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Last Name Jolibois

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What is the origin of the last name Jolibois?

The surname Jolibois is believed to have French origins, specifically from Normandy. It is derived from a place name or a nickname, with "Joli" meaning 'beautiful' or 'handsome' in French, and "Bois" meaning 'woods' or 'forest'. Over time, the name would have been adopted by various individuals who either originated from a location named Jolibois or were associated with such a place, or were given the nickname due to their personal qualities.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Jolibois

The surname Jolibois is of French origin, derived from the Old French phrase "joli bois," which translates to "beautiful woods" or "pretty forest." It was originally a geographical name, given to individuals who lived near or were born in an attractive forested area. Over time, the surname Jolibois spread beyond France as a result of immigration and adoption by other cultures. In contemporary times, it remains a relatively uncommon yet distinctively French-sounding surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jolibois

The surname Jolibois is primarily concentrated in France, particularly in the region of Hautes-Alpes, where it originates from the town of Veynes. It has also been found in neighboring regions such as Drôme and Valais (Switzerland). The name has spread to some extent within France due to migration over time, with smaller populations appearing in other parts of the country. Outside of France, the Jolibois family name can be found in Canada, particularly in Quebec and Ontario, due to French Canadian immigration in the 17th and 18th centuries. In addition, individuals bearing the name have been recorded in other countries, including the United States, Belgium, and Argentina, primarily as a result of migration from France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jolibois

The surname Jolibois has several variants and spellings due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and migration. Some common variants include Jollivet, Jolivert, Jolybois, Jollyvois, Jollivois, and Jolibeaux. These variations may arise from slight differences in pronunciation or orthography over time and across regions. It is also possible to find the name spelled as Jolibau, Jolivet, Joliveau, Jolifois, or Joliwa, reflecting phonetic adaptations in different locations. These variations serve as a testament to the rich history and diverse origins of the Jolibois family.

Famous people with the last name Jolibois

The Jolibois family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Jean-Claude Jolibois, a French politician who served as a member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009 and again from 2014 until his retirement in 2019. He was a member of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) and later The Republicans (LR).

In the world of entertainment, there's Dominic Jolibois, a Canadian actor known for his role as 'Fred' in the television series "The Rehabiltation of Fred Cheever." Additionally, Canadian musician Jean-Pierre Jolibois is recognized for his work with bands like Brave Belt and The Wicked Cool Sounds. Lastly, French engineer Pierre Jolibois contributed significantly to the development of the electric motorcycle industry, founding companies such as Zap Motorcycles and ElectroMotivec in the late 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Jolibois

The surname Jolibois is believed to have originated from the region of Picardy in France. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name is Guillaume Joli Bois, who lived in the early 13th century. The name translates to "pretty woods" or "beautiful forest," possibly indicating a place where the family resided.

During the Hundred Years' War, many individuals bearing the surname Jolibois were involved, some fighting for the English and others for the French. This suggests a degree of social mobility, with some families switching allegiances due to political or economic reasons.

In the 16th century, several branches of the Jolibois family migrated to the French-speaking regions of Switzerland. Some descendants later emigrated to North America, particularly Quebec and Louisiana. Notable figures bearing this name include the Canadian composer Claude Jolicoeur and the American musician Troye Sivan, who is of partial French descent with the surname being a variant (Jolis-Cœur).

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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