What is the origin of the last name Jobard?

The surname Jobard is a French patronymic name, derived from the given name Jobert, Joppe, or Job, which are short forms of the male given name Jean-Baptiste. The name Jobard (or similar variants) may have originated in regions of France where Jean-Baptiste was popular, such as Brittany and Normandy. As with many surnames, it was often a way for people to distinguish themselves from others with the same first name, particularly in small communities where multiple individuals bore the same given name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jobard

The meaning and origin of the last name Jobard

The surname Jobard is of French origin, specifically from the region of Burgundy. It is derived from various places named Jobard, which can be found in the departments of Saône-et-Loire and Yonne. The name Jobard comes from a personal name "Jobert," a diminutive form of the Germanic name "Gisibert." The name Gisibert means "battleworthy" or "fight worthy," a fitting name for someone in a warlike society. Over time, the personal name Jobert evolved into Jobart, and later, Jobard. As with many surnames, it served as a means to differentiate individuals within a community, especially when they migrated or settled in new areas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jobard

The surname Jobard has a predominant presence in France, particularly in the Rhône-Alpes region and specifically within the department of Savoie. This region is located in southeastern France, bordering Switzerland and Italy. The Jobard family name is also found in other parts of France, including Haute-Savoie, Isère, Ain, and the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. In addition to France, smaller clusters of individuals with the surname Jobard can be found in countries like Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and the United States. This geographical distribution strongly suggests an origin from the Savoie region of France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jobard

The surname Jobard has various spellings and variations, including Jobart, Jobarde, Jobardet, Jobardette, Jobarte, Jobardo, Jobardos, Jobarts, and Jobardu, among others. These variations may arise due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors during migration or assimilation, or personal preference. The name Jobard is of French origin, derived from the Germanic "Job" meaning "God is generous," combined with the Old French diminutive suffix "-ard." This surname was primarily found in France, though it may also be present in other regions where French settlers or immigrants have settled over the centuries.

Famous people with the last name Jobard

The Jobard surname has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Jacques-Yves Cousteau, a French oceanographer, explorer, and filmmaker, who was born into a family with the last name Jobard but later took his stepfather's surname. He is best known for his pioneering work in marine conservation and underwater exploration, including the development of Aqua-Lung equipment and coining the term "coup de cœur" (heart of the ocean) in one of his documentaries. Another notable figure with the Jobard name is Jean-Marc Jobard, a French racing driver who participated in several Formula One World Championship Grands Prix in the 1980s. He also competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours race multiple times, achieving success in the GT category. These two individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements of people with the last name Jobard.

Genealogical research on the last name Jobard

The surname Jobard is primarily found in France and Switzerland, with origins tracing back to the Middle Ages. In France, it is most common in regions such as Franche-Comté, Rhône-Alpes, and Savoie. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name dates back to the 12th century in the Savoie region, where a certain Hugues Jobard was documented in 1150. The name is believed to have derived from either a geographical location or a personal name, potentially related to jobs (farms) or yardards (small plots of land). As with many surnames, it is likely that Jobard was originally a nickname referring to the occupant of such a place or the size of his property. The distribution and variations of the name, such as Jabard, Jobart, and Jobarte, indicate a possible migration from Savoie during the Middle Ages and the early modern period. Further research is needed to trace specific family lineages and understand the evolution of this interesting surname.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

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