Surname Torquette - Meaning and Origin

Torquette: What does the surname Torquette mean?

The surname Torquette does not have a readily available meaning as it does not seem to originate from common surname roots such as those seen in English, Spanish, or other widely spoken languages. It could possibly be a variant of French surnames derived from "torquet," a colloquial term referring to a ruff, a particular type of bird. Alternatively, it might be related to "torqué," meaning twisted or torqued in French. However, without definitive sources or historical documentation, the exact origin and meaning of the surname Torquette remain uncertain. As with all surnames, it is likely tied to family, geographic location, occupation, or a noteworthy ancestor. Surnames can change over time due to variations in spelling, language evolution, migration, and other factors, making it challenging to trace their roots. For a precise meaning and origin, it would be advisable to conduct in-depth genealogical research.

Torquette: Where does the name Torquette come from?

The last name Torquette is believed to have French origins, with the Tor part coming from the French word ‘torque’, which means ‘twisted’ or ‘short’. It is not a particularly common name today but can mainly be found in Canada and the United States, particularly in Quebec, the Maritimes, and New England.

In the U.S., the states of New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts appear to have the highest concentration of the Torquette surname. In Canada, it is most common in the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick, as well as Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.

In Quebec, Torquette is thought to have originated as a form of the French name d’Torquette, which is a variation of Thorsett or Thorcette. The Torquette spelling is also seen in some parts of France, notably Brittany, as well as in Switzerland and Germany. It is possible that those bearing the last name in other countries are descended, at least partially, from French settlers who left France in search of new opportunities.

Most people bearing the Torquette surname are thought to descend from an ancestor who may have been a stone mason or artisan. The original form of the name is believed to have meant ‘little mason’. This is reflected in the fact that many Torquettes move into related fields such as engineering and applied sciences.

Torquettes living in North America have a tendency to cluster together in isolated areas, usually in Quebec and the Maritime Provinces. This regional clustering may indicate the tendency for those with the Torquette surname to stay in close contact and help one another in times of need.

Variations of the surname Torquette

The surname Torquette is an occupational name derived from the Latin word torques meaning, 'collar' or 'neck-guard'. The various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include:

Torcet, Torcette, Torquai, Torquet, Torquette, Torquette-Devirel, Torquette-Gosse, Torquetty, Torqueux, Torquier, Torquiere, Torquiry, Torsquet, Tortier, Torcy, Torsai, Torseau, Torsay, Torsayenne, Torsed, Torset, Torseau, Torset, Torcière, Torcier, Torcer, Torsiet, Torciot, Torsay, Torsiette, Torsier, Torsierd, Torsoy, Torci, Torslet, Torsy, Torsey, Torciy, and Torset.

The spelling of this surname changed throughout the years with the first records of this surname originating from France. The surname is mostly found in Quebec and Normandy, France, and Breton, Canada.

The majority of those bearing the Torquette surname are likely to be of French, Norman or Breton descent and are likely to be descended from a professional collar maker in the Middle Ages. The occupation of collar-making derived from the Latin word for neck-guard, torques, and is likely how this surname arose.

Furthermore, the name was likely transformed into the current spelling of Torquette throughout the years due to numerous instances of misspelling the surname. As the surname was not considered important, it was likely to have been transformed over the years due to inaccurate spellings and hearing the name spoken but not written down.

Famous people with the name Torquette

• Robert Torquette: Robert Torquette is an American actor who has appeared in movies such as The Shawshank Redemption, The Rock, and Ocean's Eleven.
• Emily Torquette: Emily Torquette is an American documentary filmmaker who works with the Sundance Institute and National Geographic.
• Gilles Torquette: Gilles Torquette is a French actor and comic who is known for his work on the sketch comedy show Studio Bagel and the French sitcom L'amour est aveugle.
• Paul Torquette: Paul Torquette is an American musician and songwriter from Minnesota known for his work with the band The Suburbs.
• Marie-Josée Torquette: Marie-Josée Torquette is a French-Canadian actress known for her roles in the films Les blessures assassines and Le divorce.
• Lily Torquette: Lily Torquette is an American singer and songwriter who was a member of the New York-based band Date Palms.
• Brian Torquette: Brian Torquette is an American actor best known for his work on the television show 24.
• Neil Torquette: Neil Torquette is a Canadian theatre director and producer who has worked on a variety of productions throughout North America.
• Fulton J. Torquette: Fulton J. Torquette was an American musician and composer, best known for his work on the musicals Uncle Josh in a Chinese Laundry and The Desert Song.
• Grant Torquette: Grant Torquette was a Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1940 to 1945.

Other surnames

TorquetTorquete