All surnames

French surname

Girard

Spear-brave

Patronymic surname (from a father's name)

Girard is a French surname from the Germanic personal name Gerard, composed of ger 'spear' and hard 'brave, hardy'. It was popular in medieval France and gave rise to a widespread hereditary surname.

The name is found throughout the country and among French emigrants. Variants include Gérard and Girard. The original meaning conveys martial virtues valued in the early medieval period.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Girard mean?+

Spear-brave. From the Germanic elements "ger" (spear) and "hard" (brave/hardy).

Is Girard a common surname?+

Girard is a French-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?+

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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