Last Name Joubert

The surname Joubert is of French origin. It is derived from the French personal name "Jobert" which itself comes from the Hebrew name "Job" meaning "persecuted" or "suffering." It was a given name that became a hereditary surname over time. The Joubert surname is mainly found in France, particularly in the regions of Languedoc and Berry. Over the centuries, individuals with the surname Joubert have migrated to other parts of the world, including South Africa, where it is also fairly common.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Joubert

The meaning and origin of the last name Joubert

The surname Joubert has its origins in France, particularly in the region of Picardy. Derived from the given name "Jouber," the name is believed to have been originally used as a nickname for a sturdy, strong, or brave person. The name is derived from the Old French word "joubert," meaning "robust" or "powerful." Over time, the surname Joubert spread beyond France, particularly to the French-speaking regions of Belgium and South Africa.

The Joubert family name can be found among Huguenot descendants who migrated to South Africa in the late 17th century to escape religious persecution. Today, the surname Joubert is quite common in South Africa, where it ranks among the top surnames in the country. It has become a prominent Afrikaans surname, signifying the rich heritage and history of the Huguenot descendants in the region.

Geographical distribution of the last name Joubert

The last name Joubert has a significant geographical distribution, primarily centered in the Francophone regions of France and South Africa. In France, it is particularly common in the historical regions of Poitou-Charentes and Aquitaine, which are located in the western and southwestern parts of the country, respectively. Within South Africa, the surname Joubert has a strong concentration in the Afrikaner community, with many Joubert families being descendants of French Huguenots who settled in the Cape Colony during the 17th century. Today, it is one of the most common surnames among the Afrikaner population. Over time, the diaspora of Joubert families has also led to their presence in other countries, such as Belgium, Canada, the United States, and Australia, albeit in smaller numbers. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Joubert reflects its origins in France and its subsequent migration to South Africa and other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Joubert

The last name Joubert is a French surname with numerous variations and spellings. It can be spelled Joupert, Jubert, Jobert, Joubaire, Joubard, Joubart, or even Joûbert. These different spellings and variations have emerged due to regional dialects, historical influences, and transliteration from French to other languages. For example, in English-speaking countries, the spelling Joubert is commonly used, whereas the Dutch variation is often Joubertse. Variations such as Joupert and Jubert may have been influenced by regional accents or phonetic differences in pronunciation. Additionally, surnames often undergo spelling changes when families migrate to different countries, resulting in a wide array of variations. Despite the variations, all these spellings still trace their origins back to the French surname Joubert, meaning "bright fame" or "illustrious."

Famous people with the last name Joubert

One famous person with the last name Joubert is François Joubert, a prominent French rugby player born in 1984. He played as a fly-half for several professional rugby teams, including the French national team. Joubert gained recognition for his exceptional skills and contributed to his team's success in various tournaments and championships.

Another notable individual is Pierre Joubert, a renowned French illustrator and comic artist born in 1910. He became famous for his work in scouting literature, especially in creating the iconic visual representations of the Boy Scout movement. Known for his unique style, Joubert's illustrations embodied the adventurous spirit of young scouts and greatly influenced the scouting movement worldwide.

Lastly, there is Guy Joubert, a renowned South African actor and film director born in 1949. He made significant contributions to the film industry, both in his home country and internationally. Joubert's remarkable talent and artistic vision led to his involvement in numerous acclaimed films and stage productions, earning him recognition and respect within the acting community.

Genealogical research on the last name Joubert

The last name Joubert is of French origin and has a rich genealogical history. The surname can be traced back to the early medieval period, specifically to the region of Poitou in France. The Joubert family was originally associated with the nobility and held prominent positions in society. Over time, the name Joubert spread across various regions of France, including Provence, Normandy, and Aquitaine.

As the years went by, some members of the Joubert family migrated to other parts of the world, particularly to French colonies such as Canada, Louisiana (USA), and South Africa. The Joubert name has since become established in these areas, with numerous descendants carrying on the family lineage.

Today, the Joubert name is widespread and can be found in various countries, reflecting the family's migration and assimilation throughout history. Genealogical research on the Joubert surname can help individuals discover their ancestral roots and provide insight into the family's historical journey.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Joubert"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends