What is the origin of the last name Cadot?

The surname Cadot is a French patronymic name derived from the given name Cado, which was an Old Germanic personal name, possibly meaning "battle-worthy" or "brave in battle." It's one of several surnames that were originally given names and were passed down through generations. The French form of this name is often found in different spellings such as Cadot, Cadette, Cadois, etc., depending on the region where it was adopted.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Cadot

The surname Cadot is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "cadet," meaning 'younger son' or 'cadet'. It was primarily used to differentiate younger sons within a family, as they often inherited less property and had fewer rights than the eldest. Over time, this name has been adopted across various regions, particularly in France and its colonies, as well as by families of French descent in other parts of the world. The spelling variations include Cadet, Cadotte, and Caddot, among others, which may have arisen due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or family preferences. Today, individuals bearing this name can be found globally, reflecting its historical dissemination from France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cadot

The surname Cadot is predominantly found in France, particularly in the regions of Normandy and Brittany, where it originated. It is also present in other parts of the country, such as Auvergne, Bourgogne, Franche-Comté, and Rhône-Alpes. Outside of France, the Cadot family name can be found in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization. In North America, it is mostly concentrated in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Additionally, there are pockets of Cadots in Louisiana, USA, as a result of French settlements during the colonial era.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cadot

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Famous people with the last name Cadot

The Cadot family has produced notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Antoine Louis Caillé de la Baleine, better known as Antoine-Louis Caillié (1819-1894), a French explorer who was the first European to travel through the heart of Africa from the Atlantic coast to Timbuktu. He documented his journey in "Voyage à l'intérieur de l'Afrique" (Journey to the Interior of Africa).

Another famous Cadot is Georges Cadot (1886-1975), a French art historian and archaeologist. He made significant contributions to the understanding of ancient Egyptian culture, particularly in the area of funerary art. His most notable works include "Les Fêtes de la Valeur" (The Feasts of Valor) and "Étude sur les tombes-sanctuaires des rois égyptiens" (Study on the Sanctuary Tombs of the Egyptian Kings).

Lastly, there is Éliane Cadot (born 1964), a French journalist and writer. She has worked for various media outlets such as France 24, Arte, and France Culture. Her books include "L'Arabe que j'aime" (The Arab I Love) and "Les Femmes de l'Islam" (Women in Islam), which explore the lives of Muslim women around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Cadot

The Cadot surname originates from France and is derived from the Old French word "cadet," meaning younger son. The name was first recorded in Normandy during the Middle Ages, with early bearers being members of the cadet branch of noble families. As the Normans invaded England in 1066, many Cadots accompanied William the Conqueror and became established in England, where the surname has remained prevalent to this day. The name also spread throughout Europe due to the Crusades and colonization efforts, with significant populations found in Canada and the United States today. Notable figures bearing the Cadot surname include Jean-Louis Cadet, a prominent Haitian politician and military leader, and François Cadet, a French composer and musician. Genealogical research on the Cadot family typically involves tracing the lineage back to France, then following its dispersal across Europe and the New World.

Last name distribution maps

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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.

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