Last Name Guillemette

The surname Guillemette is of French origin, specifically from the Norman region of France. It is derived from the given name Guillaume, which was brought to Normandy by the Vikings and later Latinized as William. Over time, diminutive forms such as Guillot, Guilhem, Guillotin, and Guillemette emerged, often used for female children born into families with a traditionally male name. The Norman conquest of England in 1066 spread this name to England, where it evolved into variations like Gwillim or Gwilliam. The Norman region was one of the most powerful and influential areas during the Middle Ages, contributing significantly to the cultural development of both France and England.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guillemette

The meaning and origin of the last name Guillemette

The surname Guillemette is a French variant derived from the male given name Guillaume, which means "a companion of gods" or "brave warrior." The name Guillaume itself originated from the Germanic element 'Wilhelm,' made up of 'wil' (will) and 'helm' (helmet or protection).

The surname Guillemette emerged during the Late Middle Ages, a period when increasing population growth and urbanization necessitated more efficient record-keeping, such as census and taxation records. In these documents, people were often identified by their occupations or physical characteristics, but also by their place of origin or patronymic, which is a surname that was derived from the father's given name.

In France, it was not until the 17th century that the nobility was required to adopt fixed surnames, while commoners could choose to adopt surnames voluntarily. The surname Guillemette would have originated from a specific individual named Guillaume or a female form of his name, such as Guillemette, and over time, this surname may have spread throughout various regions in France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guillemette

The surname Guillemette is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada. It is one of the most common French Canadian last names and derives from the Old French "Guillaume" (William). A significant concentration of individuals bearing this name can be found in the Quebec City area and its surroundings, as well as in other urban centers such as Montreal and Gatineau. The distribution of Guillemette also extends to other parts of France, notably Brittany and Normandy, from where many French colonists immigrated to Canada during the 17th and 18th centuries. Additionally, minor concentrations can be found in Louisiana, USA, due to French influence there as well. The diaspora of Guillemettes has also led to their presence in other parts of North America, Europe, and beyond.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guillemette

The surname Guillemette has several variations and spellings. Some common alterations include Guillmette, Guilmette, Guillemette, Guilement, Guillemot, Guiulette, Gillmet, Gillemot, and others. These changes may be due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preference. The name originates from the French language, with "guille" meaning "wheel" and "-mette" being a diminutive suffix. The spelling Guillemette is considered the most conventional, while other variations are less common but still valid forms of the same name. It is essential to note that surnames can evolve over time and may vary based on different factors, including historical periods, geographical locations, and cultural influences.

Famous people with the last name Guillemette

Notable individuals bearing the surname Guillemette include:

1. Jacques Guillemette (born 1937), a French-Canadian politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the riding of Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord from 1988 to 2004, and again from 2015 until his retirement in 2019.

2. Éric Guillemette (born 1963), a retired Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played for the Quebec Nordiques, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League. He also played in the Swiss Nationalliga A with HC Ambri-Piotta.

3. Pierre Guillemette (1927-2016), a Canadian journalist who served as the first head of CBC French television, and later as the editor-in-chief of Le Devoir newspaper in Montreal.

4. Marie-Josée Guillemette (born 1958), a Canadian soprano opera singer known for her roles in various productions at the Opéra de Montréal, the Canadian Opera Company and the Metropolitan Opera. She was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2004.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, be it politics, sports, journalism or music. Their achievements reflect the diversity and talent within the Guillemette family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Guillemette

The surname Guillemette is primarily of French origin and has been traced back to Normandy, a region in northern France. The name derives from the personal name Guillaume (William), which was extremely popular during the Middle Ages, and the diminutive suffix -et or -ette was added, signifying affection or endearment. This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone with a youthful, diminutive appearance compared to their contemporaries.

The earliest recorded occurrence of the name Guillemette in French records dates back to the 14th century, although it's possible that the name existed prior to this period and simply lacks written documentation. The first known bearers of the surname include Robert Guillemette and Jeanne Guillemette, who appeared in Normandy during the late Middle Ages.

The Guillemette family migrated from France to various parts of the world throughout history, particularly Quebec, Canada, and the United States, following religious, economic, and political events such as the French Huguenot migration and the colonization of North America by European powers. The surname is still widely found among descendants of these early French settlers in both countries today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Guillemette"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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