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Last Name Jolivot

What is the origin of the last name Jolivot?

The surname Jolivot is believed to be of French origin. It is derived from various place names across France, particularly in regions such as Picardy and Normandy. The name could have been originally a topographic name for someone who lived near a grove or wood, derived from the Old French words "joli" (beautiful) and "bois" (wood). However, it's important to note that surnames often had various origins, including occupational names, patronymics, and local nicknames. A more precise origin for a specific Jolivot family might require additional research into their particular lineage and geographical region of origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jolivot

The meaning and origin of the last name Jolivot

The surname Jolivot is likely of French origin, derived from various place names found in northern France. One such location is Jolivet, a commune in the Eure-et-Loir department. The name Jolivet comes from the Old French "joli" meaning "beautiful" or "pretty," and "village," indicating that the original bearer of this surname may have lived in or come from a picturesque village. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to numerous derivatives such as Jolivot, Jolivotte, Joliot, and others. As French colonization expanded, variants of the name can also be found among descendants in other parts of the world, particularly North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jolivot

The surname Jolivot is primarily found in France, particularly in the regions of Lorraine and Alsace, suggesting its origin from these areas. However, its frequency has expanded beyond these regions due to migration over time. Outside of France, it can be found sparsely among French-speaking communities in other countries, such as Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. The name may also appear with variations like Jolivet, Jolivault, and Joliot, reflecting differences in regional pronunciation and spelling conventions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jolivot

The surname Jolivot has several variations and spellings due to transcription errors and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include: Jolivet, Joliot, Jolyot, Julieot, Juliot, and Jolivet. These differences are primarily due to the French origin of the name, with slight variations arising from orthographic modernization or phonetic adaptation in different regions. The name Jolivot itself could also be considered a typographical error or an uncommon variant. It is important to note that these variations may have slightly different pronunciations and meanings depending on their regional origins. However, all share the common root of being derived from occupational names for a person who worked in a garden or vineyard, derived from the Old French word "joli" meaning beautiful and "vit" meaning vine.

Famous people with the last name Jolivot

The Jolivet family is notable for its contributions to various fields. One prominent member is Jean-Pascal Jolivet (born 1964), a French composer and pianist who has received international acclaim for his symphonic and operatic works. Another significant figure is Jean-Claude Jolivet (1925-2004), a French mathematician known for his contributions to algebraic topology and homotopy theory. Lastly, Laurent Jolivet (born 1963) is a French politician who served as Minister of Higher Education and Research from 2017 to 2018, during the presidency of Emmanuel Macron. These individuals highlight the diverse talents and accomplishments within the Jolivet family.

Genealogical research on the last name Jolivot

The surname Jolivot originates from France and is believed to have been derived from various locations with the same name. The first recorded instances of this name can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, primarily in the regions of Picardy and Lorraine. One of the earliest known records is that of Robert de Jolivet, who lived in the 13th century. Throughout history, the spelling variations of the name have evolved due to factors such as changes in transcription methods, language dialects, and migration patterns. Some common variants include Jolivot, Jolivet, Julivet, Jollivet, and others. Notable individuals with this surname include Pierre Jolivet, a French composer of the late Renaissance period, and Jean-Pierre Jolivet, a contemporary French philosopher and writer. The family name Jolivot remains relatively uncommon globally but is predominantly found in France today.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 30 July 2025

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