Last Name Henaut

The surname Henaut is of French origin, derived from a personal name composed of the elements "Hein" (meaning "home ruler") and "Haut" (meaning "high"). This name was originally given as a nickname to someone who was tall or important, or lived near a high place. The surname first appeared in Normandy in the late Middle Ages and has since been found in various regions of France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Henaut

The meaning and origin of the last name Henaut

The surname Henaut originates from France and is derived from the Old French word "en haut," meaning "high" or "upper." It was likely originally a geographical name for someone who lived in an elevated place or topography, or it could have been an occupational name for someone who lived on high ground, such as a watchman. The name has several variations, including Henaud, Henaut, and Henault, and is relatively rare outside of France. It became more widespread throughout the country during the Middle Ages, with notable bearers appearing in historical records from the 12th to the 15th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Henaut

The surname Henaut is predominantly found in France, with the highest concentration in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Franche-Comté regions. It is particularly common in the department of Pas-de-Calais, where it originates from the town of Henin-Beaumont. The name has also spread to other parts of France due to migration, but remains most concentrated in the northern region. Outside France, small populations bearing the surname Henaut can be found in Belgium, Canada, and the United States, primarily among French immigrants and their descendants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Henaut

The surname Henaut can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include Hennot, Hénaut, Heynaut, Heinnot, Heinault, and Haynaut. These alterations may be found across different regions and countries, particularly among French-speaking communities, where the name originates. The root of the name is "Hénaud," a medieval personal name of Germanic origin composed of the elements "haim" meaning "home" and "wald" meaning "rule." Over time, regional dialects, phonetic adaptations, and orthographic changes have led to these variations of the surname Henaut.

Famous people with the last name Henaut

Notable individuals with the surname Henault include:

1. Marc-André Henault (b. 1972), a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for teams like the Montreal Canadiens and San Jose Sharks.
2. Marie-Pier Boulanger-Henault, a Canadian author known for her children's books such as "Le secret de la petite grenouille bleue."
3. Jean-Paul Henaut (1908–1976), a French actor who appeared in numerous films like "Les Jeux sont faits" and "La Belle équipe."
4. Sylvie Tremblay-Henault, a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Brome—Missisquoi from 2015 to 2019.
5. Claude Henault (b. 1938), a Canadian artist known for his abstract paintings and sculptures. His works are part of major collections worldwide.
6. Louis-Philippe Henault, a French academic and historian specializing in the history of colonialism and the Middle Ages. He has authored several books on these subjects.

Genealogical research on the last name Henaut

The surname Henaut originates from France and is derived from Old French "en haut," meaning "in high" or "on high." Early records show that the name was first used as a geographical reference to distinguish between different settlements located on higher ground. Notable early bearers of the name include Jean Henaut, who served as mayor of Vervins in the 16th century, and Pierre-François Henaut, a French scientist and mathematician active during the 18th century. Over time, the Henaut family migrated to other European countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany, before eventually settling in North America in the 17th and 18th centuries. The name remains relatively rare but can be found among French Canadian and Acadian populations, as well as in France, Belgium, and Switzerland.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "henaut"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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