Illegit surname in Quebec.

[Gen List Lass]

I came across this surname recently in social media and after doing a bit of research I found it going back to the late 1700's in Quebec. Was it originally the name of a child with no fathers surname or a foundling? Or does it go back to much older French records and mean something different to illegitimate?

Gen in NBL England

[Mike in Cumbria]

Are you sure it really is a surname, rather than a description?

[*Sandra*]

In Quebec baptisms the terms Inconnu, enfant naturel and illégitime are often used.

http://globalgenealogy.com/globalgazette/gazxs/gazxs16.htm

Sandra

[Gen List Lass]

As I said before, I noticed the surname on social media in British Columbia, it is their real name not a username.

Here is a snip of a Quebec baptism register, the word "illegit" seems more of a comment than a surname but it has been transcribed as "Francois Illegit". there are several other instances of the same sort.

It just struck me as an unusual surname in this day and age and I wondered at it's origin. Could it have evolved out of circumstances rather than parentage? My French isn't up to deciphering the rest of the entry.

Gen in NBL England

[*Sandra*]

and the translation shows the word "inconnu"

An illegitimate child was usually recorded as such in the parish registers. ... In Quebec, many children were recorded under the surname "Inconnu" (unknown).

Sandra

[Mike in Cumbria]

In that clip, illegit clearly means illegitimate, rather being a surname.  "Parent inconnu" in the text means unknown father.

Do you have another example?

[*Sandra*]

The Quebec, Canada, Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1968 collection shows many similar examples.

Sandra

[Gen List Lass]

The Quebec, Canada, Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1968 collection shows many similar examples.

Sandra

Yes Sandra that is where I got the snip from.

It is looking more likely that Illegit was used as a surname that arose from the child having no known father but very odd to proclaim to the world at that time that you were "illegit."

Gen in NBL England

[*Sandra*]

The church seemed very strict about recording legitimate or illegitimate births.
Don't suppose the Priest or Clergy would ever imagine that the Church Records would eventually be transcribed for everyone to see.

Sandra