Arcand

Arcand is a surname of French origin, most common in Quebec and in other francophone communities in Canada. The name appears in historical records dating to the 18th and 19th centuries, reflecting French settlement and migration patterns in North America and the formation of French-Canadian lineages.

The precise etymology of Arcand is not definitively established. It may derive from a medieval given name, a toponym, or a descriptive surname, with various spellings recorded in genealogical sources over time. Like many French surnames, its form and usage evolved through immigration, intermarriage, and regional dialects.

In contemporary usage, Arcand is found among individuals across a range of professions, including politics, education, the arts, and sports. In Canada, bearers of the name have contributed to regional culture and public life, particularly in Quebec, where family histories are often documented in local records and genealogies.

Geographically, the surname remains most concentrated in Quebec, with smaller populations in Ontario, the Atlantic provinces, and among North American and global diaspora communities. It is also present in France and other parts of Europe, reflecting broader patterns of migration and cultural exchange.

Notable people with the surname Arcand include figures in public life and the arts, though no single individual dominates the name's recognition. The Arcand surname also appears in regional histories and genealogies as part of broader Francophone family lineages.