What is the origin of the last name Lizotte?

The surname Lizotte originates from France and is a variant of the original name Lizon, which was derived from a pet form of the given name Léonard (Lion). It is often associated with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, as many Normans settled in France after the conquest. The name may have also been a nickname for someone with lion-like characteristics or for someone who belonged to a family that had a coat of arms featuring a lion. Over time, variations such as Lizon, Lezot, Lesot, and Lizotte emerged due to various phonetic and orthographic changes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lizotte

The meaning and origin of the last name Lizotte

The surname Lizotte is of French origin, specifically from Normandy, and it is derived from the medieval given name Lisiot, which was a diminutive form of the personal name Lisey or Leisie, both shortened versions of Adalais, a female name meaning "noble pledge" in Old German. Over time, the spelling evolved to Lisot, and then to Lizotte, which became a popular surname among French-speaking communities. The name was brought to North America by French colonizers and their descendants, particularly those who settled in Quebec, Canada. Today, the surname Lizotte is most commonly found in French-speaking regions, such as Quebec and Acadia, although it can be found elsewhere due to migration over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lizotte

The surname Lizotte is primarily concentrated in French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, where it ranks among the top 300 most common last names. It is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Canada and the United States, likely as a result of migration from Quebec. In Europe, the name can be traced to France, with some presence also in Belgium and Luxembourg due to historical links between these regions and Quebec. The name is believed to have originated as a nickname or occupational surname for someone associated with the occupation "l'ouvrier" (the worker) or "le liotard" (a type of soldier).

Variants and spellings of the last name Lizotte

The surname Lizotte, originating from France, has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these include Lisette, Lizot, Lisot, and Lezot. In English, the most common spelling is Lizotte, although it may also be found as Lizzotte or Lisotte in some instances. The name's origins can be traced back to the Old French words "lis" (lys) meaning lily, and "ot" (ote), a diminutive suffix. These variations reflect the evolution of the name over time and across different languages and cultures.

Famous people with the last name Lizotte

The Lizotte surname has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Danielle Lizotte, a Canadian ice dancer who competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Partnering with Michael Marinaro, they finished in 13th place in the figure skating event. In the world of literature, W.P. Kinsella, born William Patrick Lizotte, is well-known for his novel "Shoeless Joe," which formed the basis for the popular movie "Field of Dreams." Another prominent figure is Marc-André Bergeron, a Canadian ice hockey defenseman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams such as the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche. Lastly, Isabelle Lizotte, a Canadian singer-songwriter, gained recognition with her debut album "Cœur de verre" in 2016. These individuals demonstrate the diverse talents and accomplishments that can stem from the Lizotte surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Lizotte

The surname Lizotte, derived from the Norman given name Lisois, is of French origin and was initially brought to North America by early settlers. One of the earliest known records of the name is Jean Lizote, who settled in Quebec, Canada in 1642. Over the centuries, variations such as Lisot, Lizo, and Lizio emerged due to spelling variations and changes in pronunciation. The name is most prevalent in French-speaking regions of Canada, particularly in Quebec, where it has been traced back to the 17th century settlers. In the United States, the name can be found primarily in areas with a strong French Canadian influence, such as Louisiana and New England. Notable individuals bearing the surname Lizotte include Louis-Joseph Papineau-Leblond, a Canadian political figure, and Canadian ice hockey player Marc-André Lizotte.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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