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Last Name Guilbaud

What is the origin of the last name Guilbaud?

The surname "Guilbaud" is of French origin. It comes from a given name, either Guillaume (William) or Gui (Geoffrey), which were both popular names during the Middle Ages in France, followed by the diminutive suffix "-aud." Over time, it evolved into the modern form "Guilbaud". The surname spread to other regions, including Belgium and Canada, particularly Quebec, due to historical migrations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guilbaud

The meaning and origin of the last name Guilbaud

The surname Guilbaud is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy, where it was derived from the given name "Guillaume" or "William", which was a popular name among the Normans during the Middle Ages. Over time, the name's spelling evolved, with the suffix "-aud" being added to denote a person who possesses or resembles someone named Guillaume. The name Guilbaud became more widespread as the Normans conquered England in 1066 and established settlements across Europe. Today, the surname Guilbaud can be found primarily among French-speaking populations around the world, although it has also been Anglicized to "Williams" or "Guillemette" in English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guilbaud

The surname Guilbaud is predominantly found in France, particularly in the regions of Brittany, Normandy, and Auvergne, suggesting a potential origin from these areas. In France, it ranks among the less common surnames, but still appears in various departments. Outside of France, individuals with the last name Guilbaud can be found in Canada, primarily in Quebec, where French settlers have significantly contributed to its history and population. Additionally, there are small numbers of people bearing this surname in the United States, particularly in Louisiana, reflecting the influence of French colonization. It is also present in other countries with significant French-speaking populations, such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Haiti. This geographical distribution highlights the historical migration patterns and cultural influences of the Guilbaud family.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guilbaud

The surname Guilbaud has several variants and spellings. These include Guillabaud, Guillaud, Guilbault, Guillbeaud, Guillebeaud, Guillabé, Guillabeau, and Guillaudeu. The name originates from France and is of Occitan origin, where it means "bold wolf." It may also have origins in other regions such as Brittany, Normandy, or Gascony. In various parts of France, the name can be found under different spellings due to regional dialects and phonetic changes over time. The surname Guilbaud is relatively uncommon outside of France but has been found in some French-speaking Canadian and American communities.

Famous people with the last name Guilbaud

Among notable individuals bearing the surname Guilbaud are:

1. André Guilbaud (1922-1984), a French Resistance fighter during World War II who later became a journalist, writer, and member of the Académie française. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor for his heroic actions.

2. Pierre Guilbaud (born 1958), a French former football player who played as a midfielder for clubs such as RC Lens, Toulouse FC, and Olympique Lyonnais, winning the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1964 with the latter.

3. Jean Guilbaud (born 1945), a French linguist who is known for his research on the history of the French language and its geographical distribution, particularly in Africa. He has authored numerous books and articles on these topics.

4. Louis-Édouard Guilbaud (1837–1920), a Canadian lawyer, businessman, and politician who was elected as Quebec's first delegate to the House of Commons of Canada in 1867. He served in various cabinet positions throughout his political career.

5. Alain Guilbaud (born 1954), a French mathematician specializing in the field of statistical learning theory and machine learning. He has published over 200 articles in these areas, as well as several books, and is a fellow of the Institute for Mathematical Statistics.

Genealogical research on the last name Guilbaud

The surname Guilbaud originates from France and is believed to have derived from various places including Guilbeau, Guilbault, and Guilbaudet, all in Normandy region. The name Guilbeau is derived from the personal name Gislebert (Giselbert), composed of Old High German elements gisal or gesale, meaning hostage, pledge, or gift, and berht, bright, famous. The variations Guilbault and Guilbaudet are diminutives of these names. Notable individuals bearing the name Guilbaud include Pierre-Paul Guilbaud, a French politician, and Philippe Guilbaud, a Canadian journalist and television host. The Guilbaud family is also found in Louisiana, U.S., where they arrived as Acadian exiles during the Great Expulsion in the 18th century. The name remains common in France and its diaspora communities.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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