Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Grasset

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Grasset?

The surname Grasset is of French origin. It derives from the Old French word "gras," meaning fat or plump, and was often given to individuals who had a large physical stature or to those who lived in an area with fertile soil that produced abundant crops, thereby suggesting wealth. This name can be traced back to the Middle Ages in France. Over time, it has been spelled in various ways including Gras, Grasse, Grasset, and other variations due to regional dialects and phonetic adaptations.
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Grasset

The meaning and origin of the last name Grasset

The surname Grasset is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "gras," which means "fat" or "plump." This name would have originally been given to someone who was overweight or had a round face. Over time, it came to be used as a surname, particularly in regions of France where the term "gras" was common. The name Grasset can also be found in other French-speaking countries and among French-speaking immigrants around the world. Today, it is a relatively uncommon name, but it remains an integral part of French cultural history and genealogy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Grasset

The surname Grasset is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Normandy, Brittany, and Languedoc-Roussillon, which suggest a potential Norman or Breton origin due to the high frequency of the name in these areas. Smaller concentrations can also be found in other parts of France, as well as in Quebec, Canada, where French settlers established strong roots. Additionally, there are significant numbers of Grasset families in Belgium and Switzerland, which may indicate a migration from northern France during historical periods of conflict or economic opportunity. In the English-speaking world, the occurrence of the name is relatively low, but it can be found in various countries with French influence, such as the United States, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Grasset

The surname Grasset has several variations and spellings, some of which include: Grasset, Graisset, Grasey, Graiset, Grassett, Grasseyte, Grassette, Grassy, Gracy, Grayce, Grazzette, and Grazzetta. These variations can be found across different countries, with the most common regions being France, where the name originated, as well as England, Canada, and the United States. The spelling differences may arise due to phonetic changes over time, regional dialects, or individual preference in recording names. Despite these variations, all these surnames can be traced back to a common root, which is derived from the French word "gras" meaning fat or stout.

Famous people with the last name Grasset

Notable individuals with the surname Grasset include:

1. Éric Grassot (born 1974), a French mathematician and a professor at the University of Strasbourg, known for his work on algebraic geometry.
2. Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio (born 1940 as Pierre-Jean Grasset), a French author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2008, writing novels such as "The Sheltering Sky" and "De l'ecriture au pouvoir."
3. Michel de Gondi, Comte de Retz (1567-1649), a French nobleman, poet, and author of the memoir "Les Mémoires du comte de Retz," which provides a unique insight into the political intrigues of 17th-century France.
4. Paul Grassé (1899-1985), a French zoologist and entomologist, best known for his work on taxonomy, particularly in arachnology and myriapodology. He served as the director of the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle in Paris from 1953 to 1968.
5. Pierre Grassot (1740-1805), a French sculptor known for his work on monuments such as the Triumphal Arch of Strasbourg and the Statue of Louis XV at Place des Vosges in Paris.

These individuals represent various fields of expertise, ranging from mathematics to literature, zoology, and sculpture, showcasing the versatility within the Grasset family lineage.

Genealogical research on the last name Grasset

The surname Grasset originates from France, where it is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old French word "gras" meaning "fat" or "plump," likely referring to a physical characteristic of an early ancestor. Over time, it spread across regions such as Normandy, Brittany, and Lorraine.

One notable Grasset family hails from the town of Grasse in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, known for its perfume industry. A renowned member of this branch was François Grasset (1756-1829), who became a prominent chemist and pioneer in the development of perfumes.

Another significant lineage can be traced back to the Lorraine region, where the Grasset family was historically involved in various industries such as textiles, metallurgy, and agriculture. In the 19th century, some members immigrated to North America, primarily settling in Quebec, Canada, contributing to its social, economic, and cultural development.

The Grasset family has a rich history that extends across centuries and continents, with diverse contributions in various fields such as science, industry, and immigration.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Grab

Last name • surnames > grab

The surname "Grab" has multiple origins across different cultures and regions. It can be of German origin where it may have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a pla...

#2 Grabarczyk

Last name • surnames > grabarczyk

The surname Grabarczyk is of Polish origin. It comes from a geographical or topographic name for someone who lived by a small clearing (graba) or a copse with a grove (czek). The n...

#3 Grabecki

Last name • surnames > grabecki

The surname Grabecki is of Polish and Slavic origin. It is derived from a place name or geographical feature. Specifically, it is believed to have originated from various locations...

#4 Grabherr

Last name • surnames > grabherr

The surname Grabherr is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German "grab" meaning 'grave' and "hari" meaning 'army', which may have been an occupational name for a gr...

#5 Grabia

Last name • surnames > grabia

The surname "Grabia" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the Polish word "grab" which means "hornbeam tree." It is believed to have originated as a topographic surname for some...

#6 Grabois

Last name • surnames > grabois

The last name Grabois is believed to have originated from Eastern Europe, particularly from regions such as Poland or Ukraine. It is a surname of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. The name ...

#7 Grabski

Last name • surnames > grabski

The surname "Grabski" is of Polish origin. It comes from the occupation of a grabber or someone who grabs things, derived from the Old Slavic word 'grabiti', which means to seize o...

#8 Graça

Last name • surnames > graca

The surname Graça has Portuguese origins. It is derived from a medieval occupational name for someone who was a baker, from the Old Portuguese word "graca," which means "grace" or...

#9 Grace shiju

Last name • surnames > grace-shiju

The last name "Shiju" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is a Malayalam name and is often associated with the Christian community in Kerala. The meaning...

#10 Graceta

Last name • surnames > graceta

The last name Graceta is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "gracia," which means "grace" or "favor" in Spanish. This surname likely originated as a name given to someo...

#11 Graci

Last name • surnames > graci

The surname Graci is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Grazio, which is of Latin origin meaning "graceful" or "charming." The surname Graci may have originate...

#12 Gracia

Last name • surnames > gracia

The last name "Gracia" is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It derives from the Latin word "gratia," which means grace, favor, or kindness. It was often used as a given name and be...

#13 Graciani

Last name • surnames > graciani

The last name Graciani is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the personal name Graciano, which comes from the Latin word "gratianus", meaning "beloved" or "gracious". It is a su...

#14 Graciolli

Last name • surnames > graciolli

The surname "Graciolli" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "grazia," which means grace or favor in Italian. The suffix "-olli" is a common ending in Italian surnames...

#15 Gracious

Last name • surnames > gracious

The surname "Gracious" is of English origin and is derived from the Old French word "grace," meaning grace or elegance. It is a surname that likely originated as a nickname for som...