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.

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

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Grasset"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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