NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Anquetil

What is the origin of the name Anquetil?

Anquetil is a French male given name. It is derived from the Old French word "ancuill", meaning "small hook" or "angle". This name has been borne by several notable individuals, including Jean-Baptiste Anquetil-Duperron (1731–1805), a French orientalist and translator; and Jacques Anquetil (1695-1762), a French architect who worked on the Palace of Versailles.

Learn more about the origin of the name Anquetil

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Anquetil

The name Anquetil is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "anquetille," which means small hook or angle. This name was often given to children born with physical characteristics that resembled a hook-shaped part of the body, such as a bend in the arm or leg. Over time, it also became a popular name for children born under the astrological sign of Pisces, as the fish symbol of this zodiac has a distinctive angle or hook. The name Anquetil first appeared during the Middle Ages and was relatively uncommon until the 17th and 18th centuries when it gained more widespread use in France. One notable bearer of the name is Jean-Baptiste Anquetil-Duperron, a French orientalist and traveler who translated the Zend-Avesta, one of the oldest religious texts of Zoroastrianism, into French.

Character traits associated with the name Anquetil

Anquetil, as a given name, is often associated with individuals who possess intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. Named after the prominent French mathematician and physicist Jean le Rond d'Alembert, Anquetil's bearers may exhibit an affinity for science, mathematics, and philosophy. They are typically independent thinkers, with a penchant for problem-solving and critical analysis. The name also suggests a love for knowledge, a thirst for learning that can drive these individuals to delve deep into various fields of study. Additionally, Anquetil may denote a quiet, reserved demeanor, as those bearing this name often prefer to observe and contemplate before making decisions or sharing their thoughts. Overall, the character traits associated with the name Anquetil include intellect, curiosity, independence, and introspection.

Popularity of the name Anquetil

The given name Anquetil is relatively uncommon in modern usage, with limited popularity in Western cultures. Originating from France, it is derived from the Old French word "enqueutille," meaning "small hook" or "crook." While it may have historical significance in France, its usage outside of that region has been infrequent. It's important to note that names can experience surges in popularity due to various factors such as association with notable figures, cultural shifts, or simply the whims of fashion, but this does not seem to be the case for Anquetil at present. The name does have a unique and intriguing quality, which may encourage some parents to consider it for their child, although its rarity might deter others. In terms of global popularity, Anquetil is seldom encountered in baby naming statistics.

Famous people with the name Anquetil

Anquetil is a less common given name associated primarily with notable figures from France and its colonial territories. Jean-Baptiste Anquetil (1730–1813) was a French Benedictine monk, scholar, and linguist who made significant contributions to the study of ancient languages, including Egyptian hieroglyphs. René-Robert Cavelier de La Salle, also known as Sieur de La Salle (1643–1687), was a French explorer who claimed the vast region draining into the Mississippi River for France, naming it Louisiana. Anquetil Duperron (1725-1805) was a French orientalist, philologist, and traveler who played an essential role in the decipherment of the Zend-Avesta, the sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism. Maurice Anquetil (born 1947), a Franco-Mauritanian politician, served as the Prime Minister of Mauritania from 2005 to 2007 and again from 2008 to 2009.

Variations of the name Anquetil

Anquetil is a French surname that has been occasionally used as a given name. Its variations may include:

1. Anquetin - A diminutive form of Anquetil, which is less common but still found within the French-speaking world.
2. Anquette - This is a feminine version of Anquetil, originating from France.
3. Anquetello - A rare Italian variant that could be derived from the French name.
4. Anquito - A possible Spanish or Portuguese variant, though it might also be a diminutive form unrelated to Anquetil.
5. Anquetillus - A Latinized version of Anquetil, often used in academic or formal contexts.
6. Anquetil-Duperron - A French surname combining Anquetil with Duperron, which could potentially be used as a given name if split into two separate names.
7. De Anquetil - A French surname that may appear as a given name when used in this fashion, though it's less common.
8. Anquetina - This is a feminine form of Anquetino, which could be derived from the Portuguese or Italian variant but is not found within the original French context.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names