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Last Name Fichot

What is the origin of the last name Fichot?

The surname Fichot is of French origin. It comes from a nickname meaning "little peck" or "bite," derived from the Old French word "fiche," which means pointed or sharp object. This surname can also be found spelled as Fichaud, Fitchaut, and other variations. The name was originally given to someone who had an appearance resembling a pointed object, such as having a narrow body or a long nose.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fichot

The meaning and origin of the last name Fichot

The surname Fichot is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "fiche," which means "stick" or "stake." It was most likely an occupational name for someone who worked with stakes or poles, such as a fence maker or a worker in vineyards. Alternatively, it could have been a topographic name for someone living near a wooden post or stake. The surname Fichot has several variations, including Fichote, Fichaud, and Fichotin, and is found predominantly in northern France but also in other French-speaking regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fichot

The last name Fichot is predominantly found in France, with significant concentrations in the north-eastern and western regions, particularly in Picardy, Normandy, Brittany, and Pays de la Loire. Smaller clusters can also be found in other parts of France. Outside France, there are pockets of Fichots in Belgium, Canada (specifically Quebec), and the United States, particularly in Louisiana, where French-speaking Acadians settled. The distribution of this surname mirrors historical migration patterns of the French population, reflecting a strong connection to the country's roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fichot

The surname Fichot has various spelling variations due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common versions include Fitchot, Ficheteau, Fichotte, Fichou, and Vichot. These variations can be found across French-speaking regions and countries such as France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. The name is believed to have originated from the Old French word "fiche" meaning a thorn or a pointed stick, possibly referring to a person with a sharp wit or someone who was quick-tempered. Over time, these variations emerged due to differences in pronunciation, spelling conventions, and migration patterns.

Famous people with the last name Fichot

Notable individuals with the surname Fichot include:

1. André Fichot (born 1946), French politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2019, representing the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. He was a member of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP).

2. Jean Fichot (1852-1936), French composer and music teacher, best known for his piano music, including the popular piece "Menuet de Noel."

3. Michel Fichot (born 1943), a French former professional road racing cyclist who competed between 1968 and 1976. He won two stages of the Tour de France in 1971, making him one of only three riders to win a stage in every year from 1968 to 1976.

4. Yves Fichot (born 1950), a French composer and musicologist known for his work on medieval music. He has published numerous books and articles on the subject, including "La Musique du Moyen Age" (1983) and "La Musique au Moyen Age" (2006).

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields of politics, music, and cycling.

Genealogical research on the last name Fichot

The surname Fichot originates from France and is believed to have derived from the Old French word "fiche" which means 'stick' or 'peg'. Initially, it might have been an occupational name for someone who was a pegmaker or a nickname for someone who resembled a stick or a peg. The earliest known records of the Fichot family date back to the 13th century in Normandy. Some notable individuals with the surname Fichot include Jean-Baptiste Fichot, a French architect and engineer, and Édouard-Prosper Fichot, a Canadian politician. The family migrated to various regions across Europe and North America, with significant populations found in Quebec, France, Belgium, and Switzerland today.

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 : 28 July 2025

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