NomOrigine Background

Last Name Drouaillet

What is the origin of the last name Drouaillet?

The surname Drouaillet is of French origin. It is derived from a personal name, "Drogo," which was popular among the Normans and the Franks during the Middle Ages. The name Drogo is composed of the Germanic elements "thrōd" meaning "famous" or "glorious," and "wald" meaning "rule" or "power." Over time, the surname evolved from variations such as Drogue, Druge, Drage, and eventually Drouaillet.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Drouaillet

The meaning and origin of the last name Drouaillet

The surname Drouaillet is a French variant of the name Druelle, which comes from the Old French "dru" meaning oak and "aille" meaning meadow or clearing. This topographic name originally referred to someone who lived near an area marked by oak trees in a meadow or clearing. Over time, the spelling has evolved with Drouaillet being one of the variations. The name is most commonly found in France, particularly in the regions of Normandy and Brittany, but it can also be found in Quebec, Canada due to French colonial expansion.

Geographical distribution of the last name Drouaillet

The surname Drouaillet has a significant presence predominantly in French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, where it originates from the Norman family name "D'Auvergne." It is also found in smaller numbers among the Acadian diaspora in the Maritimes and Louisiana, USA. Historically, the Drouaillets were among the first settlers in New France, with the earliest recorded occurrence of the name dating back to the 17th century. The surname's distribution extends beyond Canada, however, with smaller populations found in France, Belgium, and the United States. In recent years, there has been an increase in the global dispersal of individuals bearing the Drouaillet name due to migration and family diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Drouaillet

The surname Drouaillet has several variants and spellings, reflecting its French origin and potential changes during migration. The most common variations include Drouet, Drouette, D'Rouaillet, Drouailet, Drauillet, Druillet, Drewett, Drowley, and Draylett. Each variation may stem from slight differences in spelling due to historical transcription errors, regional dialects, or personal preference over time. The name is derived from the Old French "Drolet," meaning "little drop" or "drop of dew." In a broader context, it could also be related to various other French surnames like Drouet (meaning "duck"), Dru (meaning "oak grove"), and Drue (meaning "strong").

Famous people with the last name Drouaillet

Notable individuals with the surname Drouaillet include:

1. Jean-Guy Drouin D'Hemecourt, a Canadian politician who served as a Member of Parliament from 2011 to 2019.

2. Renée Drouault-Drouaillet, a Canadian musician and composer known for her contributions to the music education field.

3. Stéphane Drouin-Desnoyers, a Canadian ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams such as the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators.

4. Marc-André Drouin, a Canadian composer and pianist who has won several awards for his contemporary classical music compositions.

5. Yves Drouin, a Canadian politician who served as Mayor of Gatineau, Quebec, from 2013 to 2021.

6. Michel Drouin, a Canadian filmmaker and screenwriter known for films such as "The Wife's Tale" (La Vie après l'amour) and "L'Amour au temps de l'eau froide".

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, music, sports, and film.

Genealogical research on the last name Drouaillet

The surname Drouaillet originates from France and is a variation of the original name Drueil or Druelle. It is primarily found in regions such as Normandy, Maine, and Brittany. In the 16th century, many French-speaking settlers emigrated to Quebec, Canada, due to religious persecution. The Drouaillets were among these early immigrants, with many settling in the Trois-Rivières area. Over time, the name spread throughout Quebec and Ontario, with notable figures like Joseph-Charles Drouin Drouaillet, a Canadian politician, hailing from this lineage. The name has also been found in Louisiana, USA, where French explorers and settlers established strong influences. Today, the Drouaillets are scattered globally, with significant populations in Canada, France, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Droach (Last name)

surnames > droach

The last name Droach is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name "Drachan," which means "son of the beloved one."

Drogba (Last name)

surnames > drogba

The surname Drogba has its roots in West Africa, specifically in Ivory Coast. It is a common surname among the Agni people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ivory Coast. The nam...

Droguett (Last name)

surnames > droguett

The surname "Droguett" is of French origin. It is derived from a medieval occupational name for a druggist or apothecary, derived from the Old French word "drogue," meaning drug or...

Drohna (Last name)

surnames > drohna

The last name "Drohna" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the Polish word "droha," meaning "path" or "road." The name likely originally referred to someone who lived near a ro...

Dromer (Last name)

surnames > dromer

The surname Dromer is of French origins. It is derived from a place name and was originally an occupational name for someone who lived near a hill or small hillock, as the name is ...

Dronadra (Last name)

surnames > dronadra

The last name "dronadra" does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a rare or uncommon surname with limited information available.

Dronavalli (Last name)

surnames > dronavalli

The surname Dronavalli is of Indian origin, specifically from the Telugu-speaking regions of South India. It is likely derived from the name of a village or place called Dronavalli...

Dronov (Last name)

surnames > dronov

The last name "Dronov" is of Russian origin. It is derived from the Russian word "dron," which means "bumblebee."

Dronsfield (Last name)

surnames > dronsfield

The last name Dronsfield is of English origin and is derived from a place name. It is believed to have originated from either Dronsfeld or Dronfield in Derbyshire, England.

Dropati rajwani (Last name)

surnames > dropati-rajwani

The last name "Dropati Rajwani" appears to be of Indian origin. "Dropati" may be a variation of the name "Draupadi," a character from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. "Rajwani" indicate...

Dropkick (Last name)

surnames > dropkick

The last name "Dropkick" is of English origin. It is believed to be a nickname for a feisty or aggressive person, deriving from the Middle English word "dropkiken," meaning to kick...

Dropsit (Last name)

surnames > dropsit

The last name "Dropsit" does not have a widely known origin or meaning. It is possible that it could be a variant or anglicized version of a different surname from another language...

Drosario (Last name)

surnames > drosario

The last name Drosario is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "rosario," meaning "rosary," which is a form of prayer in the Catholic faith.

Drosi (Last name)

surnames > drosi

The last name Drosi is believed to have originated from Italy. It is a fairly uncommon name and may be of Italian or Greek origin. The exact meaning or history of the name is uncle...

Drosse (Last name)

surnames > drosse

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...