Latours

Latours is a surname of French origin. It is the plural form of Latour, derived from the Old French la tour, meaning “the tower.” The name likely originated as a topographic or occupational designation for someone who lived near or worked at a tower or fortified structure. Over time, Latours became established in several Francophone communities and, through migration, can be found in other regions as well.

Today the surname is most common in France, with historical concentrations in regions associated with the Latour name, and among French-speaking populations in Belgium, Canada, and the United States. Closely related variants include Latour, de la Tour, and La Tour; Latours as a plural or extended form often appears in genealogical records to denote multiple bearers of the surname.

Notable individuals with the Latour surname include Bruno Latour (1947–2022), a French sociologist and anthropologist known for his work in science and technology studies; and Louis Latour, associated with the Burgundy wine house Maison Louis Latour, a prominent family-run winery in Beaune. Other bearers have contributed across fields such as literature, science, and public service in France and beyond.

As a toponymic or family name, Latours reflects historical French naming traditions tied to geographic features. For related forms and further context, see Latour (surname) and La Tour.