Last Name Bellot

The surname Bellot has French origins. It is derived from a given name, "Bel," which means beautiful in French, and the suffix "-ot" or "-otin," which indicated diminutive form during the Middle Ages. This surname was often used as a pet form for children named "Pierre Bel," which translates to Peter the Beautiful in English. Over time, the name evolved into Bellot. The usage of such diminutives helped differentiate between multiple bearers of the same personal name within the same family or village.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bellot

The meaning and origin of the last name Bellot

The surname Bellot is of French origin, derived from the Occitan term "belh" or "bèlh," meaning "beautiful." This name was often given to children born during a happy or beautiful season, reflecting the joy and positivity associated with the word. The surname Bellot is also related to the Old Provencal word "belot," which means "beauty spot" or "blemish." Over time, as French colonizers expanded across the globe, the name Bellot became more widespread, particularly in regions such as France's overseas territories and countries with strong ties to France. Today, the name is still common in France, as well as among descendants of French colonizers and immigrants in various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bellot

The surname Bellot is predominantly found in France and the French-speaking regions of North America, particularly Quebec, Canada. It originates from the Old Norman given name Belo, which means "yew tree" or "fair." The distribution of the surname Bellot reflects the historical influence of French colonization, with notable populations also in Louisiana, USA, and Haiti. Smaller clusters can be found in other former French colonies such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Réunion. In recent times, due to emigration, individuals bearing the name Bellot have spread across various parts of the world, including Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bellot

The surname Bellot has multiple variations and spellings worldwide. Some common variations include Bélot, Belote, Belotte, Belleau, Bello, Beller, Bellott, Bellaud, and Bellotto. These variations often arise due to differences in regional dialects, historical record keeping, or individual preference. The original French name Bellot comes from the word "bel" meaning beautiful and "ot" a diminutive suffix, thus translating to "little beautiful one". The name has been present in various countries including France, Haiti, Spain, and Belgium. These variations highlight the rich cultural history and global dissemination of the Bellot surname.

Famous people with the last name Bellot

Notable individuals bearing the surname Bellot include:

1. Fabien Cousteau Bellot (1976-), an American aquatic filmmaker and ocean conservationist, whose work continues his grandfather Jacques-Yves Cousteau's legacy.

2. Jean-Baptiste Bellot (1801-1870), a French naval officer who made significant contributions to hydrography by surveying the coastlines of Africa and South America.

3. Marie-Claire Bellot (1954-), a French journalist, writer, and television personality known for her investigative journalism and work in human rights.

4. Yannick Bellon (born 1970 as Yannick Bellot), a French politician who served as the Mayor of Marseille between 2014 and 2020.

5. Joris Bellot (1988-), a Belgian basketball player, representing Belgium at international competitions.

6. Pierre Bellot (1712-1792), a French composer and organist known for his contributions to the development of sacred music during the Baroque period.

Genealogical research on the last name Bellot

The surname Bellot is of French origin, derived from the medieval given name Bel(l)e, meaning "beautiful" or "fair." Its earliest recorded appearances are found in Normandy and Brittany during the High Middle Ages. The family name Bellot spread throughout France, with significant settlements in Picardy, Poitou, and Anjou regions. Some of the most prominent early bearers of this name include Jean Bellot, a knight who fought for King Henry II of England in the 12th century, and Jacques Bellot, a French explorer who accompanied Jacques Cartier on his voyages to New France in the late 1500s. The family also migrated to other European countries during the Middle Ages and later, including Spain, Belgium, Germany, and Italy, where they adopted local variations of the name such as Bello, Bellotto, and Balletto. Over time, some Bellot families emigrated to the Americas and other parts of the world, creating a diaspora that includes notable figures like Jean-Claude Belllet (a French politician), José Miguel Bellido Luna (a Spanish judge), and Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known professionally as Lil Wayne, who is of part-French descent.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bellot"
• Global distribution of the surname 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 : 12 June 2025

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