Last Name Jeannot

The surname Jeannot is of French origin. It comes from the given name Jean, which is a common French form of the personal name John, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious." Over time, the name evolved into various forms in different regions and countries. In some cases, it was used as both a given name and a surname, eventually becoming a hereditary last name for those who carried the name. The specific origin of the Jeannot family can vary depending on individual history and migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jeannot

The meaning and origin of the last name Jeannot

The surname Jeannot is of French origin, derived from the given name Jean, which is the French form of John. It's an occupational name or nickname for someone who was named after St. John the Baptist (Jean-Baptiste) or St. John the Evangelist (Jehan), as both names were popular in medieval France. Over time, it became a hereditary surname. The name Jeannot is still common in French-speaking regions and has spread globally due to French colonization and immigration. It's interesting to note that the diminutive form "Jenot" or "Jeannet" can also be found in some countries, reflecting variations in spelling and pronunciation that often occur with surnames over time and across different cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jeannot

The surname Jeannot is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in France and its former colonies. In France, it is most frequent in the northern region of Picardy, as well as in parts of Normandy and eastern France. In France's overseas departments and territories, such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana, Jeannot is also a common surname due to the influence of French settlers. The name has also been carried by French-speaking immigrants to various countries, including Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and other parts of the world with significant French communities. In these locations, the distribution of the surname reflects the historical migration patterns of French speakers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jeannot

The surname Jeannot has several variations and spellings, originating from the French form of John. Here are some of the possible spelling variations:

1. Jeannot
2. Jeannet
3. Jeannett
4. Jéannette
5. Jeannette (most common English variant)
6. Jeanette
7. Jeannotte
8. Genot
9. Gennat
10. Gennot

These variations may be found in different regions and countries, with some being more common in certain areas than others. The name's origin is French, but it can also be found among French Canadian and French-speaking Belgian families.

Famous people with the last name Jeannot

The most renowned individuals with the surname Jeannot include:

1. Jean-Claude Jeannet (born 1946), a French politician who served as Mayor of Chambéry from 1989 to 2017 and was a member of the National Assembly for Savoie's 3rd constituency from 1997 to 2002.

2. Jean-François Jeannet (born 1960), a French judoka who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the men's lightweight event.

3. Jean-Louis Jeannet (1927–1999), a French racing cyclist who won the Tour de France in 1956 and 1960.

4. Marc Jeannet (born 1967), a Swiss former footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Servette FC, Grasshopper Club Zürich, and the Switzerland national team.

5. Roger Jeannet (1935–2018), a French actor and singer best known for his role as Dr. Jean-Luc in the 1960s TV series 'Le Juge et le Pilori'.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields including politics, sports, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Jeannot

The surname Jeannot originates from the Old French given name "Jehan," which means God is gracious. It emerged as a surname in France during the High Middle Ages, around the 12th century. Over time, it was also adopted by families in other regions, including Belgium, Canada, and various French-speaking Caribbean islands due to immigration and colonization. Notable figures with the surname Jeannot include Canadian businessman Pierre Jean Jeanniot, who served as President of Air France from 1987 to 1992, and Haitian politician Jean Marie Chèry, Prime Minister of Haiti in the late 20th century. The distribution of the name today reflects these historical movements, with significant populations found in Quebec, France, and Haiti.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jeannot"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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