Family name origins & meanings
- French (also Bénard) : variant of Bernard.
- A Bénard or Besnard from the Anjou region of France, also called Bourjoli, is documented in Three-Rivers, Quebec, in 1666. Another, with the secondary surname Lajeunesse is recorded in Quebec city in 1672. The secondary surname Carignan is documented in 1689. Another Benard, from Paris, with the secondary surname Laterreur is documented in Montreal in 1723. The secondary surname Bonenfant is recorded in Montreal in 1724. Other secondary surnames include Beausoleil, La Tourmente, and Lavignon.