Last Name Bidalot

The surname Bidalot is of French origin. It comes from a place-name derived from the Old Occitan word "bidalh" meaning "little hill" and the suffix "-ot" indicating "from the little hill." Over time, it has been spelled in various ways such as Bidault, Beidalet, and Bidolot. It is primarily found in regions of France such as Brittany, where many surnames originate from geographical locations or topographic features.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bidalot

The meaning and origin of the last name Bidalot

The surname Bidalot is of French origin, derived from a given name. It is an occupational name for a gatekeeper or doorkeeper, derived from the Old French term "bidal" which means "gate" or "door." The name was often given to individuals who worked as gatekeepers in castles, monasteries, or other large estates. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passed down from generation to generation. The variation of the name, Bidault, is also found in France and Belgium. The name first appeared in records during the Middle Ages, reflecting its historical roots in feudal society.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bidalot

The surname Bidalot is primarily found in France, particularly in the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Occitanie. A significant number of individuals bearing this name are concentrated in the department of Haute-Garonne, specifically around Toulouse. However, its presence extends to other French departments such as Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Drôme, Aude, and Gard. The surname Bidalot is also found in small numbers in Belgium, particularly in Wallonia, and Canada, notably in Quebec. Its origins can be traced back to the Old Occitan language, making it a common name among descendants of Catalan or Occitan settlers in these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bidalot

The surname Bidalot has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time, cultural influences, and regional dialects. Here are some of the common variations:

1. Bidolat - This is an alternative spelling, often found when the 'd' is misinterpreted as a 't'.
2. Bidalot-Dubourg - A compound surname where Dubourg is an additional or middle name for some families.
3. Bidault - This is a French variant of the surname, common among French-speaking families.
4. Bydalott - A possible Anglicized spelling encountered in English-speaking regions.
5. Bidalotto - An Italian variation, often used by Italian immigrants.
6. Biddalow - This is a less common variation that may have arisen from phonetic interpretations of the original name.
7. Beidalot - A variant with a slight alteration in spelling.
8. Badalot - Another possible variation due to slight misspellings or transcription errors over time.

Famous people with the last name Bidalot

The Bidalot family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One prominent figure is Antonio Bidalot, a Filipino politician who served as the Secretary of Transportation and Communications in the Philippines from 2004 to 2010 during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In sports, there's Fabrice Bidalot, a French professional basketball player who has played for multiple teams in France's top league, Pro A, and represented France at the international level. In the arts, Italian-American author Peter Bianco (real name Pietro Bidali) is known for his works such as "The Mafia and The Two Worlds," a trilogy of novels exploring the relationship between the United States and Sicily. Another noteworthy individual is American composer Mark Bidelot, who has written music for various media, including film and television, and collaborated with artists like Rihanna and Kanye West.

Genealogical research on the last name Bidalot

The surname Bidalot originates from France and is primarily found in the regions of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Brittany. The name is derived from the occupational term "bideau" or "bidault," meaning a small boatman, ferryman, or water carrier. The earliest known records of the Bidalot family date back to the 13th century in France. Notable figures with this surname include Pierre Bidault, a French Resistance leader during World War II, and Henri Bidouel de Bidalot, a French naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars. The Bidalot family has also been well-represented in academia, with several members holding positions as professors at various universities in France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bidalot"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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