Last Name Gerbaud

The surname Gerbaud is of French origin. It is derived from a Germanic personal name "Gisilbald," composed of the elements "gisil" meaning hostage or pledge, and "bald" meaning bold or brave. Over time, it was Latinized into Gerboldus, and then evolved into the modern French surname Gerbaud. It is most concentrated in regions such as Normandy and Brittany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gerbaud

The meaning and origin of the last name Gerbaud

The surname Gerbaud originates from France, specifically in regions such as Champagne, Lorraine, and Franche-Comté. It is derived from the Old French 'gerva' meaning "spear" or "lance," and 'bald', meaning "bold." The combination of these two elements indicates a person who was bold with a spear or lance, possibly indicating a warrior or nobleman. Over time, various regional dialects and spelling variations have arisen, such as Gérard, Gerard, Gerbaude, and others. The name Gerbaud became common among the Gallo-Romans during the Middle Ages, particularly in the feudal society where names reflected occupations or personal characteristics. Today, it is found in France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States, with different pronunciations and spellings depending on the region of origin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gerbaud

The last name Gerbaud is predominantly found in France, particularly in the regions of Burgundy and Franche-Comté, where it originated from. Its frequency significantly decreases outside these areas but can still be found sporadically across other French regions. Additionally, smaller populations of Gerbauds reside in countries with large French-speaking diaspora communities such as Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States. In these locations, the distribution of the name reflects the broader French-Canadian or Franco-American populations. The name is relatively rare outside of these areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gerbaud

The surname Gerbaud has several variations and spellings. These include Gerbaut, Gerbaude, Gerbaudt, Gerbaudet, Gerbaudeau, Gerbaudo, Gerbaudus, Gerbado, Gerbadou, Gerbat, Gerbeaud, Gerbeaude, Gerbeaudet, Gerbeaudu, Gerbois, Gerboise, Gerboiset, Gerboiseau, Gerboiseau, Gerboiseauw, Gerbaus, Gerbauw, Gerbaudt, Gerbaudus, Gerbadouw, Gerbeaux, Gerbeau, Gerbaudy, Gerbaudy, Gerbod, Gerbode, Gerboy, Gerboi, Gerbault, Gerbaldo, Gerbaldi, and Gervaud. These variations may be found in different regions and countries as a result of phonetic spelling changes, errors during transcribing, or assimilation to local dialects over time.

Famous people with the last name Gerbaud

Notable individuals bearing the surname Gerbaud include:

1. Jean-Paul Gautherot, better known as Paul Gerbaud (1894-1970), a French actor who appeared in over 200 films during his career, spanning five decades. He is remembered for his collaborations with renowned filmmakers such as Marcel Carné and Jean Renoir.

2. Marie-Anne Colin, born Gerbaud (1748–1831), a French botanist who made significant contributions to the study of algae. She was one of the first women in France to be formally recognized for her work in natural sciences.

3. Jean-Baptiste Victor Gerbaud (1860-1945), a French engineer and inventor who co-developed the Gerbaud-Dupuy system, an early method for calculating railway signals, which greatly improved train safety.

4. Hélène Gerbaud (born 1977), a French writer known for her novels "Sans papiers" (2006) and "Paris sans filtre" (2010). Her works focus on social issues, particularly those faced by immigrants in France.

Genealogical research on the last name Gerbaud

The surname Gerbaud originates from France and is derived from the Old High German "gervald" meaning "spear-wolf" or "war-wolf". The family was first recorded in Normandy during the Middle Ages, where they held significant influence as landowners and military leaders. One notable member of the Gerbaud family was Guillaume le Gros Gerbod, a knight who fought in the Crusades during the 12th century. As French colonization expanded, so did the dispersal of the Gerbaud family, with descendants settling in various regions of France, as well as in other parts of Europe and eventually North America. In Canada, the name is most prevalent in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, where many Gerbauds are descended from French-speaking immigrants who arrived during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the Gerbaud family can be found across the globe, with significant populations in France, Canada, the United States, and various other countries. The Gerbaud genealogy is a rich tapestry of history, culture, and heritage that continues to evolve as the family expands and adapts to new environments.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gerbaud"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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