Last Name Fustel

The surname Fustel is of French origin. It is derived from a medieval occupational name for someone who was a fustier, which means a maker of wooden barrels or casks. The term "fuste" comes from Latin and Old French, and it refers to a large barrel used for aging wine. Over time, the spelling has evolved with variations such as Foustel, Fostel, etc.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fustel

The meaning and origin of the last name Fustel

The surname Fustel is believed to have French origins, specifically from the region of Normandy or Languedoc-Roussillon. It derives from the Old French "fuste" meaning "staff" or "rod," reflecting a possible occupation related to woodworking or agriculture where a staff or rod was an essential tool. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname for someone who was strong and sturdy, like a staff or rod. As with many surnames, the exact origin of Fustel may vary among families, as changes in spelling and migration patterns occurred over centuries. The name is not particularly common in France today but can be found in various countries where French settlers emigrated, such as Belgium, Canada, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fustel

The surname Fustel is predominantly found in France and Belgium, with the highest concentration in the Champagne-Ardenne region of northeastern France, particularly around the cities of Reims and Troyes. This suggests a possible origin from the medieval Duchy of Champagne. Smaller clusters of the Fustel family can also be found in other French regions such as Burgundy, Alsace, and Lorraine. In Belgium, the name is mainly concentrated in Wallonia, particularly around the cities of Liège and Namur. The name has also been found in minor concentrations in Switzerland and Luxembourg, possibly due to migration or familial ties with the nearby French-speaking regions. The distribution pattern suggests a strong historical connection between the Fustel family and the cultural and linguistic region of Champagne-Ardenne.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fustel

The surname Fustel has several variations and spellings, including Fustel de Coulanges, Fusté de la Coulange, Fustée de La Coulange, Fustell, Fustelle, Fustela, Fustella, and Fustele. These variations may arise due to regional dialects, spelling reforms, or family tradition. For instance, the name Fustel de Coulanges is a combination of the surname Fustel and the locative reference to the village of Coulanges in France. The name is most notably associated with Georges Fustel de Coulanges, a French historian who made significant contributions to the study of Roman law and history in the 19th century. The other variations may have arisen from phonetic changes, spelling errors, or intentional modifications over time.

Famous people with the last name Fustel

Notable individuals with the surname Fustel include:

1. Gustav Friedrich Hugo Fustel de Coulanges (1830-1874), a French historian, best known for his book "The Ancient City" which explored the origins of the Roman Republic.
2. Numa Denis Fustel de Coulanges (1873-1945), a French anthropologist and archaeologist, who served as the Director of the French School at Athens.
3. Émile Fustel de Coulanges (1866-1932), a French historian, philosopher, and writer, known for his work on Roman law, religion, and society.
4. Maurice Fustel de Coulanges (1876-1950), a French diplomat, who served as Ambassador to China from 1919 to 1926 during the Beijing Warlord period. He was also the French High Commissioner in Syria and Lebanon in 1943.
5. Georges Fustel de Coulanges (1879-1967), a French philosopher, literary scholar, and art critic, known for his studies on the history of aesthetics, art criticism, and modern philosophy.

These individuals have contributed significantly to various fields such as history, archaeology, anthropology, diplomacy, philosophy, literature, and art criticism.

Genealogical research on the last name Fustel

The surname Fustel is primarily of French origin and is believed to have derived from an ancient occupation associated with bookbinding or furniture making. One early notable bearer of this name was Gustave Fustel de Coulanges (1837-1889), a French historian, who played a significant role in the revival of Roman history studies. Another well-known individual with the surname is Gabriel Fustel d'Coulanges (1652-1708), a French mathematician and physicist known for his works on fluid mechanics and optics. The Fustels are generally found in France, but some branches have migrated to other countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia over the centuries. Genealogical research indicates that there are several distinct Fustel families with unique lineages, making comprehensive tracing challenging.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fustel"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends