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Last Name Levrat

What is the origin of the last name Levrat?

The surname Levrat is believed to have origins in France, specifically from the region around Savoie and Haute-Savoie. It is thought to be derived from a geographical location named "Le Verat," which can be found near a town called Chambéry. Over time, the name evolved into its current form. However, it's essential to note that surnames can have various origins and spellings, so this information should be considered as a possibility rather than definitively establishing its origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Levrat

The meaning and origin of the last name Levrat

The surname Levrat is a French patronymic name derived from the Old Occitan given name "Leverat," which means "lark" or "nightingale." The name likely originated as a nickname for someone with an early-rising, lively, or melodious personality, similar to the songbirds lark and nightingale. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved, with variations such as Levratin, Levrett, Leveret, and Lavreta appearing in different regions of France. The name is most commonly found today in the southern regions of France, particularly in Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon.

Geographical distribution of the last name Levrat

The surname Levrat is primarily found in France, with a significant concentration in the southeastern region, particularly around the departments of Haute-Garonne and Tarn-et-Garonne. This region includes the cities of Toulouse and Montauban. Smaller groups bearing this name can also be found in other parts of France, such as the Rhône-Alpes region and Brittany. Outside of France, Levrat is less common but can be found among French diaspora communities in other countries like Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Levrat

The surname Levrat has several variations and spelling alternatives, mostly due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical changes over time. Some common variations include: Leverat, Levraut, Levereau, L'Everat, Leverot, Levret, Levrard, Levratto, and de Leverat. These variations may appear with or without accent marks, depending on the country or region where they are used. It is also important to note that some people may choose to Anglicize the name to Levratte or Levrat in English-speaking countries.

Famous people with the last name Levrat

The Levrat surname is notably associated with individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields.

In the realm of science, Jean-François Levrat, a Swiss mathematician, is known for his work on the theory of integrable systems and the inverse scattering method. In France, Émile Levrat was a prominent zoologist and parasitologist who served as the director of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris.

In the artistic world, Claude Levrat, a French painter and illustrator, is recognized for his work on children's books and his surrealistic style. In literature, Daniel Levrat, a Belgian novelist, has written numerous works, including "Le Soleil des Fous" (1976), which explores the themes of madness and isolation in a colonial setting.

Lastly, Jean-Claude Levrat, a Swiss businessman, made headlines for founding the Levraal Group, one of Europe's leading retailers in garden centers and home improvement stores. These notable individuals bearing the Levrat surname have left lasting impacts on their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Levrat

The Levrat surname is primarily associated with France, specifically the Occitanie region, where it originated from medieval times. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word "le veirat" which translates to "the leper." This nickname-surname might have been given to someone who was a leper or lived near a leper colony during the Middle Ages when such individuals were often shunned from society. The Levrat family migrated southward, primarily to the Languedoc region, where they established prominent lineages. Notable bearers of the name include French scientist Charles-François de Cisternay Du Fay (1734–1817), a physicist known for his work on electricity and magnetism, and French politician Jean-Pierre Levrat (born 1956). The Levrat family has also spread beyond France to various parts of the world due to emigration.

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 : 29 July 2025

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