Surname Cantillon - Meaning and Origin
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Cantillon: What does the surname Cantillon mean?
The surname Cantillon has French and Irish origins, and it is derived from a combination of the words “cantel” and “ton”. The former is believed to refer to a corner or corner of land, which was a common feature of many of the ancient French settlements that the Cantillons may have been associated with. The latter part of the surname, “Ton” has been interpreted as meaning a settlement or “town”, a communal situation common for those living in close proximity.
The Cantillon name is associated with a long history in France and Ireland. Prior to the French Revolution, members of the Cantillon family were part of various influential and powerful families in different regions of France. In some cases, families of Cantillon were even associated with the royal court.
The Cantillons also have an extensive and well-documented history in Ireland, with members of this family having been influential members of the British-ruled Irish society prior to the mid-twentieth century.
In both French and Irish contexts, the Cantillons were often well-to-do landowners and many members of the family were associated with certain professions such as blacksmithing or the legal profession.
Today, the Cantillon name is spread throughout the world, with a particularly large presence in the United States. For many with this surname, their Cantillon ancestors are remembered fondly and their professional achievements are celebrated.
Order DNA origin analysisCantillon: Where does the name Cantillon come from?
The last name Cantillon is most common in the nation of Belgium, where it first originated. According to research from Forebears, it is the 209th most common surname in Belgium. It is common in the nearby region of France, as well, ranking among the 1725th most common surnames there. Additionally, it has spread throughout the world to countries such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the United States.
Cantillon is believed to have originated in the Douai region of northern France and came to Belgium during the 16th century when Jean Cantillon emigrated from France to the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders. From there, the surname spread mainly south and to the east before being adopted in other countries by emigration.
It has been carried by a variety of notable people throughout history, including Laurent Cantillon who ran the Bank of Brussels in the early 19th century and writer and historian Élie Catherine Frédéric Cantillon who wrote an encyclopedia of the history of France.
In more modern times, the surname continues to be carried by a number of well-known people, including René Cantillon, the Belgian industrialist who founded the long-running beer brand Jupiler, and Jacques Cantillon, the French fashion designer who founded the luxury fashion label Maison Cantillon.
Variations of the surname Cantillon
The Cantillon surname is derived from the French word canton, meaning "corner, a corner of land or district". This surname became popular when it was bestowed as an occupational name on people who were responsible for caring for a tract of land that belonged to a lord, or a corner of the community or village. This surname is also known for its unique variants and spellings.
The most common variant of the Cantillon surname is Cantillon or Cantalone, as both spellings were used interchangeably in the Middle Ages. Other common variants include Cantalon, Cantallon, Cantollon, Cantolio, Cantolioo, and Cantolion.
In addition to these forms, French surnames also have surnames of the same origin. These surnames include Cantalou, Cantallou, Cantalouet, Cantallouet, Cantarioti, Canthetti, Cantais, Cantelou, Cantette, Cantet, Cantelli, Cantelli, Cantolini, Cantellini, Cantat, and Cantaut.
In some cases, immigrants who changed their surnames to hide their French origins also had alternate forms for Cantillon. These alternate spellings include Kanno, Kanto, Kantoo, Kantao, Kantoi, Kantoli, Cantola, Kannola, Kantalla, Kanola, Kanolet, Kantei, and Kantelli.
Finally, the Cantillon surname has also been Anglicized over time. These spellings include Canton, Cantlin, Cantlaine, Cantly, Cantlinne, and Cantling.
Famous people with the name Cantillon
- Jean-Pierre Cantillon: (1750-1822) Belgian physicist famous for developing Cantillon’s Law which states that the exchange rate between two different currencies should remain fixed unless there is an external economic force to change it.
- Henry Philippoteaux: (1815-1884) French painter famous for his large historical frescoes which earned him the nickname “Painter of History”. Began his career as part of the Cantillon family studio in Paris.
- Auguste Cantillon: (1809-1870) French journalist, historical novelist, and travel writer. His works include La Providence et les soins de la nature and Description de l’Egypte.
- Charles Joseph Cantillon: (1709-1796) Irish politician originally from Cork. Took part in negotiations between the Irish and the English and supported the interests of the Catholic population of Ireland.
- Robert Cantillon: (1722-1790) French military officer. Served as a Lieutenant-General for the French army during the American Revolutionary War and was a Knight of the Order of Saint-Louis.
- Philip Edward Cantillon: (1745-1817) Irish merchant banker and the founder of the famous banking house, Cantillon & Co, which later became known as Antony & Co after his sons took over.
- George Cantillon: (1791-1848) Irish judge and MP. Became Supreme Court Judge in 1831 and Chief Justice in 1837. Member of Parliament for County Cork from 1826-1829.
- Catherine Louise Cantillon: (1730-1803) Irish harpist and singer. Famous for being the first woman to perform as a professional harpist in Dublin and for her talent in performing Irish melodies.
- William Cantillon: (1760-1835) Irish entrepreneur and collector. Founded the Cantillon Museum, one of the oldest in Ireland and was noted for his passion for the Irish harp.
- Charlotte Madeleine Cantillon: (1762-1835) Irish philanthropist. Established the charity, the Societe de St. Jean de Bientos, which provided care for poor Irish children with disabilities.