What is the origin of the last name Degoutte?

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Degoutte

The meaning and origin of the last name Degoutte

The surname Degoutte originates from France and is derived from the Old French word "degouter," which means to clean or purify. It is a patronymic name, indicating that it was originally given to someone who performed the job related to cleaning or purifying, such as a brewer or a soap maker. The name is relatively uncommon, with its highest concentration found in regions of France like Normandy and Picardy. Over time, the spelling has evolved from various forms such as Degoute, Degout, and De Goutte, eventually settling on Degoutte as the most prevalent version. It is interesting to note that while the name itself has a clear etymology, its exact origins are unclear, making it difficult to pinpoint the specific individual who first bore this surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Degoutte

The surname Degoutte has a notable presence primarily within France, where it originated. It is most frequent in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in the north, with significant numbers also found in neighboring regions such as Picardy and Hauts-de-France. Degouttes are also recorded in smaller numbers in other French regions like Normandy, Brittany, Alsace, Lorraine, Rhône-Alpes, and Aquitaine. Beyond France, the distribution of Degoutte extends to several countries with significant French populations, including Belgium, Canada (Quebec), Switzerland, and Luxembourg. In these places, the surname is typically concentrated in areas with a high concentration of French immigrants or descendants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Degoutte

The surname Degoutte can have various spelling and pronunciation variations due to historical and regional differences in naming conventions. Some possible alternative spellings include De Goutte, De-Goutte, De Goute, Dégouté, Degoute, de Goute, De Goût, DeGoût, Degout, Degoutt, and De Goot. Each variation may have its own regional or familial origin, reflecting the diverse history of this name. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different individuals or families; they might represent phonetic or orthographic adaptations over time or differences in transcription by different sources.

Famous people with the last name Degoutte

The Degoutte family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of art, Jean-Charles Degoutte (1894-1973) was a French sculptor known for his public monuments and decorative works, particularly his contributions to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. René Degottex (1902-1964), also known as René-Jules Degoutte, was a French Resistance fighter during World War II who was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor for his bravery. In the world of sports, Robert Degottex (born 1935) is a French sailor who represented France at the Olympics in 1960 and won gold as part of the Star class team. Lastly, Jean-François Degoutte (born 1957), often known by his stage name John Farnham, is an Australian singer-songwriter and actor, best known for hits like "You're the Voice" and a successful career spanning over four decades.

Genealogical research on the last name Degoutte

The surname Degoutte originates from France and is associated with various regions, most notably Normandy, Picardy, and Champagne. Historically, it was a name borne by both nobility and commoners across these regions during the Middle Ages and the Ancien Régime. In France, surnames began to be systematically used during the 14th century, with most adopting occupational or locative names based on the family's profession or place of residence.

The Degoutte name can be derived from several sources. One possible origin is "le de Goute," meaning "from the spring" or "well." Another potential source is "degutier," a term related to woodwork, indicating a craftsman who specialized in carving and decorating wooden objects. As with many surnames, variations and spellings exist due to factors such as regional dialects, handwriting styles, and changes over time.

As for notable individuals bearing the Degoutte name, some include: Antoine Degoutte (1765-1843), a military officer who fought in the French Revolution and later served as prefect of the Loiret department; and Léopold Degoutte (1902-1989), a resistance fighter during World War II, awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Médaille de la Résistance for his heroic actions. These examples serve to illustrate the historical depth and global reach of the Degoutte name.

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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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