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Last Name Bidard

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What is the origin of the last name Bidard?

The surname Bidard is of French origin. It is a habitational name from various places called Bidart in France, namely in the Basque region. The place names are derived from the Old Basque word "bidar" which means "cedar tree." The name may also be found spelled as Bidaud or Bidault and is thought to have been brought to England by Huguenot refugees in the 17th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bidard

The meaning and origin of the last name Bidard

The surname Bidard is of French origin and is derived from the Old French personal name "Bivier" or "Bivet," which means "little beaver." Over time, the name evolved into its modern form due to various spelling variations, such as Bidart, Beidart, and Biard. The name may have been geographically descriptive, indicating a person who lived near a beaver habitat, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was thought to resemble a beaver. The surname is most common in France but can also be found among the French diaspora around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bidard

The surname Bidard is primarily concentrated in France, particularly in the northern region of Brittany. This region is historically known for its unique Breton culture and Celtic roots, which may contribute to the prevalence of the name. Other concentrations can be found in neighboring regions such as Normandy, Pays de la Loire, and Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Beyond France, there are also notable numbers of individuals with the surname Bidard in countries with significant French immigration, such as Belgium, Canada (especially Quebec), and the United States, particularly in states like Louisiana, due to historical French influence. The name's distribution reflects historical migration patterns and cultural ties to France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bidard

The surname Bidard has several variations and spellings, reflecting its historical and regional origin. Some common spelling variations include Bidart, Biedart, Biadart, and Bydard. These variations may arise due to differences in transcription, transliteration, or translation over time and across regions. In French, the name is derived from "beau-dit" meaning "well spoken," while in Basque it might have origins related to a place name. Additionally, there could be regional dialectal differences leading to variations such as Biadert or Biaderte. These spelling variations underscore the rich history and geographical diversity of the Bidard family name.

Famous people with the last name Bidard

Notable individuals with the surname Bidart include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Bidart (1735-1805), a French naval officer who served during the American Revolutionary War and was later appointed as governor of French Guiana.

2. Henri Bidou, better known by his stage name Tété (born 1964), is a French musician and singer-songwriter. He has released several albums and has been nominated for various music awards.

3. Mathieu Bidart (born 1985) is a French professional basketball player who currently plays for BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque of the LNB Pro A, the top tier of basketball in France.

4. Alexandra Bidart (born 1986), known professionally as Vitaa, is a French singer and actress. She rose to fame as a member of the girl group Chantespirales before pursuing a solo career.

5. Alain Bidard (born 1957) is a French ocean rower who set the record for the fastest solo row across the Atlantic Ocean in 2003, completing the journey in just over 68 days.

Genealogical research on the last name Bidard

The surname Bidard has roots in France, specifically the region of Normandy. It is derived from the Old French "bidaut" or "bidaud," which means "little deaf one." The name was often used as an occupational name for a hearing aid maker, or more likely, a nickname for someone with a hearing impairment.

The Bidard family can be traced back to the 13th century. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is that of Thomas Bidard, who was mentioned in documents from Normandy in 1270. Over the centuries, the Bidard family expanded and migrated, with notable branches settling in Brittany, Paris, and other parts of France.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, many Bidards emigrated from France to other countries, including Canada, the United States, and Switzerland, due to religious persecution and economic hardships. Today, the Bidard name is found worldwide, with significant populations in France, North America, and Switzerland.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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