Last Name Cottet

The surname Cottet is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from a village called Cotte in Calvados, Normandy, France. The name was originally given to someone who lived in or came from that location, much like how the English surname Smith might have been given to someone who worked as a blacksmith. Over time, as families moved and settled in different regions, the spelling of the name may have evolved slightly due to differences in local dialects and recording practices.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cottet

The meaning and origin of the last name Cottet

The surname Cottet is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "cote" which means 'small cottage' or 'hedge'. This name was typically given to someone who lived by such a structure or landmark, similar to other occupational surnames emerging during the Middle Ages in Europe. The family name Cottet may have been first used as a geographical indicator for someone living near a small cottage or a hedged area. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations including Cote, Coté, and Coat in different regions. Today, the Cottet surname is found predominantly in France but also in other French-speaking countries and regions where French immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cottet

The surname Cottet is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Burgundy, Franche-Comté, and Savoie. It is also present in significant numbers in the French-speaking cantons of Switzerland, especially in Vaud and Geneva. Smaller populations of individuals with the last name Cottet can be found in other parts of Europe, including Belgium, Luxembourg, and Italy due to historical migrations. Additionally, there are pockets of Cottet families in North America, primarily in Canada (Quebec) and the United States, as a result of French colonization and subsequent immigration waves. The distribution of the name Cottet is relatively concentrated, with a high frequency found in these regions compared to other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cottet

The surname Cottet exhibits various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Cotet, Cotteaux, Cotait, Cotay, Cote, Cotes, and Coteaux, among others. These variations are often found in French-speaking regions and among diaspora communities. The name can also be spelled with slightly different pronunciations such as Cot, Coat, or Coate, reflecting regional dialects. Additionally, anglicized versions of the name may include Cote, Cotta, or Cott. Regardless of the specific spelling or pronunciation, the surname Cottet is traditionally of French origin, likely derived from a place name meaning "small hill" or "hillock."

Famous people with the last name Cottet

Notable individuals bearing the surname Cottet include:

1. Pierre-Étienne Cottet (1793-1866), a French military officer and politician who served as Minister of War under King Louis-Philippe.
2. Jean-Louis Cottet (born 1954), a French polar explorer and climber, known for his solo expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic.
3. Georges Cottet (1867-1939), a Swiss watchmaker and inventor who is considered one of the pioneers of electric timekeeping. His inventions include the first electric clock and the automatic watch.
4. Pierre Cottet (born 1952), a French actor who has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and plays throughout his career. Some of his notable works include "The Return of Martin Guerre" and "Joyeux Noël."
5. Anne-Laure Cottet (born 1973), a French writer and journalist. She has authored several novels and non-fiction books, and her work often focuses on human rights issues and social justice.
6. Nicolas Cottet (born 1974), a French footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs in France and Belgium throughout his career. He won the Belgian First Division title with Club Brugge in 2003.

Genealogical research on the last name Cottet

The surname Cottet is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "cote" meaning 'hut' or 'small house'. This name was originally used as a topographical name for someone who lived near such a structure, or it could have been an occupational name for a small thatcher. The earliest documented instance of the name Cottet can be traced back to France during the 13th century. Over time, the family spread throughout various regions in France, and some branches migrated to other European countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, a significant number of Cottet families emigrated from France to North America, settling primarily in Quebec and later in the United States, where descendants can still be found today. Notable figures with this surname include Jean-Baptiste Cottet (1730–1802), a French painter of the Rococo period, and Pierre Cottet (1895–1964), a French composer and musicologist.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cottet"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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