Last Name Hachette

The surname Hachette is of French origin. It comes from the Old French word "hache", meaning "axe". This occupational name was given to a person who was either a maker or a user of axes. Over time, it has also been spelled as Haquet and Hachard.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hachette

The meaning and origin of the last name Hachette

The surname Hachette originates from France, where it is derived from the Old French word "hache" which means 'axe'. Over time, this occupational name was given to individuals who worked as axe-makers or were skilled in using an axe for various tasks. The surname's earliest known appearances date back to the Middle Ages, and it is most prevalent in regions such as Normandy and Brittany where axemaking was a common craft. Notable individuals with the surname Hachette include François Hachette, a 19th-century French philologist, and Jean-René HACHETTE, a Canadian lawyer and politician. Today, it can be found among the French-speaking population in countries such as France, Canada, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hachette

The surname Hachette is predominantly found in France, where it originates from the Old French word "hachet", meaning "axe". It is particularly concentrated in the regions of Normandy, Brittany, and the Ile-de-France, as well as in some departments of Eastern France such as Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, and Bas-Rhin. A smaller number of Hachettes can also be found in Canada, where the name was brought by French settlers, particularly in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. There are also Hachette families in the United States, primarily in Louisiana, which had a significant French influence due to its history as a French colony. In addition, there are Hachettes in Belgium, Switzerland, and various countries of South America, with smaller numbers distributed globally among the French diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hachette

The surname Hachette is of French origin and is variably spelled. Some common variations include Haché, Hachée, Hachet, Hachard, and Hachette. These spellings may differ due to regional dialects or personal preferences in transcription. It's important to note that these names share a common etymology, deriving from the Old French word "hache" which means 'hatchet', reflecting the occupation of a blacksmith or a woodcutter. Another variation, Haquet, is less common but still linked to the original name through similar phonetic and linguistic evolution. These surnames are predominantly found in France, with some instances in other French-speaking regions such as Canada and Belgium.

Famous people with the last name Hachette

Prominent individuals bearing the surname Hachette include:

1. Arthur Hachette (1879-1963): An American baseball player who played for five different Major League Baseball teams throughout his career, primarily known for his performance with the St. Louis Cardinals.

2. Édouard-Jean Baptiste Hachétek (1805-1864): A French naval officer and explorer who participated in numerous expeditions in the Pacific region, including the voyage of the La Recherche, which aimed to discover a Northwest Passage.

3. François Hachette (1769-1845): A French linguist known for his work on the Malay language and its literature. He was also an important contributor to the development of French grammar studies.

4. Philippe Hachette (born 1952): A Canadian politician who served as Minister of National Defence in the government of Jean Chrétien, from 1993 to 1996. He was also the Member of Parliament for the riding of Sherbrooke—Compton—Esthampton for five consecutive terms from 1984 to 2004.

5. Pierre Hachette (c. 1740-1809): A French painter and engraver who specialized in topographical views, portraits, and historical subjects. He contributed several works to the "Dictionnaire iconographique de la France" by Jacques-Philippe Le Bas and others.

6. Richard Hachette (1895-1973): An American football coach who coached the Harvard University football team from 1927 to 1940, leading them to the Rose Bowl in 1936. He later served as a scout for the Chicago Bears and New York Giants.

These individuals demonstrate the diverse accomplishments of people named Hachette across various fields and regions throughout history.

Genealogical research on the last name Hachette

The surname Hachette is of French origin, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old French word "hache" meaning 'axe', indicating that an early ancestor was a craftsman or user of this tool. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Jean Hachet in the 13th century, recorded in Normandy. The family spread across France during the medieval period and the French Revolution, with many migrating to other countries due to political upheaval. Notable Hachettes include François-Joseph-Paul Hachette, a distinguished botanist and author of the popular botanical dictionary "Flore Française" in the 19th century; and Émile-Paul Hachette, a renowned French architect who designed many notable buildings in Paris. Today, the name is found worldwide, with significant populations in France, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hachette"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends