Last Name Chouteau

The surname Chouteau is of French origin. It is derived from the Occitan word "chautel", meaning "cart driver" or "carriage maker". The name was originally borne by a family who were cart drivers in the service of the Counts of Toulouse during the Middle Ages. One notable member of this family, Auguste Chouteau, was a French fur trader and one of the founders of the city of St. Louis, Missouri in the United States. He immigrated to North America with his brother Pierre, who also played an important role in the early development of St. Louis. The Chouteaus were influential in the regional fur trade and in the founding of other settlements along the Mississippi River.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Chouteau

The meaning and origin of the last name Chouteau

The surname Chouteau is of French-Canadian origin and derives from the Occitan phrase "Château" or "Chouteau," which means castle or fortified tower. It was primarily found among nobility in France, particularly in the Languedoc region, where the name is thought to have been borne by someone who lived near or worked for a lord residing in a chateau.

The family's lineage can be traced back to Pierre Chouteau, Sr., a fur trader who immigrated from Quebec to Saint Louis, Missouri in 1764. His descendants played prominent roles in the early development of St. Louis, including Auguste Chouteau, the first mayor of St. Louis, and Pierre Chouteau Jr., a key figure in the Louisiana Purchase negotiations. The family's influence extended to the leadership of the fur trade company, the Missouri Fur Company, and the construction of Fort Belle Fontaine.

Geographical distribution of the last name Chouteau

The surname Chouteau, of French origin and meaning 'carpenter', has a concentrated distribution primarily within the United States, specifically in Missouri and Louisiana, where it is most prevalent among Cajun and Creole populations who trace their roots to Acadia (now Nova Scotia) or France. Additionally, the surname is found in smaller numbers in other parts of the U.S., reflecting migration patterns, particularly westward expansion. The Chouteau family was prominent in both Louisiana and Missouri, with a notable branch in St. Louis that founded the city. Beyond North America, the name can also be found in France, especially in the regions of Poitou-Charentes, Normandy, and Brittany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Chouteau

The surname Chouteau, of French origin, has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription over time and regions. Some common variants include: Chouteaux, Choutéau, Choateau, Choetau, Shuteau, Shouteau, and Shoatou. These variations may occur due to factors such as regional dialects, spelling errors, or individual preference during immigration. It is worth noting that the name may also appear in more anglicized forms like Choteau, Coates, or Coatesworth, especially among descendants who have been in the English-speaking world for several generations. The original French spelling of the family name was likely "Chotel" or "Chautel," which derived from a place name in France where many members of the family originally lived.

Famous people with the last name Chouteau

The Chouteau family, prominent in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, has contributed significantly to the city's development since its founding. One of the most notable members is Auguste Chouteau (1786-1849), an officer in the U.S. Army and the first mayor of St. Louis, serving from 1809 to 1820. He played a crucial role in establishing trade relationships with local Native American tribes and was instrumental in laying out the city's original street plan. Another significant figure is Pierre Chouteau Jr. (1789-1865), who founded Chouteau's Landing, later renamed Laclede's Landing, which became a major trading post on the Mississippi River. The Chouteaus were also involved in the fur trade and played key roles in the expansion of St. Louis as a regional hub for commerce. These influential individuals left a lasting impact on the city's history and development.

Genealogical research on the last name Chouteau

The Chouteau family is a significant French-Canadian and Creole dynasty that played influential roles in both Louisiana and Missouri territories during the 18th and 19th centuries. Originating from Quebec, Canada, the first known Chouteau ancestor was Jean Baptiste Chouteau (born around 1640), who settled in New France. His descendants, including Pierre Chouteau Sr., emigrated to Louisiana in the late 1700s and established trading posts along the Mississippi River with Native American tribes, such as the Osage Nation.

Their most prominent member was Auguste Chouteau (1786-1849), who oversaw St. Louis' early development after it became a major port on the frontier of the expanding United States. His son, Pierre Chouteau Jr., served as mayor of St. Louis and further expanded the family's business interests in transportation and trade.

The Chouteaus remained influential figures in Missouri politics, commerce, and society until the late 19th century. Notable members include Joseph Chouteau (1789-1867), who served as a mayor of St. Louis, and Adolphus Busch (1839-1913), whose Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company would become one of the largest breweries in the world, through marriage to a Chouteau descendant. The Chouteau legacy is still remembered today in various historical landmarks and institutions named after them in St. Louis, Missouri.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Chouteau"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends