What is the origin of the last name Cointet?

The surname Cointet is a French patronymic name derived from the personal name Coïn (a medieval diminutive form of the name Constant). It is likely that the original bearer was known by this name and the surname evolved as a means to differentiate individuals within a family or community. This naming pattern was common in the Middle Ages and continued into early modern times in France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cointet

The meaning and origin of the last name Cointet

The surname Cointet is of French origin, derived from various locations with that name found throughout France. The word "Cointet" itself is believed to be derived from the Old French word "coing," meaning corner or angle, and "-et," a diminutive suffix. It's possible that the name could have been given to someone who lived near a corner or an angled piece of land, or it may have originated from one of several villages named Cointet in France. Over time, the surname has spread beyond France due to migration and is now found among French-speaking communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cointet

The surname Cointet is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in France and Switzerland. In France, it is most prevalent in the Rhône-Alpes region, specifically in the departments of Ain, Haute-Savoie, and Savoie, which are historically part of the Duchy of Savoy. Additionally, the surname Cointet can also be found in other French regions such as Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Grand Est. In Switzerland, it is common in the canton of Vaud, located in western Switzerland. The name's distribution suggests a historical connection to the Duchy of Savoy, which was shared by France and Switzerland until the 19th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cointet

The variant and spellings of the surname Cointet include:

1. Coinet
2. Cointe
3. Cointet
4. Coineau
5. Cointeau
6. Cointeaux
7. Cointeaux-Lafosse
8. Coineux
9. Cointaux
10. Cointaut
11. Coindet
12. Coindreau
13. Coindres
14. Coindret
15. Coindrieu
16. Coindroit
17. Coindroy

These variations may have arisen due to differences in spelling conventions, regional dialects, or errors during transcription throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Cointet

Notable individuals with the surname Cointet include:

1. Marcel Cointet (1897-1963): A Swiss composer known for his choral works and oratorios, including "Requiem" and "Die Schöpfung." His compositions were often inspired by religious themes.

2. Jean-Marie Cointet (1930-2008): A French psychiatrist who co-founded the Tavistock Clinic in Paris and made significant contributions to psychotherapy, particularly in the fields of group analysis and family therapy.

3. Jean-Claude Cointet-Meyer (born 1947): A French screenwriter, novelist, and comics writer. He is best known for co-writing the popular video game "Tomb Raider" and creating the comic book series "Zinder".

4. Olivier Cointe (born 1965): A French musician and singer-songwriter who has released several albums, including "Le Grand Sommeil" in 2008. He is known for his introspective lyrics and melodic pop-rock style.

Genealogical research on the last name Cointet

The surname Cointet is primarily of French origin, derived from the Old French "coint" meaning "bed" and "tel," a diminutive suffix. It is believed to have been used as a nickname for someone who made or sold beds. The name has various spellings including Cointe, Coinet, and Cointeau in different regions of France.

Notable figures with the surname include: Auguste Cointet (1850-1926), a French sculptor; Jean-Baptiste Cointet (1747-1832), a Swiss painter and draftsman; and Maurice Cointet (1864-1920), a French painter.

The Cointets are primarily found in the regions of Franche-Comté, Rhône-Alpes, Auvergne, and Normandy in France, as well as in Switzerland. Genealogical research suggests that the name may have originated from the town of Corcelles-l'Échaud in the department of Jura, France.

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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