Last Name Josset

Learn more about the origin of the last name Josset

The meaning and origin of the last name Josset

The surname Josset is primarily of French origin, derived from the given name "Josse" which was a diminutive of the more common name "Joseph". It was often used as a pet name for boys born during the Christmas season, due to the popularity of Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus in Christian tradition. The surname Josset is found predominantly in northern France, particularly in regions such as Normandy and Picardy. Over time, the spelling of this name has evolved and variations like Josseaux, Josseau, Josse, Josselin, and Josset are not uncommon. The distribution of the name also expanded beyond France with immigration waves to other European countries and later to America and other parts of the world. It is worth noting that surnames did not become widespread in Europe until the Late Middle Ages, often taking the form of an occupational name or a nickname derived from physical characteristics or personality traits.

Geographical distribution of the last name Josset

The surname Josset is predominantly found in France, particularly in the northwestern region, Brittany, and neighboring Normandy. It is also present to some extent in other French-speaking regions such as Picardy and Alsace. In addition, descendants of Breton or Norman immigrants have carried the name to various parts of the world, including North America (mainly Canada and the United States), South America, and Australia. The distribution of Josset outside of France is likely a result of migration events and diaspora over several centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Josset

The surname "Josset" can have various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Some common variants include:

* Jossot (French)
* Josseth (English)
* Jossat (French)
* Jozset (Hungarian)
* Jössät (Estonian)
* Joszath (Hungarian)
* Jožsat (Czech)

Other possible variants may include Josett, Jozzet, Jossot-Lamoureux, Jossat-Dufresne, or Josset-Brière, depending on additional family names that have been merged over generations. It is also important to note that the spelling of a name can change when it is anglicized or transcribed into another language, so there may be other variations as well.

Famous people with the last name Josset

Notable individuals bearing the surname Josset include:

1. Marcel Josset (born 1947), Swiss physicist known for his work on superfluidity and quantum turbulence, earning him the 2016 Wolf Prize in Physics.

2. François Josset (born 1957), French journalist and writer who has covered conflicts worldwide, winning multiple awards for his reporting. He is best recognized for his book "Rwanda, La Tragédie des Millions."

3. Frédéric Josset (1820–1887), Swiss botanist and naturalist who made significant contributions to the study of tropical flora, particularly in Southeast Asia.

4. Théophile Josset (1856–1930), Swiss lawyer, politician, and writer who served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council from 1907 to 1912, holding the Department of Home Affairs.

These individuals have made remarkable contributions in various fields, leaving indelible marks in their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Josset

The surname Josset is believed to have originated from the French-speaking regions of Western Europe, particularly Normandy and Brittany. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Josse," a diminutive form of Gose, which meant "God is plenteous." Over time, variations in spelling such as Jossett, Jessett, Josset, and Jossett emerged due to factors like regional dialects and recording methods.

The earliest documented occurrence of the name was found in Normandy around the 13th century. As populations migrated throughout Europe and the world, variations of the surname began to appear. For instance, records show a Jean Josset immigrating to Quebec, Canada in the late 17th century. Other records indicate families with the name settling in England during the same period.

Throughout history, notable individuals with the surname Josset include John Josset, a merchant who lived in Boston, Massachusetts during the early 1800s; and Josette Josset, a French actress who gained prominence in the mid-20th century. Today, the name can be found across many countries, reflecting its diverse ancestry and migration patterns over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Josset"
• 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 : 14 June 2025