Campau Name Meaning, Facts & Family History

The surname Campau is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "camp," meaning "field" or "open country." The addition of the suffix "-au" indicates a location, suggesting that the surname originally denoted someone who lived or worked in a field or an open area.
The Campau family history traces back to the region of Normandy in France. The family immigrated to North America in the 18th century, with the earliest known record of a Campau in the United States dating back to 1720. The Campau family played a significant role in the history and development of Detroit, Michigan, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Joseph Campau, a prominent member of the family, established a successful trading post in Detroit, which later became an important center for fur trading. He played a vital role in the early growth and development of the city. The Campau family had a lasting impact on Detroit's business, political, and cultural landscape.
Today, the Campau surname can be found primarily in the United States, particularly in the Michigan area where the family's legacy is most prominent. The surname represents a lineage of individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of their community.

1. The surname Campau is of French origin.
2. It is a relatively uncommon surname.
3. The name is derived from the word 'camp,' which means 'field' in French.
4. The Campau family originally hailed from France and later migrated to Canada.
5. Jean-Baptiste Campau, born in 1760, was the first member of the Campau family to settle in the United States. He moved from Canada to Detroit, Michigan, in the late 18th century.
6. The Campau family played a significant role in the development of the city of Detroit. Many members of the Campau family were involved in various business ventures and contributed to the city's growth and prosperity.
7. Joseph Campau, grandson of Jean-Baptiste Campau, was a prominent businessman and landowner in Detroit. He was one of the major real estate developers during the 19th century, contributing to the city's expansion.
8. The Campau surname is still present in the Detroit area, with descendants of the original Campau family residing in the region.
9. The surname Campau is occasionally spelled as Campeau or Campaux.
10. The Campau family has a significant historical legacy in Michigan and is considered one of the founding families of Detroit.

The Campau family is originally from France. They were French explorers and traders who settled in what is now known as Michigan, United States, in the 18th century.

There are a few famous people with the surname Campau. Despite not being widely recognized, they have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Some notable individuals with the surname Campau include:
1. Louis Campau: Louis Campau was a French-American fur trader and businessman. He is known for founding the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1826. Campau established trading posts and played a crucial role in the development of the area.
2. Père Jacques Marquette Campau: Père Jacques Marquette Campau was a French missionary and linguist. He was an early explorer of the Great Lakes region and played a vital role in documenting the indigenous languages and cultures.
3. Agnes Campau Bagley: Agnes Campau Bagley was an American artist known for her landscapes and portraits. She was one of the prominent women artists in Michigan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
4. Frank E. Campau: Frank Campau was an American baseball player active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He played as an outfielder for various teams in the major leagues, including the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, and New York Highlanders (now the Yankees).
It is important to note that the surname Campau is not as widely recognized as some other surnames. Therefore, the number of famous individuals with this surname is limited.