Surname Provence - Meaning and Origin

Provence: What does the surname Provence mean?

The last name Provence is believed to have originated in the south of France centuries ago. It is thought to derive from the Latin word "provincia" which was used to refer to the French region of Provence. The Provencal region is considered to have been founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC and named after its first ruling family.

The name Provence likely refers to someone who was originally from this region. Over the centuries, the people of Provence developed their own distinctive culture and unique dialect. This strong connection to their region and its language has allowed the Provence surname to survive over time.

Today, the Provence surname is commonly used throughout the world, both as a first and last name. It is often used to represent a person of French descent, especially in countries like the United States, Canada and Australia. The Provence name can also be used to represent someone who is passionate, hardworking, and independent – traits that were likely associated with those of the Provence region.

Provence: Where does the name Provence come from?

The last name Provence is a name that is most commonly found in France today. The name has been present in the region since at least 1204 when it first appeared in records, though it is argued that it originated long before then. The name was used by the descendant of Roman soldiers who had been stationed in the region and those local families who had located there previously.

The name is a reference to the French province of Provence, a region located on the southeastern coast between Marseille and Nice. It is a region most known for its sunny climate, excellent food and wine, and beautiful landscapes. Provence was a major center of cultural development in ancient Roman times and today continues to have an important influence on French culture, having its own distinct style of cuisine, art, language, and fashion.

Over the centuries, Provence has continually welcomed newcomers from all over Europe, and increasingly, from around the world. The presence of the last name Provence in the region today is likely a combination of both locals and newcomers, all of whom have helped to shape the unique culture of Provence.

Variations of the surname Provence

The Provence surname is a Spanish and Germanized form of the name Provenzano, an Italian surname derived from a place-name from the region of Provence in France. This surname is also spelled as Provenza, Provence, Provenso, Provance, Provenzo, Provencel and Provenzano.

In Spanish, Provence is sometimes spelled Provenso, Provance or Provencel, while in German it is sometimes spelled as Provenzano. Some variants of Provenzano may have arisen independently in other languages. For example, the variant Provenzale exists as an Italian and Portuguese surname.

In America, many of the variants of the Provence surname were Anglicized to names such as Provencher, Provin, Prance and Prunce. Other variants of the name include Provanza, Provenzal, Pranzarone and Provancher.

Provence is often confused with the Spanish surname Provencio, which originated in the Basque region of Spain. However, there is no known connection between the Provence and Provencio surnames.

Finally, other related surnames include Provonche and Provenceau, which both originated in France.

Famous people with the name Provence

• David Provence: Founding Patron of The Breakers Mansion in Newport, RI.
• Danny Provence: Award-Winning Vocalist and Songwriter.
• Charmaine Provence: Professional Tour Guide and Founder of Provence Tours.
• Chef Tim Provence: Executive Chef in SFO.
• John Provence: Choreographer and Movement Director.
• Robert Provence: Grammy-Winning Producer & Composer.
• Alain Provence: Sculptor and Visual Artist.
• Rob Provence: Stand-up Comedian & Actor.
• Jacqueline Provence: US Ambassador to France and Monaco.
• Matthew Provence: Former NBA Player.
• James Provence: CEO of Provence Consulting.
• Zane Provence: Author and Screenwriter.
• Chandra Provence: Lead Singer of the New Wave Band, Chateau Rouge.
• Alan Provence: Professional Judge and Advocate.
• Kevin Provence: Former CEO of the L.A. Film Festival.
• Ruben Provence: Creative Director of the Provence Production House.
• Blake Provence: Global Supply Chain Director.
• Martin Provence: Owner and Manager of Provence Art & Design.
• Leslie Provence: Notable Painter and Illustrator.
• Jessica Provence: Renowned Costume Designer.

Other surnames