Last Name Gogniat

The surname Gogniat originates from France and is derived from a variety of places with similar names, primarily located in the departments of Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Isère, and Rhône. The name Gogniat could be associated with several villages, such as Le Gogniat (in Haute-Savoie), Les Gognies (in Savoie), or La Gognette (in the Rhône region). It is also possible that the surname originated from a personal name of Gallo-Roman origin. The ending "-at" in French surnames typically indicates either a location, occupation, or nickname. In this case, it likely refers to a place name. The exact origin and meaning may vary depending on the specific lineage and region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gogniat

The meaning and origin of the last name Gogniat

The surname Gogniat is of French origin, derived from various locations that bear the same name throughout France. The name of these places is believed to be derived from the Old French term "gonne" or "gognon," meaning staff or scepter, likely referring to a landmark associated with a wooden staff or symbol at these locations. Over time, residents of these areas adopted the name as their surname, leading to its dispersal and eventual use among various families. Today, the Gogniat surname is found in France, Canada, and other countries with significant French influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gogniat

The surname Gogniat is predominantly distributed across France and its neighboring regions. Historically, it originates from the Savoie region in eastern France, particularly around the city of Chambéry. Its distribution has expanded due to migration, notably to other parts of France such as Rhône-Alpes, Burgundy, and Ile-de-France. In addition, there are significant Gogniat populations in Quebec, Canada, where many French immigrants settled during the 17th and 18th centuries. Smaller groups can also be found in countries with strong French influence like Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gogniat

The surname Gogniat has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origin and potential regional differences in pronunciation. Some common variants include:

* Gogniaux
* Gogniez
* Gognies
* Gognias
* Gognier
* Gogniat
* Gognit
* Gognet
* Gognon
* Gognot

These variations may stem from errors in transcription, local dialects, or intentional modifications over time. The name likely originates from the Old French word "gognier," meaning to strike or beat, and is associated with various regions in France such as Normandy and Burgundy. It's also possible that some of these variations have separate origins but share a similar sound or etymology.

Famous people with the last name Gogniat

Notable individuals sharing the surname Gogniat include:

1. Charles Gogniat (born 1946), a Canadian businessman and politician who served as Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert from 2008 to 2011.

2. Christophe Gogniat (born 1973), a French ski mountaineer, multiple-time champion, and member of the French national team since 1995. He has won numerous World Championship medals and is a five-time winner of the Pierra Menta race.

3. Paul Gogniat (1846–1920), a Swiss businessman who founded the Swiss watch manufacturer, Gevril Watch Company, in New York City. The company produced watches from 1899 to 1975.

4. René Gogniat (born 1944), a French journalist and television host, best known for his political interviews on the program "On refait le jeu" on France 2 from 1986 to 2002.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, sports, and business.

Genealogical research on the last name Gogniat

The surname Gogniat originates from France and is believed to have derived from the Old French "gognier" which means "to beat" or "to strike." The name was likely given as an occupational surname for a blacksmith, as the verb "gognier" was used in this context. Early records show that the family resided in the Dauphiné region of southeastern France, where many Gogniats still live today. Notable figures with the name include François-Antoine Gogniat (1764-1835), a French general during the Napoleonic Wars, and Pierre-Charles Gogniat (1836-1902), a French astronomer who discovered several asteroids. The Gogniat family has also spread to other countries such as Canada and the United States due to migration in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "gogniat"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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