What is the origin of the last name Hervouet?

The surname Hervouet is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the commune of Herbouville located in the Calvados department in Normandy, France. The name of the commune is believed to have come from the Old French word "herbe" meaning grass or herbs and "bocage" meaning enclosed land, which describes the agricultural landscape of the area at the time. Over time, people living in or around Herbouville began using the place name as a surname, and the variant Hervouet is one such example.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hervouet

The meaning and origin of the last name Hervouet

The surname Hervouet is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany. It is derived from a place name, indicating that the original bearer of this name likely resided in a village named Hervouet or in an area where such a village was located. The name Hervouet is believed to be composed of two elements: "Herv" and "ouet." "Herv" comes from the given name Herve, which means "army leader," and "ouet" is derived from the Old French word "houette," meaning a small hill or mound. Over time, the surname Hervouet has spread beyond Brittany, with variations such as Herveu, Harvue, and other spellings appearing in records from different parts of France and other European countries where French-speaking immigrants settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hervouet

The last name Hervouet is predominantly found in France, particularly in the Brittany region where it originated. This surname is associated with the town of Herbouville, which is located in the Manche department of Lower Normandy, and is believed to be a locational name from there. However, over time, people bearing this name have migrated and settled in other parts of France, including Paris and its surrounding regions. In recent years, due to emigration and globalization, individuals with the last name Hervouet can also be found in various countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hervouet

The surname Hervouet has various spelling variations, which may arise due to differences in transcription, translation, or regional dialects. Some of these variations include Herveault, Herveot, Herveoit, Hervolet, and Harveau. These alterations can be attributed to factors such as changes in the pronunciation of names over time, different methods of spelling during historical periods, and migration patterns that may have led to regional adaptations of the name. It's essential to note that these variations do not change the root origin or meaning of the name, which is believed to be derived from a place name in France.

Famous people with the last name Hervouet

Notable individuals with the surname Hervouet include:

1. Jean Hervouet (born 1948), a French former professional road bicycle racer who was active from 1972 to 1983. He is best known for winning the Paris-Roubaix race in 1974 and the Tour de France's points classification in 1976.

2. Pierre Hervouet (born 1945), a French former swimmer who competed at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where he won a silver medal as a member of the French team in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay.

3. Paul Hervouet (1878–1955), a French art critic and painter known for his essays on modern art and his involvement with the Salon d'Automne. He was also a close friend of Pablo Picasso.

4. Pierre-Antoine Hervouet (born 1962), a French composer, conductor, and pianist who has worked in various fields including contemporary music, opera, and ballet. He is the artistic director of the Orchestre National de Lille.

Genealogical research on the last name Hervouet

The surname Hervouet originates from France and is primarily found in Brittany. It is derived from various places named Herbaut or Herbot in the region, suggesting an origins linked to the Normans who settled there after the Conquest of England in 1066. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages and has several variations such as Hervault, Herbout, Harbut, and Herveau. Notable figures with this surname include Guillaume Hervouet, a French politician who served as Minister of Justice in 1986. The Hervouet family is known to have migrated to various countries including Canada and the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries. Genealogical research indicates that the family has maintained a strong presence in France, particularly in Brittany and Normandy, as well as in North America.

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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.

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