Last Name Barthes

Learn more about the origin of the last name Barthes

The meaning and origin of the last name Barthes

The surname Barthes is of French origin, specifically from the region of Occitania, which includes modern-day Southern France and Northern Spain. It is derived from several possible sources. One theory suggests that it is a topographic name for someone who lived near a barbe or bearded rock formation, derived from the Old Provencal word "barbat" meaning bearded. Another theory suggests it is an occupational name for a birdcatcher or falconer, from the Old Provencal word "barbut," also meaning bearded, as falcons were sometimes kept by medieval nobility. The surname Barthes has been notable throughout history, with figures such as literary critic Roland Barthes and philosopher Louis Althusser bearing the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Barthes

The surname Barthes is predominantly found in France, with a significant concentration in the Brittany region due to its historical association with the Breton language and culture. However, it has also spread across France, particularly in cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Outside of France, the distribution of the name Barthes is more scattered. It can be found in various parts of North America, notably Canada and the United States, largely due to French immigration. Additionally, there are records of the surname in European countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain, as well as in English-speaking nations such as Australia and New Zealand, primarily resulting from French emigration or migrants bearing French names. The diaspora has also led to the presence of Barthes in African and Asian countries, where there are significant Francophone populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Barthes

The surname Barthes has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Barthès, Barthez, Bartheis, Bartais, Bartache, Bartacci, Bartaccius, Bartaccio, Bartacio, Bartat, Bartet, Bartets, Barteteau, Bartito, Bartizzi, Bartizzo, Bartocci, Bartochi, and Bartoccio. These variations originate from France, where the name is of Occitan origin, possibly derived from the place names Bartez (in Haute-Garonne) or Bartenès (in Ariège). The name may also have been a nickname for someone with a beard, as 'barbe' means beard in French. The most common English spelling is Barthes.

Famous people with the last name Barthes

Renowned individuals bearing the surname Barthes include:

1. Roland Barthes (1915-1980), a French literary critic and semiologist, who is considered one of the leading thinkers of the second half of the 20th century. He made significant contributions to the study of semiotics, literature, philosophy, and cultural studies.

2. Élie Barthes (1942-2017), Roland's nephew, was a French writer and literary critic. His work primarily focused on contemporary literature and society.

3. Agnes Martin (1912-2004), although not biologically related to the Barthes family, chose the surname Barthes as her professional name in honor of Roland Barthes. She was a Canadian-American abstract painter known for her minimalist grid paintings.

These individuals have made substantial contributions to various fields, leaving a lasting impact on their respective disciplines.

Genealogical research on the last name Barthes

The Barthes family originates from the region of Auvergne in France. The surname Barthes is derived from the Old French word "barbe" meaning 'beard' or 'bart'. One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name was Jean Barthe, who lived in the late 13th century in the village of Saint-Germain-l'Hérin.

Throughout history, several notable individuals with the surname Barthes have emerged. René Descartes, the French philosopher and mathematician, had a cousin named Isaac Barthe who was also a philosopher. The most famous member of the family, however, is Roland Barthes, a renowned cultural theorist, literary critic, and semiotician, who lived in the 20th century.

Roland Barthes' works include influential books such as "Mythologies," "Critique and Truth: Essays on Marx," and "A Lover's Discourse." His theories on semiotics have had a significant impact on literature, criticism, cultural studies, philosophy, anthropology, and sociology.

The Barthes family has made substantial contributions to various fields throughout history, particularly in the realms of philosophy, literary theory, and academia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "barthes"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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