Origin and meaning of the name Rimbaud

Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891) was a French poet, considered one of the founders of the French Symbolist movement. His surname "Rimbaud" is of Norman origin and comes from the Old French word "rime," meaning "rhyme." The name has been traced back to the 13th century in Normandy, France. As for his first name, "Arthur" is a Germanic name that became popular in France during the Middle Ages and means "bear-strong" or "brave warrior." However, it's important to note that the origin of personal names often involves a combination of historical, cultural, and linguistic factors, and can sometimes be complex.

Learn more about the origin of the name Rimbaud

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Rimbaud

The name Rimbaud originates from France and is associated with the renowned French poet Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891). Born in Charleville, today known as Charleville-Mézières, his family named him Jean Nicolas Arthur Rimbaud. His literary works, primarily written during his teenage years and early twenties, marked a significant influence on modern poetry and literature. The name "Rimbaud" does not have a specific meaning in the traditional French language; however, it has become synonymous with creativity, innovation, and rebellion in the realm of literature due to the poet's extraordinary accomplishments.

Character traits associated with the name Rimbaud

Arthur Rimbaud, a renowned French poet, is often associated with rebelliousness, originality, and innovation in literary circles. Born in 1854, he is known for his unconventional approaches to poetry and his brief but impactful career. Rimbaud exhibited a strong sense of independence and a desire to challenge societal norms at a young age, traits that were evident in his groundbreaking works such as "A Season in Hell" and "The Drunken Boat." His work often explored themes of darkness, passion, and the human condition, making him a significant figure in modern poetry. Rimbaud's life was marked by personal struggles, including a period of self-imposed exile, but his poetic legacy continues to inspire artists and writers today.

Popularity of the name Rimbaud

Rimbaud is a distinctive French name, primarily associated with the poet Arthur Rimbaud, who was a significant figure in the Parisian literary scene during the late 19th century. The name has since been linked to artistic and intellectual circles, contributing to its unique allure. However, due to its uncommon nature, Rimbaud is not commonly used as a given name in modern times. Its usage is relatively low compared to more traditional names, with only occasional appearances in various countries' birth records. In recent years, the name has experienced minor resurgence among individuals who value creativity, non-conformity, and intellectual depth, but it remains an uncommon choice for a first name overall.

Famous people with the name Rimbaud

Arthur Rimbaud, born in Charleville-Mézières, France in 1854, is arguably the most renowned individual named Rimbaud. He was a prominent French poet and a key figure in the mid-19th century Parisian arts movement known as Les Poètes Maudits (The Accursed Poets). At the age of 16, he published his first collection of poems, "Les Poésies", which contained works like "Le Bateau Ivre" and "Voyelles". By 1871, Rimbaud traveled extensively in North Africa before abandoning poetry and declaring himself an "inventeur de mots." However, his impact on modern literature is immeasurable, with poets like Paul Verlaine and Allen Ginsberg citing him as a significant influence. Despite his short literary career, Rimbaud's work has left an indelible mark in French poetry.

Variations of the name Rimbaud

Rimbaud is a French surname that has been used as a given name, particularly among individuals inspired by the renowned French poet Arthur Rimbaud. Variations of the name Rimbaud include:

1. Rimbault: This variation is derived from the original surname and is less common than Rimbaud.
2. Rambaud: A slight modification of Rimbaud, this variant is also seldom used.
3. Rambalt: Another variation, though it may be less commonly associated with Rimbaud due to its different spelling and potential origin from a different surname.
4. Rimbault-Rimbaud: A compound name that combines the surname Rimbault with the poet's first name. This variation is quite rare but has been used in some cases.
5. Rimbauld: A less common and slightly altered spelling of Rimbaud, with a subtle difference in the "b" to "d" sound.
6. Rambaud-Rimbaud: Another compound name that combines elements from both Rambaud and Rimbaud, though it is not widely used.
7. Arturo Rimbaud (for male individuals): This variation incorporates the Italian version of Arthur, which may be an attempt to pay homage to the poet's birth name, Jean Nicolas Arthur Rimbaud.
8. Verlaine-Rimbaud: A unique combination that pays tribute to another famous French poet, Paul Verlaine, who had a significant relationship with Arthur Rimbaud. This variation is not typically used as a first name but may appear in artistic contexts or literary studies.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "rimbaud"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 29 July 2025

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