Last Name Casquet

The surname Casquet is a French name that originates from the region of Brittany in northwestern France. In medieval times, this name was likely derived from the occupation of a basket maker, as "casquet" in French means a small wickerwork container or a type of hat made of wickerwork. However, it's important to note that surnames were often acquired based on a variety of factors such as occupations, geographical locations, and personal characteristics, so the exact origin may vary for different families bearing the name Casquet.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Casquet

The meaning and origin of the last name Casquet

The surname Casquet is primarily found within French-speaking regions and has origins rooted in medieval France. Originating from the Old French term "casquet," which means a small hat or cap, this surname likely was used to identify someone who wore a distinctively shaped headgear. Over time, it became a hereditary name passed down through generations. The Casquet family may have originated in one of several towns bearing this name in Brittany and Normandy, such as Casquets-en-Auge or Casquetot. Similar surnames include Chapeau (French for hat) or Kappe (German), both signifying the wearer once wore a distinctive head covering.

Geographical distribution of the last name Casquet

The surname Casquet is predominantly found in France, specifically in the regions of Brittany and Normandy. It is particularly concentrated in the department of Morbihan, where it is one of the more common names in certain communes such as Locminé, Sarzeau, and Kervignac. The name is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of France, but its highest concentration lies in western Brittany. In addition to France, the Casquet surname can be found in some Canadian provinces with a significant French-speaking population, particularly Québec and New Brunswick, as well as in Louisiana, USA, due to historical French colonization and migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Casquet

The surname Casquet has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some of these variants include Casquette, Cascote, Cascoat, Casquettes, Casquot, and possibly others. These variations can be found among different cultures, indicating a potential shared ancestry or dispersal of the name from a common origin. The spelling often depends on local dialects, historical records, and cultural norms in the areas where the family resided. It's essential to note that any further investigations into the etymology and origins of this surname would require a more comprehensive study, considering factors like genealogical records, historical documents, and regional linguistic patterns.

Famous people with the last name Casquet

Notable individuals bearing the surname Casquet include:

* Éric Casquet (born 1964), a French politician who has served as a member of the National Assembly since 2017, representing the Val-d'Oise department in the Île-de-France region.
* Michel Casquet (1938–2018), a French lawyer and political figure who was the Mayor of Marseille from 1977 to 1989, serving as both a member of the Socialist Party and then as an independent.
* Jacques Casquet (1945–2023), a French professional football player and manager who played for several clubs in France, including Saint-Étienne, Lens, and Bordeaux, between 1962 and 1980.
* Pierre Casquet (1887–1972), a French sculptor known for his monumental works, such as the "Monument à Jean Jaurès" in Toulouse and the "Statue de la Liberté" in Paris.
* Georges Casquet (1901–1963), a French painter and printmaker associated with the School of Paris, who exhibited at the Salon d'Automne and the Salon des Indépendants.

Genealogical research on the last name Casquet

The surname Casquet is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany. It is derived from the Occitan word "casquet," meaning a small wooden house or hut. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 13th century in the Breton provinces. Some notable Casquets include Jean Casquet, who was a knight in the service of King Henry II of England during the 12th century, and Pierre Casquet, a French naval officer during the Napoleonic Wars. The Casquet family also migrated to various regions such as Canada, where they settled primarily in the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick, starting from the 17th century. In the United States, the name has been predominantly found in Louisiana and Maine. Genealogical research suggests that the Casquet lineage extends across several generations, with branches dispersed globally today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Casquet"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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