Last Name Jallet

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jallet

The meaning and origin of the last name Jallet

The surname Jallet is primarily of French origin, derived from the Occitan word "jalat," which means "cottage" or "small house." It is most commonly found in the southern regions of France, particularly in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Rhône-Alpes. The name may have originally been a topographic surname for someone who lived near such a cottage, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was small or lived in a humble dwelling. The spelling of the name has undergone some variations over time due to regional dialects and scribal errors during the Middle Ages, with alternate spellings including Jalet, Gallet, and Gallet. Today, individuals bearing this surname can be found not only in France but also in other countries where French immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jallet

The surname Jallet is predominantly found in France, particularly in the Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions, suggesting its historical roots in these areas. According to genealogical databases, it is most frequently observed in departments such as Rhône, Savoie, Loire, and Haute-Savoie. The Jallet name can also be found in smaller numbers in other French-speaking regions like Normandy, Bourgogne, and Franche-Comté. Beyond France, the surname has been recorded in Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and other French-speaking countries, where emigration from France may have contributed to its dispersal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jallet

The surname Jallet has several variations and spellings. They include: Jalet, Jelet, Jelett, Jaley, Jalleau, Jallot, Jallette, Jailet, Gallet, Galle, Galletto, Galliot, and Galey. These variations may be due to differences in spelling over time, regional dialects, or family lineage. The name is derived from Old French words such as "gal" (small), "gale" (a type of boat) or "jalousie" (jealousy). It's interesting to note that the surname Jallet is relatively rare, with a higher concentration in France, especially in regions like Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes. The name may also be found among French-speaking communities in other countries such as Canada, Switzerland, and former French colonies.

Famous people with the last name Jallet

Notable individuals with the surname Jallet include:

1. Patrice Evra (born 1981), a professional footballer who played as a left back for clubs like Manchester United and Juventus, and the French national team. He won numerous awards throughout his career, including five Serie A titles with Juventus.

2. Stéphane Jallet (born 1984), also a professional footballer, primarily playing as a left back for teams such as Rennes, Olympique de Marseille, and Girondins de Bordeaux in France's Ligue 1. He has represented the French national team at various levels.

3. Moussa Jallet (born 1985), another footballer who played as a right back or defensive midfielder for clubs like Lens, Montpellier, and Bordeaux in France's Ligue 1. He also represented Algeria at international level.

These individuals have made significant contributions to the sport of football, with Patrice Evra being inducted into the French Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

Genealogical research on the last name Jallet

The surname Jallet originates from the French-speaking region of Switzerland and parts of France. The name is believed to have been derived from the Old French word "jalee," meaning "young girl" or "maiden." Early records show that the name was predominantly found in the cantons of Valais, Fribourg, and Geneva, as well as in the Dauphiné region of France. The earliest known record of the Jallet family dates back to the 14th century in the town of Sion, Valais, Switzerland. Notable bearers of this surname include Jean-Louis Jallet (1759-1823), a Swiss politician and military leader; and François Jallet (1806-1866), a Swiss painter and illustrator. Genealogical research continues to trace the descendants of the Jallet family across Europe and North America, where the name has been anglicized to variations such as Jalet and Galliard.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jallet"
• 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