Last Name Houdart

The surname "Houdart" is of French origin. It is a toponymic name meaning "from the hod or building yard", derived from the Old French words "hode" (hut) and "cour" (yard). Over time, it has been variously spelled as Houdard, Hudart, Haudeville, and others. It is most commonly found in France, particularly in Normandy and Champagne regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Houdart

The meaning and origin of the last name Houdart

The surname Houdart is of French origin, specifically from regions such as Normandy and Picardy. It is derived from the Old French term "hodiernus" or "du jour," meaning "of today." Over time, this name evolved into its modern form, Houdart. In a figurative sense, the surname might symbolize someone who was born or arrived at a significant moment in time, perhaps implying a positive influence on the family's life. The name may have been used to signify a contemporary or newcomer, as well as a person born on the same day as an important event. As with many surnames, the exact origin of Houdart is difficult to pinpoint, but it has certainly played a role in the tapestry of French history and genealogy for centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Houdart

The surname Houdart is predominantly found in France, particularly in the western regions of Brittany and Normandy, where it originated. Historically, it was also common in the Loir-et-Cher department, located in the Center-Val de Loire region. Emigrants from these areas carried the name to various parts of North America during colonial expansion, with significant populations now residing in Quebec, Canada and the United States, particularly in the states of Louisiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and New York. Smaller groups can also be found in Belgium, where the name is relatively uncommon compared to France. In these locations, the Houdart surname has been traced back several centuries, suggesting a long and stable lineage within each community.

Variants and spellings of the last name Houdart

The surname Houdart can be found with several variations and spellings due to historical translations, regional dialects, and individual preferences. Some of the common versions include: Houdart, Houdard, Hudart, Hudard, Houdert, and Howdart. In French, the name is usually spelled as Houdart or Houdard, but it may be transliterated differently in other languages or cultures. For instance, in English-speaking countries where surnames are often anglicized, variations such as Hudart or Howdart can be found. The name is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "hode," meaning "goat," and "art," meaning "work" or "field." It is believed to have originally been a topographic surname for someone who lived near a goat pasture or field.

Famous people with the last name Houdart

Notable individuals bearing the surname Houdart include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Houdart (1731-1802), a French mathematician and astronomer, who made contributions to number theory and was a member of the French Academy of Sciences.
2. Pierre-Alexandre Houdart de La Motte (1765-1843), a French diplomat during the Napoleonic era, serving as ambassador to several countries including Russia, Prussia, and Austria.
3. Maurice Houdart de La Motte (1826-1891), a French politician who served as the Minister of Agriculture under President Adolphe Thiers. He was also a Member of the French Parliament for 40 years.
4. Georges Houdart (born 1935), a French mathematician and computer scientist, known for his contributions to the field of numerical analysis and scientific computing.
5. Pierre-Olivier Houdart (born 1986), a French entrepreneur and computer engineer who co-founded and serves as CEO of Algolia, a search API company based in San Francisco.

Genealogical research on the last name Houdart

The surname Houdart is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "hodiernus," meaning contemporary or modern. It is believed to have been originally used as a nickname for someone who was considered up-to-date or fashionable in their time. The first recorded spelling of the name in its current form can be traced back to France during the late Middle Ages, with Jean Houdart appearing in records from the 14th century. Over the centuries, the name has been found primarily in regions of France such as Normandy, Picardy, and Champagne, though it is also present in other parts of the country. Today, descendants of the Houdart family can be found across Europe, particularly in France, Belgium, and Switzerland, as well as North America due to immigration during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable individuals bearing the name include Auguste Houdart, a French architect who designed several notable buildings in Paris, and Claude-Étienne Houdart de La Motte, a French military officer who fought in the Seven Years' War.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Houdart"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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