Last Name Goubert

The surname Goubert originates from France. It is a toponymic name, meaning it was originally used as a nickname for someone who lived in a place named with the word "goube" or "goubet," which refers to a small hillock or mound. This name is found primarily in the western part of France, particularly in regions like Brittany and Normandy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Goubert

The meaning and origin of the last name Goubert

The surname Goubert is of French origin, derived from the Old French term "gouverneur," which means governor or ruler. This name was likely given to someone who held a position of authority or power, often as a local magistrate or military leader during the Middle Ages in France. As families and their names spread throughout Europe due to migration, trade, and conquests, variants of this surname emerged in other countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. Today, it is most common in France but can be found among French-speaking communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Goubert

The surname Goubert is primarily distributed across Western Europe, predominantly in France and its overseas territories. According to genealogical data, it is one of the most common surnames in Brittany, a region in northwestern France. Smaller concentrations can be found in other regions of France as well, suggesting a possible origination from there. Additionally, Goubert surnames have been identified in Quebec, Canada, which may indicate French colonial influence. The name has also appeared in Belgium and Luxembourg, potentially due to historical connections with France. In summary, while the majority of Gouberts reside in France, its distribution extends to other Western European countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Goubert

The surname Goubert has several variations and spellings. They include: Gobert, Gobert, Goberte, Gobert, Gobeart, Gobert-Auriol, and Gobeil, among others. These variants may originate from regional dialects or personal preferences in spelling. The name is of French origin and is believed to be derived from the Old French word "gobe" meaning "throat" or "beak," perhaps given to someone with a prominent or beaky nose. The Gouberts, Goberts, or any of its variations, share this common root and can be found in France, Canada, the United States, and other countries where French settlers have immigrated.

Famous people with the last name Goubert

The Goubert surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. In the realm of literature, one finds Marie-Nicolas-Georges Goubert (1827-1916), a French historian and archaeologist, known for his works on medieval France. In music, Jacques Goubert (1930-1995) was a French composer, conductor, and educator, whose compositions span orchestral, choral, chamber, and vocal genres. In the scientific community, Jean-Paul Goubert (born 1946), a French geologist, is recognized for his work on the evolution of the Earth's continents. Lastly, in sports, Bernard Goubert (born 1950) was a professional footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the French national team during the 1978 FIFA World Cup. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Goubert

The surname Goubert originates from France and is derived from the Old French word "gouber(t)" meaning 'governor' or 'overseer'. The earliest recorded instances of this name can be traced back to Normandy during the Middle Ages, with prominent families such as the de Gouberville and the Goubert de Maison-Cubles appearing in historical records. The family spread throughout France during the following centuries, with notable branches in regions like Brittany, Aquitaine, and Languedoc. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, many Gouberts emigrated to Canada and the United States as a result of religious persecution and economic hardship. Today, Goubert is most prevalent in France, Quebec, and Louisiana. Genealogical research suggests that variations such as Gobert, Gobet, Gobert, and other similar spellings may also be associated with this lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "goubert"
• 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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