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I became interested in the Blanchard surname after participating in a DNA study. One of the most commonly matched surnames is for Blanchard. The origin of the Blanchard surname, though, is one of the most difficult to trace. Blanchard is an ancient name in France, but may have actually originated in the Black Forest area of Germany. The surname is German in origin, derived from the Old German words "blank" (shining) and "hard" (bright). This is the description one might give to a knight in newly polished armor on a clear day, for example.
Many genealogists are familiar with the technique of surname mapping. Here is the French density map for Blanchard.
http://nom-de-famille.linternaute.com/nom/23062/blanchard.shtm
Locations of high density, and thus origin of the Blanchard surname correspond quite well with the holdings of the counts of Anjou and Gatinais during the Middle Ages. Of particular note are the regions of Gastinois(58), Vienne(69), Arles(34) and Anjou(36,37,86). This corresponds well with a paternal line that includes my ancient ancestors:
Rotbold II de Vienne CT OF ARLES
Aubri V de Orleans de Gastinois DUKE OF ORLEANS
Geoffrey I Ferreol CT OF GASTINOIS (0970 - 1000)
Geoffrey II Ferole CT OF GASTINOIS, of Chateau Landon (1000 - 1 Apr 1046)
Fulk IV le Rechin CT OF ANJOU (1043 - 14 Apr 1106)
The areas of high density also fold around the area held by the Count of Bois, historically allied against the Counts of Anjou. My line descends from French nobility (Frank, not Norman) that went to Nottingham in the Norman invasion of 1066, thus noble origins of the French Blanchard surname would not be surprising.
A place-name in Gatinais is LA BLANCHARDIÈRE, OUSSOY EN GÂTINAIS. Also, LA BLANCHARDIÈRE is a place name near the city of Loches, which was home to many Counts of Anjou. Thus, some Blanchard surnames may be derived from either of these place names.
Does anyone have information about the ancient origin of the Blanchard surname?
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