Last Name Jalabert

The surname Jalabert is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from Jalabert, a village located in the southwestern region of France, near Toulouse. Like many surnames, it was originally a geographical or topographical name, denoting someone who lived near a specific location or landmark. The name Jalabert is believed to come from the Occitan word "jalaber," meaning "small hill" or "mound." Over time, the surname spread beyond the village as people migrated and settled in other regions, carrying their names with them.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jalabert

The meaning and origin of the last name Jalabert

The surname Jalabert is of French origin, specifically from the Occitan region, which was a separate language domain within medieval France. The name is derived from various regional place names that have the root "jalabet," meaning "a small valley" or "narrow pass." The name may also have origins in the Old Provençal personal name "Jaufre Jalabert," which translates to "Warrior of the narrow pass." Over time, this personal name evolved into a surname as families began to settle and form distinct lineages. Today, the Jalabert surname can be found in various parts of France and other French-speaking countries, as well as among French immigrants worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jalabert

The surname Jalabert is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Occitania and Alsace-Champagne, suggesting its potential origin from these areas. However, it has also been recorded in other French-speaking regions like Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, Canada. Beyond Europe, there are small populations with the Jalabert surname in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, likely due to historical immigration waves from France. It's important to note that surnames can often be traced back to specific locations, but it is challenging to pinpoint exact ancestral villages for every individual bearing the name due to factors such as migration, assimilation, and historical recordkeeping variations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jalabert

The surname Jalabert has several variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common variations include:

1. Jalabert
2. Gialabert
3. Giolabert
4. Jalabarte
5. Jalabart
6. Gelabert
7. Jalabet
8. Jalabert-Ferrer (compounded surname)
9. Galabert
10. Djalabert
11. Gialabertto
12. Jalaberte
13. Jalapert
14. Gelabarte
15. Jalabeert

These variations may arise from differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or transcription errors over time. It's essential to note that the specific spelling of a surname can carry cultural and historical significance for individuals and communities.

Famous people with the last name Jalabert

Notable individuals with the surname Jalabert include:

1. Frédéric Jalabert (born 1968), a French cyclist who won the Tour de France's points classification in 1994 and 1995, as well as the Vuelta a España in 1995.
2. Jean-Louis Jalabert (born 1960), a French racing cyclist who participated in four editions of the Tour de France between 1983 and 1989.
3. Laurent Jalabert (born 1971), a French jazz pianist and composer known for his collaborations with artists such as Michel Petrucciani, Richard Galliano, and André Ceccarelli.
4. Luc Jalabert (born 1959), a Canadian actor who has appeared in films like "Bon Cop, Bad Cop" and "Cursed Part III."
5. Thierry Jalabert (born 1963), a French politician who served as the Mayor of Valence-d'Agen from 2008 to 2014.

Genealogical research on the last name Jalabert

The Jalabert surname originates from France, specifically the regions of Aquitaine and Languedoc-Roussillon. Historical records suggest that the name derives from a place name or a personal name in these regions. One early record shows that a certain Guillaume Jalabert was recorded in the year 1260 in Toulouse, Languedoc-Roussillon. The name spread throughout France and its colonies due to migration, with significant populations found in Quebec, Canada, as well as Louisiana, United States, following the French colonial expansion. Notable figures with the Jalabert surname include Jean Jalabert, a French naval officer who played a role in the Battle of Trafalgar, and Philippe Jalabert, a famous French cyclist who won the Tour de France twice in the 1940s.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jalabert"
• 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 : 16 August 2025

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