Girard Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Girard come from? What does the surname Girard mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Girard and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Girard Origin: What does the last name Girard mean?
The surname Girard is of French origin, with records dating back to the early 8th century in France. It has remained closely associated with France for centuries, with YourRoots data indicating family records in Canada and the United States as well. By the 20th century, the Girard surname had spread significantly, with a notable presence in Canada, the United States, and France. It continues to be prominent in these regions and can be found in many countries globally, as evidenced by historical records.
Girard Last Name History: Where did the last name Girard come from?
Origin of Girard Surname: Where does the last name Girard originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Girard first appeared in records from France around the early 8th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Girard spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Girard: What does the Girard surname history look like in the early days?
The Girard surname remained closely associated with France from the 8th to the 18th century. YourRoots data also shows Girard family records in Canada and the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Girard surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Girard surname grew significantly in Canada, the United States, and France. The Girard surname remains prominent in these regions. It appears in many countries, including countries not explicitly listed in the available data.
Explore Girard last name heritage and Girard surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Girard Surame?
René Girard
René Noël Théophile Girard (December 25, 1923 – November 4, 2015) was a French historian, literary critic, and philosopher known for his work in philosophical anthropology. He believed that human desire is imitative, leading to the formation of social norms and conflicts. Girard's theory of mimetic desire and the scapegoat mechanism explored the origins of human violence and community formation. His writings have influenced various academic disciplines, including literary criticism, anthropology, theology, and sociology. Girard's insightful perspectives on human behavior continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars worldwide.
Rémy Girard
Rémy Girard (born Aug 10, 1950) is a Canadian actor known for his roles in Denys Arcand's films, including "The Decline of the American Empire" and "The Barbarian Invasions." He has also appeared in TV series like "Les Bougon" and hosted a game show on Quebec television. Girard has received numerous nominations and awards for his acting, including the Prix Iris Tribute Award and the Prix Denise-Pelletier. In 2019, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. With a career spanning film, television, and stage, Girard continues to be a respected figure in the Canadian entertainment industry.
Stephen Girard
Stephen Girard (Étienne Girard) (May 20, 1750 – December 26, 1831) was a French-born American banker and philanthropist known for saving the U.S. government from bankruptcy during the War of 1812. He amassed a large fortune, ranking as one of the wealthiest Americans in history. Girard dedicated his wealth to philanthropy, focusing on orphan education and welfare. Despite controversies surrounding his ownership of a slave plantation, Girard's legacy continues to support charitable causes to this day.
Joe Girard
Joseph Samuel Girardi (November 1, 1928 – February 28, 2019) was an American salesman, motivational speaker, and author best known as Joe Girard. He holds the Guinness World Record for selling the most cars in a year and authored books like "How To Sell Anything To Anybody." Starting as a shoeshine boy, Girard became a successful salesman at Merollis Chevrolet in Michigan, selling 13,001 cars. His sales techniques and motivational speeches made him a sought-after speaker for corporate clients like General Motors and Kmart. Girard's legacy continues to inspire sales professionals worldwide.
Sam Girard
Samuel Girard (May 12, 1998 -) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman known for his time with the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. He began his career with the Shawinigan Cataractes before being drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2016. Girard quickly made his mark in the league, winning the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. His impressive on-ice performance has solidified him as a rising star in the hockey world, with career-high numbers and accolades to his name. Off the ice, Girard is known for his dedication to the sport and his humble beginnings in Roberval, Quebec, Canada.
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