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Last Name Bardot

What is the origin of the last name Bardot?

The surname Bardot is of French origin. It is a toponymic name, meaning it was originally used as a name for someone from a specific place. In this case, it is derived from one of several locations in France named "Bardou" or similar variations, such as Bardeau, Bardeaux, or Bardot. These places are most commonly found in the regions of Gironde, Haute-Garonne, and Lot-et-Garonne. The name is thought to have come from a Celtic word meaning "strong, powerful".

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bardot

The meaning and origin of the last name Bardot

The surname Bardot is of French origin, derived from the Old Provençal word "barat," which means "broker" or "merchant." This name was originally a profession and likely refers to someone involved in trade or commerce. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passed down through generations. The most famous individual with this surname is Brigitte Bardot, a French actress and singer, born in 1934, who gained worldwide fame for her performances in films like "And God Created Woman" and "Le Mepris." Despite its association with the glamourous world of Hollywood, the name Bardot remains a relatively uncommon surname outside of France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bardot

The surname Bardot has its origins primarily in France, where it is most prevalent due to its historical usage among the French population. Specifically, the highest concentration of people with the surname Bardot can be found in the southern region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, notably in cities such as Nice and Grasse. This area was once under the control of the House of Grimaldi, rulers of Monaco, which may contribute to its prevalence in this region. Brittany, another part of France, also shows a significant number of Bardots. Outside of France, the distribution of the name is relatively sparse but can be found among French diaspora communities, particularly in North America and Australia. Famous individuals with the surname Bardot include the late actress Brigitte Bardot, who hails from Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bardot

The surname Bardot has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation from French to other languages. Some common variations include: Bardon, Bardeau, Bardou, Bardot, Bardette, Bardeaux, Bardee, Barde, Berdott, Berdote, Berdot, among others. It is also spelled as Barkat or Barkott in some cultures, while Baradat and Baradot are found in Arabic-speaking regions. The original French spelling is Bardot, and it is pronounced as [baʁdo]. This name has been associated with the famous French actress Brigitte Bardot, who gained international fame in the mid-20th century.

Famous people with the last name Bardot

Jane Birkin and Sophie B. Hawkins are two well-known figures who share the surname Bardot. Born to British parents in Uxbridge, England, Jane Birkin rose to prominence as an actress and singer during the 1960s, achieving international fame for her role in Jean-Luc Godard's film "Sous le soleil de la mer." She also gained recognition for her collaboration with Serge Gainsbourg on the song "Je t'aime" and co-designing the Hermès Birkin bag.

Sophie B. Hawkins, an American singer-songwriter, was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1960. She first gained widespread attention with her hit single "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover," which won a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1990. Hawkins continued to release albums throughout the 1990s and beyond, exploring various musical styles. Despite sharing the same surname, there is no known familial relationship between Jane Birkin and Sophie B. Hawkins.

Genealogical research on the last name Bardot

The surname Bardot is of French origin and has roots traced back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from various places bearing the same name, most notably in the Pas-de-Calais region, where it is believed the family originated. The name, which means "from the barred or walled enclosure," was often given to those who lived near such a place or worked there as guards or caretakers. Notable individuals with the Bardot surname include actress and sex symbol Brigitte Bardot, born in 1934, whose fame contributed significantly to the popularization of the name. Other prominent figures with this surname include the 12th-century troubadour Giraut de Bornelh, also known as Peire Bardo, and modern-day French actor Benoît Bardot. The family's history and migrations span centuries and continents, making it a rich subject for genealogical research and exploration of its diverse branches.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 14 June 2025

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