprint canoer
The Lebas Motto
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Vive ut post vivas
Motto Translation: So live that you may live herafter