NomOrigine Background

Last Name Jaccottet

What is the origin of the 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

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

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

Jacaria (Last name)

surnames > jacaria

The origin of the last name Jacaria is not clear or well-documented. It is possible that it could have originated from a specific region or culture, but without more information it...

Jacaylka (Last name)

surnames > jacaylka

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any specific information on the origin of the last name "Jacaylka." It is possible that the name has a specific cultural or regional origin, but with...

Jacco (Last name)

surnames > jacco

The last name "Jacco" is of Dutch origin. It is derived from the given name "Jacob," which in turn comes from the Latin name "Jacobus," meaning "supplanter" or "one who follows." T...

Jacel (Last name)

surnames > jacel

The origin of the last name "Jacel" is not definitively known. It could have various origins depending on the region and history of the family bearing the surname. It is possible t...

Jacfar (Last name)

surnames > jacfar

The last name Jacfar has Arabic origins. It is believed to be derived from the personal name Ja'far, which means "small stream" or "rivulet" in Arabic. This name is primarily found...

Jachacz (Last name)

surnames > jachacz

The last name "Jachacz" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the personal name "Jacek," which is a diminutive form of the name "Jacób," meaning "Jacob" in English. This surname...

Jachas (Last name)

surnames > jachas

The last name "Jachas" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the personal name "Jakub" which is the Polish form of the name "Jacob." The surname may have originally been used as ...

Jachifahu (Last name)

surnames > jachifahu

The last name "Jachifahu" is of Polynesian origin, specifically from the island nation of Fiji.

Jaciuk (Last name)

surnames > jaciuk

The last name Jaciuk is of Polish origin. It is derived from the personal name Jacenty, which is a form of the Greek name Hyacinthos, meaning "hyacinth flower."

Jack jan (Last name)

surnames > jack-jan

The last name "Jack Jan" is of Chinese origin. It is likely derived from the Chinese characters "杰" and "军", which together can mean "outstanding military" or "heroic army".

Jack lfa (Last name)

surnames > jack-lfa

The last name "Jacklfa" does not appear to have a specific origin or meaning in English. It does not closely resemble any known English surnames or words.

Jack wilson (Last name)

surnames > jack-wilson

The last name "Wilson" is of English origin, derived from the given name William, which means "will" or "desire" in Old French. The last name "Jack" is also of English origin and i...

Jackap (Last name)

surnames > jackap

The last name Jackap is of English origin. It is derived from the given name Jacob, which comes from the Latin name Iacobus, itself derived from the Hebrew name Yaakov. The name Ja...

Jackasser (Last name)

surnames > jackasser

The last name "Jackasser" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "jaquers," which means a hunter or someone skilled in tracking down game. Over time, the spell...

Jackel (Last name)

surnames > jackel

The surname "Jackel" is believed to have German origins. It is derived from the personal name "Jakob", which is equivalent to the English name "Jacob" or "James". Over time, the su...