What is the origin of the last name Herbaut-de-saint-just?

The surname "Herbaut-de-Saint-Just" is a French patronymic and locative surname, meaning "herbert" (a diminutive of Herbert, a Germanic personal name) from the region or place named Saint-Just. The term "de" in French means "from," indicating that the family originated from a specific geographical location. In this case, "Saint-Just" refers to various places named after Saints Justus and Pastor, martyrs in the early Christian Church. Some of these locations include Saint-Just-en-Chaussée (Oise), Saint-Just-de-Bretenières (Maine-et-Loire), Saint-Just-sur-Dive (Orne), and several others spread throughout France. It's essential to note that the specific origin of a particular family carrying this surname may depend on their exact location or migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Herbaut-de-saint-just

The meaning and origin of the last name Herbaut-de-saint-just

The surname Herbaut-de-Saint-Just is a compound French name that can be broken down into two parts: Herbaut and de Saint-Just.

The first part, Herbaut, is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "herbaud," which means "gardener." This surname was given to individuals who worked as gardeners or were associated with gardens in some way.

The second part, de Saint-Just, is a locative name indicating that the original bearer either lived near or was from a place named Saint-Just. In France, there are several places named Saint-Just, such as Saint-Just-en-Chevalet, Saint-Just-en-Chaussée, and Saint-Just-Sauvage. The suffix "de" indicates nobility or residence in the vicinity of a specific location.

The surname Herbaut-de-Saint-Just likely originated in medieval France and was most commonly found among the French-speaking population. As the name suggests, it is a combination of an occupational name and a locative name, reflecting the historical practice of naming individuals based on their occupation or place of residence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Herbaut-de-saint-just

The surname Herbaut-de-Saint-Just is primarily of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is a nobiliary name derived from the locality Saint-Just, located in the Manche department. Over time, individuals bearing this name have dispersed due to various factors such as migration and conquest. In Canada, it is most common in Quebec, particularly in the Montérégie region where French settlers immigrated in the 17th century. In the United States, Louisiana, specifically New Orleans, has a significant number of people with this surname due to French influence in that area. There are also occurrences of Herbaut-de-Saint-Just in France outside Normandy, as well as in Belgium and Switzerland due to historical events like the French Revolution and subsequent migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Herbaut-de-saint-just

The surname Herbaut-de-Saint-Just has several variants and spelling permutations due to historical and regional factors. Some of these include: Herbot de Saint Just, Hérbaut de Saint Just, Herbau de Saint-Just, Herbeault de Saint Just, Herbaut Desaintjust, Herbaut De Saint-Just, Herbaud de Saint Just, Herbois de Saint-Just, and Herbaut Sainctjust. These variations may have originated from regional dialects or transcription errors over time. It's essential to note that the actual pronunciation of these names may vary depending on local phonetic rules and accents.

Famous people with the last name Herbaut-de-saint-just

The Herbaut de Saint-Just family has produced several notable individuals throughout history, particularly during the French Revolution. One of the most renowned is Jean-Baptiste de Saint-Just, a key figure in the Jacobin faction. He was a lawyer, philosopher, and politician who served as a close associate to Maximilien Robespierre. Known for his oratory skills, he played a significant role in drafting the French Constitution of 1793 and was a major proponent of the Reign of Terror. Unfortunately, Saint-Just himself met a tragic end during the Thermidorian Reaction, being guillotined alongside Robespierre. Another prominent member of this family is Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a French writer best known for his novella "The Little Prince," which has been translated into over 300 languages and remains one of the best-selling books in history.

Genealogical research on the last name Herbaut-de-saint-just

The Herbaut-de-Saint-Just family originated from the region of Normandy, France. The surname is believed to have derived from the place name Saint-Just-en-Auge, located in Calvados department. The first known record of this lineage dates back to the 13th century when Robert Herbaut was mentioned in a deed from the Abbey of Troarn in 1206. Throughout the centuries, the family spread throughout Normandy and expanded into other regions of France, with notable branches in Paris and Toulouse. Notable figures bearing the name include Jean-Baptiste-Nicolas Herbaut-de-Saint-Just (1743-1820), a French politician during the Revolutionary era, and the family's most famous descendant, Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc) who claimed lineage to the Herbaut-de-Saint-Just family. The family's history is steeped in both religious and political influence throughout medieval and modern France.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names