Last Name Chabot

The surname Chabot is of French origin. It derives from a topographic name for someone who lived by a small pond, river, or well, derived from Old French "chabot," meaning "beaver." This name may also have been a nickname for a brave or aggressive person, as the beaver was often used in heraldry to symbolize such qualities. The surname is relatively common in France and Quebec, Canada.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Chabot

The meaning and origin of the last name Chabot

The surname Chabot originates from France and is derived from the Old French word "chabot," which means beaver. It was likely originally an occupational name for someone who worked with beavers, such as a trapper or furrier. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname for someone thought to resemble a beaver due to their industriousness or physical characteristics. The name was brought to various parts of Europe during the Middle Ages through migration and colonization, and today it is found in numerous countries, including France, Canada, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Chabot

The surname Chabot is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Normandy, Picardy, and the Ile-de-France. It originated from the medieval occupation name "caboche" or "chatbote," meaning 'head' or 'hat carrier'. Over time, it became a hereditary surname. The name has also spread through French colonization to various parts of the world, including Quebec in Canada, Louisiana in the United States, and Haiti. In these areas, Chabot is often associated with families who emigrated during the 17th and 18th centuries. Additionally, there are smaller populations of people with the surname Chabot in other parts of Europe, such as Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, due to migration and historical links.

Variants and spellings of the last name Chabot

The surname Chabot has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variants include Chevalier, Chevalot, Chevaloit, Chevaulet, and Chevallot, all of which originated from the Old French word for "little boat," reflecting the name's original meaning. Other variations, such as Chabault, Chabaut, Chabaud, Chabateau, and Chabatau, represent regional adaptations of the same root word. Additionally, there are instances where the name has been anglicized to Chatfield, Chaffey, or Chafe, though these variations are less common among French speakers. In summary, Chabot can appear in various forms due to historical and cultural influences, but all share a connection to the original Old French term for "little boat."

Famous people with the last name Chabot

Notable individuals bearing the surname Chabot include:

1. Gerard A. Chabot, a Canadian economist and academic who served as the President of the University of Ottawa from 2006 to 2013.

2. Jessica Chabot, an American attorney and politician who served as a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from 2015 to 2018.

3. Pierre Chabot, a French explorer and military officer in the service of King Francis I of France during the Renaissance. He is best known for his expeditions to Canada, particularly the establishment of Quebec City in 1608.

4. Pierre-Luc Chabot, a Canadian professional ice hockey player who currently plays for the Ottawa Senators as a center.

5. Rachel Chabot, an American activist and author known for her work on human trafficking and child exploitation prevention. She is the founder of the Rachel Joy Scott Foundation.

Genealogical research on the last name Chabot

The Chabot surname originates from France and is derived from the Old French word "chateau-bout," meaning "castle-butt" or "castle base." The name was given as a topographical name to someone who lived near a castle, or an occupational name for a castle guard. The Chabot family is known to have originated in Normandy, and some of the earliest records of the name date back to the 12th century.

The Chabot family moved to Canada during the colonization period, with Pierre Chabot arriving in Quebec City in 1640. The Chabots played a significant role in the early development of New France and were among the founding families of Quebec City. Many Chabots later settled in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans, due to intermarriage between the French and Spanish colonists.

In the United States, the Chabot name can be traced back to the 18th century with French-speaking immigrants settling primarily in the states of Louisiana, Michigan, and Vermont. Notable figures bearing the surname include Senator Hiram John Chabot, who served as a U.S. senator from 1935 to 1941, and artist Jean Charlot, who was a prominent figure in the Mexican mural movement.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Chabot"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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