| ![Show Contents]() Montain History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
France
Etymology of MontainWhat does the name Montain mean? The history of the Montain family goes back to the Medieval landscape of southern France, to a region known as Languedoc. It is derived from the family living on or near a hill. The surname could be translated as "dweller on the hill." Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old French word "montaine," which means "hill." Early Origins of the Montain familyThe surname Montain was first found in Languedoc in south-east France where they were distinguished members of the aristocracy, and held a family seat at Montiver. They were also in Moulines and at Poncins in Forez. This family also changed their name in Holland to Van den Bergh, where they held lands. The Moulines branch moved to Velay and preferred the spelling Montagnat. This latter branch established estates in Lyonnais to the east of Languedoc. By the 16th century the title of the Montaigne had passed to the family of Eyquem in Perigord. Michel Eyquem, Seigneur de Montaigne, 1533-1592, was a writer, moralist, and councillor of Parliament in Bordeaux, he was born at Castle Montaigne and died there. François Lamontagne, son of Renaud and Jeanne, travelled from France to Canada in the 17th century. After arriving in Quebec he married Anne Philippe, daughter of Jacques and Anne, on 24th November 1671. They remained together in the province of Quebec until François passed away at the age of 65 on 10th April 1701. 1 Early History of the Montain familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Montain research. Another 30 words (2 lines of text) covering the years 1533 and 1592 are included under the topic Early Montain History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Montain Spelling VariationsFrench surnames were subject to numerous spelling alterations depending on the region and time it was used. The early development of the French language relied heavily on borrowing elements and grammar from other languages. For example, Old French was infused with Germanic words and sounds when barbarian tribes invaded and settled in France after the fall of the Roman Empire. Middle French also borrowed heavily from the Italian language during the Renaissance. As a result of these linguistic and cultural influences, the name Montain is distinguished by a number of regional variations. The many spelling variations of the name include Montaigne, Montaign, Montagne, Montagnat, Mountain, Lamontaigne, Lamontagne and many more. Early Notables of the Montain familyMore information is included under the topic Early Montain Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Montain familyFrance was active as a cultural leader in the early 16th century. One particular area in which they lead was the exploration of the New World. The explorers, like Jacques Cartier in 1534, led the way to North America. Champlain, in 1608, made the first of twenty voyages to France to attract settlers and brought the first migrant in 1617. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec, and the French Acadian presence in the Maritimes had reached 500. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The family name Montain has made many distinguished contributions in France and New France to the world of science, culture, religion, and education. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Montain were Mr. Lamontaigne who settled in Louisiana in 1719; Charles Lamontaigne arrived in Quebec from Ile-de-France in 1749; Nicholas De La Montagne settled in Maryland in 1670..
| Contemporary Notables of the name Montain (post 1700) | + |
- Dominique Montain, artist, Paris, France
- Olivier, Reginald L. Your Ancient Canadian Family Ties. Logan: The Everton Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 368, 1972. Print
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