Last Name Folliot

The surname "Folliot" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "fol," meaning "fool" or "mad," combined with the suffix "-iot," which is a diminutive used to indicate "little" or "son of." Therefore, "Folliot" could be interpreted as "son of the fool" or "little fool."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Folliot

The meaning and origin of the last name Folliot

The surname Folliot is of French origin and is derived from the medieval given name Foliot, which in turn comes from the Old French term "fol" meaning "mad" or "wild." The name Folliot was likely originally given as a nickname to an individual who displayed eccentric or unpredictable behavior. It may also have been used to describe someone who possessed great energy or enthusiasm. The surname can be found primarily in France, particularly in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. Over time, bearers of the surname Folliot may have migrated to other countries, resulting in its presence in various parts of the world, particularly in former French colonies. Today, individuals with the surname Folliot are likely descendants of those who once bore the medieval given name or were associated with its meaning.

Geographical distribution of the last name Folliot

The last name Folliot has a relatively limited geographical distribution, primarily found in France and the United Kingdom. In France, the name is most prevalent in the northern region of Normandy, specifically in the departments of Manche and Calvados. The historical significance of this region likely contributed to the concentration of the Folliot surname. In the United Kingdom, the name is relatively rare but still found mainly in England, particularly in the southern counties of Hampshire and Sussex. It is worth noting that surname distributions can change over time due to factors such as migration, marriage, and cultural assimilation, so these findings represent the general trends rather than an exact representation. Additionally, variations in spelling, like "Folliott," may exist, further diversifying the geographical distribution of this last name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Folliot

The last name Folliot may have several variations and spellings depending on different factors such as regional accents, historical influences, and individual preferences. Some possible variations of the last name Folliot include Follyot, Foliott, Folliott, Foliote, Follyotte, and Folyot. These variations could arise from alternative pronunciations or phonetic spellings across different regions or languages. Additionally, the spelling of the name Folliot could have further variations in different time periods or due to clerical errors during record-keeping. It is also worth noting that as individuals have the freedom to choose their preferred spelling or adopt different variations, there can be further diversity in how the name is represented. Overall, the variations and spellings of the last name Folliot demonstrate the dynamic nature of surnames and highlight the countless linguistic and cultural influences that shape them.

Famous people with the last name Folliot

Unfortunately, there seem to be no well-known individuals with the last name "Folliot" who have achieved significant fame or notoriety. It appears to be a relatively rare surname, making it challenging to find any notable figures associated with it. While many individuals contribute to their communities and excel in various fields without attracting widespread recognition, the limited information available suggests that the surname "Folliot" has not produced any public figures of substantial prominence. However, it is worth noting that fame is subjective and can vary across different regions and industries. Thus, it is possible that there are prominent individuals with the last name "Folliot" within more localized or specialized circles, though they may not have gained widespread attention beyond those specific domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Folliot

The last name Folliot is a surname of French origin. It is believed to derive from the Old French word "fol" or "fou," meaning "mad" or "crazy," suggesting that the name may have been given to someone who was considered eccentric or unpredictable. The Folliot family can be traced back to medieval France, particularly in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. Over time, members of the Folliot family spread beyond France to other parts of Europe, including England. In the English records, the name Folliot is found mainly in the southwestern counties of Devon and Cornwall. The Folliot family has a long history of nobility and landed gentry, with several individuals holding prestigious titles and important positions in society. Today, the surname Folliot can still be found, although it may not be as common as some other French surnames.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Folliot"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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