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Last Name Coillot

What is the origin of the last name Coillot?

The surname Coillot has its origins in France, specifically in the region of Normandy and Brittany. It is derived from a geographical location or occupation related to a small clearing surrounded by trees (from Old French 'coillot' meaning 'small wooded area' or 'copse'). As with many surnames, Coillot was often used as a way to identify someone by their place of origin or profession. Over time, the family name spread across Europe and other parts of the world due to various historical events like migrations and conquests.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coillot

The meaning and origin of the last name Coillot

The surname Coillot is of French origin, specifically from the Norman region, where it derived from the Old French word "coiller" or "collet," which means 'neck' or 'collar.' It is possible that an individual who lived near a place with such a feature may have taken this name, signifying a topographical reference. Alternatively, it could have been a metonymic occupational name for someone who made collars or neckwear. Over time, the spelling has evolved from various dialects and languages, resulting in variations such as Coillet, Caulet, or Colot. The name is relatively uncommon in France today but can be found more frequently in its former territories like Canada and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coillot

The surname Coillot has its roots in France, particularly in the Brittany region and more specifically in the Côtes-d'Armor department. It is most concentrated in the communes of Plélo, Trédaniel, and Paimpol, where it represents a significant proportion of the population. The name is also found in other parts of France, such as Ille-et-Vilaine and Morbihan. Beyond France, the Coillot family can be traced to Belgium, particularly in Wallonia, and Quebec, Canada, due to historical migration patterns from Brittany. In these regions, the name is less common but still present in various communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coillot

The surname Coillot has various spelling variations, including Colelot, Coillet, Coillote, Coillotte, Coillat, Coillette, Coilhot, and Cohlot. These differences are due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and changes in family name conventions over time. In French, the surname is derived from 'coille', which means 'sheath' or 'hollow', indicating a professions related to crafting sheaths for weapons, or possibly referring to geographical features with similar characteristics. It is also possible that the name originated in a location named Coillot, though such places are rare and are primarily located in France.

Famous people with the last name Coillot

One of the most renowned individuals with the surname Coillot is Pierre-Simon Ballanche (1776-1847), a French writer and philosopher who was instrumental in the Romantic movement. Best known for his work "Les Déracinés," Ballanche advocated for individualism, spiritualism, and social harmony. Another prominent figure is Jean Cocteau (1889-1963), a French artist and intellectual, who excelled in various fields such as filmmaking, literature, painting, and theater design. Cocteau's works, characterized by their surrealistic elements, had a significant impact on the 20th century avant-garde arts scene. Lastly, there is Marie-Louise Colet (1813-1905), a French writer who was part of the Romantic literary movement and one of the first feminist voices in France. She authored "Le Livre de mon cœur" ("The Book of My Heart"), a collection of poems that expressed her passion for love, nature, and women's emancipation.

Genealogical research on the last name Coillot

The surname Coillot originates from France, specifically in the region of Brittany. The name is derived from the Old French "co(u)l" meaning 'wood' or 'grove', and "lot", a field or plot of land. The first recorded usage of the name can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, with Jean Coillot appearing in documents from the 15th century. Over time, various branches of the Coillot family emerged, settling in different parts of Brittany and eventually migrating to other regions within France, as well as overseas to countries like Canada and the United States. Some notable figures bearing the name include Guillaume Coillot, a French military officer during the Hundred Years' War, and Pierre Coillot, a painter from the 17th century. The Coillot family continues to be found in France, as well as many countries with significant French-speaking populations.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 15 June 2025

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