Last Name Finot

The surname "Finot" is of French origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone with a keen eye or quick-wittedness, coming from the Old French word "fin" meaning sharp, pointed, and "ot" being a diminutive suffix. This name was likely used to describe someone with a keen intellect or discerning nature in the Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Finot

The meaning and origin of the last name Finot

The surname Finot is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "finot," which means "fine" or "delicate." It was likely originally used as a nickname for someone with delicate features or a fine personality. The name first appeared in the historical records of France during the Middle Ages and continued to be used throughout the country up until modern times. As French settlers spread across Europe and later to America, the surname Finot also became established in various regions outside of France, particularly in countries with significant French influence such as Canada and Louisiana. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon name, but is still found among French-speaking communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Finot

The surname Finot is predominantly found in France, particularly in the northern region of Picardy and adjoining areas like Hauts-de-France, Normandy, and Nord-Pas-de-Calais. It is less common but still present in other parts of France such as Alsace, Franche-Comté, and Bourgogne. Small numbers of individuals with the surname Finot can also be found outside of France, primarily among French expatriates or descendants living in countries like Belgium, Canada, the United States, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. The name's geographical distribution largely reflects the historical migratory patterns and cultural expansion of the French-speaking population.

Variants and spellings of the last name Finot

The surname Finot has several variations and spellings. These include Finott, Fynot, Finot-Des-Roches, Finotte, Finoot, and possibly others depending on regional dialects or transcription errors over time. Each variant may have its unique origins, but they all share a common root in the name. In French, "finot" translates to "little end," which could be a reference to a person's physical features, such as a short stature, or it might be a topographical name for someone who lived near a small hill or projecting piece of land. As with many surnames, the specific meaning and origin may vary among different families bearing the name.

Famous people with the last name Finot

The Finot family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Jean-Baptiste Philibert Finot (1864-1934), a French zoologist and malacologist, who was instrumental in the study of mollusks. He served as the director of the Natural History Museum in Paris and published numerous works on mollusk taxonomy. In the field of literature, there is Marguerite Yourcenar (born Marthe Finot), a pseudonymous French author born in 1903. She was the first woman to win the Prix Goncourt for her novel "Quo Vadis?" and was known for her historical novels and essays. Lastly, Pierre-André Finot, born in 1964, is a French politician who has served as Mayor of Tulle since 2014 and as Deputy for Corrèze since 2017. His political career spans over two decades, starting at the municipal level before moving to the regional and national levels.

Genealogical research on the last name Finot

The surname Finot is believed to have originated from the French region of Normandy. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "fin" meaning end or boundary, and "ot," a diminutive suffix, suggesting a professional role related to boundaries or marking borders. The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to 1306 in the Hue-Mortain area of Normandy. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have resulted in forms such as Finoot, Fynott, Finnott, and Finnett, among others. Notable individuals bearing the name include Jean Finot, a French engraver, and François Finot, a prominent bibliographer and museum director. The Finot family has also been recorded in Canada, particularly in Quebec, with migration occurring in the 17th century. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about this fascinating surname's history and distribution across the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Finot"
• 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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