Last Name Jaccottet

The surname Jaccottet is of Swiss origin, specifically from the Romandie region, which is French-speaking Switzerland. The name is derived from the Old French "jacot" or "gecot," meaning "goat kid." This name, like many others, was often given to someone who was born in a location near goats or associated with goats, such as a shepherd boy or a person living near a goat farm. Over time, the spelling has evolved into Jaccottet, reflecting regional dialects and changes in the French language.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jaccottet

The meaning and origin of the last name Jaccottet

The surname Jaccottet is of Swiss origin, more specifically from the Romandie region, which includes French-speaking cantons like Vaud, Geneva, and Fribourg. It is derived from the Old French "jacquet" or "jacot", meaning "young goat." The name may have been given to an individual who was small and agile, as young goats are known for these traits. Over time, the spelling has evolved into various forms, such as Jacquet, Jakob, and Jaccottet, depending on regional dialects and historical recording methods. This surname is relatively uncommon outside of Switzerland, reflecting its Swiss origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jaccottet

The surname Jaccottet is predominantly distributed in France, particularly in the western regions such as Rhône-Alpes and Franche-Comté. A significant number of individuals with this surname can also be found in neighboring countries like Switzerland, where it originated from the French-speaking region of Vaud. Additionally, there are smaller concentrations of Jaccottet families in Belgium, Canada, and the United States, primarily in Quebec and Ontario due to historical French immigration patterns. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Jaccottet is heavily influenced by historic French colonization and migration movements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jaccottet

The surname Jaccottet has several variations and spellings. These include Jaccotet, Jacquotet, Jaccuot, Jacuot, and Jacquet. Each of these variations may be found across different regions and countries where the name originated from, which is primarily French-speaking parts of Europe. Over time, and due to factors such as phonetic spelling, migration, and regional dialects, slight differences in the spelling of this surname have arisen. Additionally, some individuals might prefer more traditional or less common variations of their name for personal reasons. Despite these variations, the root of the name remains Jaccottet, which is a patronymic derived from the given name Jacques, meaning 'the lord will follow'.

Famous people with the last name Jaccottet

Notable individuals bearing the surname Jaccottet include:

1. Yves Jaccottet (born 1928), a Swiss linguist and literary scholar, known for his work on the French language, literature, and translation studies. He is a member of the Académie française since 1996.

2. Jean-François Jaccottet (1924-2012), a Swiss poet, translator, and essayist, who received numerous literary awards for his work, including the Grand Prix de la langue française in 1998. He was an influential figure in French-language poetry.

3. Michel Jaccottet (born 1947), a French-Swiss poet, novelist, and essayist, known for his poetic explorations of the relationship between nature and human existence. He has received several literary awards, including the Prix de la langue française in 2013.

These esteemed figures have made significant contributions to literature, linguistics, and translation studies, cementing their places as important cultural figures in both France and Switzerland.

Genealogical research on the last name Jaccottet

The surname Jaccottet is predominantly found in Switzerland and France, with roots tracing back to medieval times. In Switzerland, the name originated from the canton of Vaud, where it was first recorded in the late Middle Ages. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Pierre Jaccottet, who lived during the 14th century in Vaud. The name also appeared in neighboring France, particularly in the Franche-Comté region, due to historical migrations and regional ties between the two countries. Throughout the centuries, various branches of the Jaccottet family have made significant contributions to their communities, with notable figures such as Jean-François Jaccottet (1698–1784), a Swiss scientist and mathematician, and Jacques Jaccottet (1923–2016), a French philosopher and literary critic. The name Jaccottet continues to be prevalent in both Switzerland and France today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "jaccottet"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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