Pronunciation: [lˈaɡɑːd] (IPA) 
Lagarde, also known as La Garde or Lagarde-Paréol, is a French surname that has been recorded since the Middle Ages. Its spelling reflects the French orthography, with the letter "g" being pronounced as the voiced velar fricative /ɡ/, and the letter "d" as the voiced alveolar stop /d/. The "e" at the end of the word is silent, as is common in French spelling. The IPA phonetic transcription for Lagarde is /laɡaʁd/.
"Lagarde" can be interpreted in several ways depending on the context. It can refer to a proper noun, a surname, or even a toponym.
As a proper noun, "Lagarde" is a French female given name. It is derived from the Old French word "lagarde" which means "guardian" or "protector." It embodies qualities of strength, responsibility, and protection. The name "Lagarde" is bestowed upon girls as a symbol of their potential to safeguard others, whether it be in the literal sense or by providing emotional support.
As a surname, "Lagarde" is commonly found in French-speaking countries and regions. It signifies the family name given to individuals who bear it as an inherited identifier. Similar to its meaning in relation to a given name, it can allude to the duty of protecting and guarding one's family heritage and lineage.
Additionally, "Lagarde" can also correspond to a toponym, specifically "Lagarde Parish." This denotes a geographical region or administrative division in French-speaking areas. The Lagarde Parish may encompass several municipalities or towns governed by a specific administrative body.
Overall, "Lagarde" as a word encompasses the notions of guardianship, protection, and responsibility, depending on its usage as a given name, surname, or as part of a toponym.
The word "lagarde" has its origins in the French language. It is derived from the Old French term "la garde", which can be translated as "the guard" or "the guardian". The term ultimately comes from the Latin word "ardere", meaning "to guard" or "to protect". Over time, "lagarde" has been adopted by various languages and often refers to a place or an individual responsible for guarding, overseeing, or managing something.
