What is the origin of the last name Buat?

The surname "Buat" is of French origin. It derives from a variety of sources, primarily Old French and Medieval Latin. The name can be traced back to several possible origins: 1. Occupational name for a builder or mason, from the Old French word 'batir' meaning "to build." 2. Topographic name for someone who lived near a building or fortification, derived from the same Old French word 'batir'. 3. Habitational name from any of several places called Buat in France, such as Buat-les-Mineures (Haute-Marne) and Buat-sur-Loup (Var). 4. Metonymic occupational name for a carpenter or builder, derived from the Old French word 'bat', meaning a board. 5. In some cases, it may also be a nickname from the Old French term 'boet' which means "fat" or "plump." As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation of Buat have evolved over time due to various factors, including regional dialects and changes in language rules.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Buat

The meaning and origin of the last name Buat

The surname Buat is of French origin, specifically from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in France. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "batir," meaning "to build" or "to make." Originally, it would have been used as a nickname for someone who was a builder or craftsman. Over time, the surname Buat spread beyond France, particularly to Belgium and other parts of Europe, due to migration and colonization. Today, the name is found among French-speaking communities worldwide. Notable individuals with the surname Buat include Jean-Baptiste Buat, a French naval officer during the Napoleonic era, and Marie-Hélène Buat, a contemporary French author.

Geographical distribution of the last name Buat

The surname Buat is primarily distributed in the Netherlands and Belgium, with significant concentrations in these two countries. Its origin is believed to be from the Dutch word "boot" or "boat," indicating that it may have been an occupational name for someone who worked as a boat builder or sailor. In addition to the Netherlands and Belgium, smaller numbers of people with the surname Buat can also be found in other parts of Europe, such as France and Germany, due to historical migration patterns. In North America, individuals with the last name Buat are mostly found in Canada and the United States, particularly in regions with a high population of Dutch or Belgian immigrants. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Buat reflects its origins in Western Europe, with notable dispersal primarily due to immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Buat

The surname Buat, or its variants, has multiple spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional conventions. Here are some common variations:

* Boat (most commonly used in English-speaking countries)
* Baut (French variation)
* Bat (a shortened version found in several languages, including Dutch and German)
* Bouat (another French variation)
* Buatte (Italian plural form of the surname Buat)
* Boett or Butte (Scandinavian variations)
* Boott (English variation with an additional "t")

These different spellings often stem from immigration and historical influences, as families moved across continents over time. It's essential to consider these variations when researching family history or genealogy.

Famous people with the last name Buat

The Buat surname is relatively uncommon among the globally renowned individuals, but it has been represented by several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of arts and entertainment, Jean Buat (born 1948) is a French composer known for his works in ballet, theater, and films. In the academic sphere, John M. Buat, an American scientist, contributed significantly to the field of biology, specifically in the study of cell signaling and signal transduction. In sports, Laurent Buat (born 1982) is a French rugby union player who played for several top-tier clubs and was a member of France's national team during the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Lastly, in politics, Henri Buat (1856–1936) was a French politician who served as Minister of Agriculture from 1909 to 1911 and was a deputy for the Sarthe department.

Genealogical research on the last name Buat

The surname Buat, originating from France, is primarily found in the regions of Picardy and Hauts-de-France. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "batir," meaning "to build." This suggests that early bearers of this name were builders or craftsmen, possibly masons or carpenters. The Buat family migrated to Flanders during the Middle Ages and then spread out across France, with significant populations in the regions of Lille, Douai, and Valenciennes. Some descendants emigrated from France, notably to Belgium and later to the United States, particularly to Pennsylvania and Louisiana. Notable figures with the surname Buat include Pierre-Charles Alexandre Louis Buat-Nausicaa, a French painter, and Jean-Baptiste Buat de la Meilleraye, a 19th-century French politician. The genealogical research of the Buat family shows a rich history spanning across centuries and continents.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names