Last Name Bouret

The surname "Bouret" is a French occupational name derived from the Old French word "buretor," meaning "butterer." It was likely originally used as an occupational name for a person who worked as a butter-maker or dealer in butter. During the Middle Ages, many European countries underwent a transition from predominantly one-name systems to systems involving both given names and surnames. Occupational names such as Bouret were among those that arose during this period.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bouret

The meaning and origin of the last name Bouret

The surname Bouret is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is derived from the Old French word "bouret," which means "mason" or "brickmaker." This occupational name was given to individuals who worked in the construction trades, primarily as stone masons or bricklayers. Over time, the spelling of the surname has undergone minor changes, with variations such as Bourette, Bouter, and Boutier also being found. The Bouret family name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, making it an ancient and distinguished name in French history. Today, the Bouret surname is scattered across France, but also has significant populations in other countries, particularly in Canada and the United States, due to immigration during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bouret

The surname Bouret is primarily found in France, particularly in the northwestern region of Brittany and adjacent areas such as Normandy and the Loire Valley. It also appears sporadically across other regions within France. Outside of France, individuals with the last name Bouret can be found in countries with significant French immigration, such as Canada (Quebec), Belgium, and Switzerland. In addition, descendants of French immigrants can occasionally be found in the United States and other English-speaking countries, primarily in urban centers with a strong historical French influence like New Orleans or Montreal. The surname Bouret is less common in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bouret

The surname Bouret exhibits various spellings and variations, reflecting its origins and historical transformations over time. Here are some common forms:

1. Bouret: This is the standard spelling, derived from French ancestry. It has been documented as early as the 14th century in regions such as Normandy and Brittany.

2. Boutet: An alternative spelling of Bouret, often seen among French-speaking descendants. The 't' at the end of the name can be dropped when pronouncing it, leading to variations like Bout or But.

3. Buat: A less common spelling of the surname, which may have arisen due to regional dialects or transcription errors.

4. Bouchet: A variant that shares roots with Bouret but has undergone phonetic changes over time, resulting in a slightly different pronunciation and spelling.

5. Boucher: Another variation of the name, more common in French-speaking areas as it translates to "butcher" or "maker of leather goods." While not directly related to Bouret, these variations suggest a shared linguistic and cultural background.

Famous people with the last name Bouret

Notable individuals with the surname Bouret include:

1. Olivier Bouet (born 1967), a French former footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux, and the France national team. He won the UEFA Champions League in 1993 with Marseille.

2. Pascal Bouquet (born 1965), a French former footballer who played as a defender for clubs like Lens, Strasbourg, Montpellier, and Nice. He represented France at the 1988 Summer Olympics.

3. Stéphanie Bouvet-Bouquet (born 1970), a French retired hurdler who specialized in the 400 meters hurdles. She won the silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and also held the European record for this event from 2000 to 2006.

4. Jean Bouret (1930-2018), a French actor, voice actor, and screenwriter, who was best known for his roles in films like "The Four Musketeers" and "The Three Musketeers." He also worked extensively in French television.

Genealogical research on the last name Bouret

The surname Bouret originates from France and is believed to have derived from various locations throughout the country, particularly Normandy and Brittany. It is thought to be an occupational name for a maker or seller of barrels, as 'bouret' in French means "barrel." One early record of the Bouret family can be traced back to Jean Bouret, who was born in the region of Perche, Orne, France around 1570. The family later migrated to Canada, with Pierre Bouret settling in Quebec in 1634. Other notable members of the Bouret family include Henri-Charles Bouret, a French chemist and pharmacist who developed the first French version of Dr. William Withering's Foxglove extract for treating heart disease, and Alphonse Bouret, a Canadian engineer known for designing the famous Bouvet-Lindsay turbine.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bouret"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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