Last Name Motte

Learn more about the origin of the last name Motte

The meaning and origin of the last name Motte

The surname Motte originates from France, specifically from regions such as Normandy and Picardy. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "motte," which means a small mound or artificial hill, often used for defensive purposes in the form of motte-and-bailey castles. The name was likely given to individuals who built or maintained such structures, or perhaps lived near them. Over time, as families moved and spread across Europe, the spelling of Motte varied, including Mott, Mot, Mote, etc., due to regional dialects and scribal errors. Today, the Motte surname can be found among populations in France, England, and other parts of Western Europe, with variations in spelling reflecting its long and storied history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Motte

The surname Motte is primarily distributed across Western Europe, particularly in France and Belgium, with significant concentrations also found in Switzerland and Luxembourg. Its highest density can be observed in the northern French region of Picardy, where it's often associated with the city of Amiens. In Belgium, the name has a notable presence in Wallonia, especially in the province of Hainaut. Smaller clusters of Motte-bearing families can also be found in other European countries such as Germany, Spain, and Italy, although these are less frequent compared to France and Belgium. The distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns within Europe, with many families moving during the Middle Ages due to religious or political events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Motte

The surname Motte is of French origin and has several variations and spellings. These include Mot, Mott, Mote, Motteaux, Motteau, Motet, Motette, Mottez, and possibly others due to regional differences in pronunciation and spelling over time. The name may originate from the Old French word "motte," which means mound or small hill, referring to a geographical feature. In some cases, it could also be an occupational name for someone who built such structures, perhaps as a mason or fortification builder. Additionally, it can be a diminutive form of names that contain the root "Mau" or "Mat," which are common in Old French names. These variations serve to illustrate the diversity and flexibility of surnames across different regions and time periods.

Famous people with the last name Motte

The Motte surname is associated with notable figures across various fields such as arts, literature, and politics. One prominent figure is Philippe de Motte, a French politician who served as Minister for Cultural Affairs from 2004 to 2009 under President Jacques Chirac. In the world of music, there is Marilyn Manson (Brian Hugh Warner), an American singer, songwriter, and actor who has been a leading figure in the shock rock genre since the mid-1990s. In literature, Guy de Maupassant, whose real name was Henri René Albert Guy de Maupassant but often wrote under just his first names, is considered one of the greatest French short story writers. He is known for his collection of short stories, "Contes fantastiques" (Fantastic Tales), and novels like "Bel-Ami" and "Pierre et Jean." Although not a Motte by birth, the English poet John Donne used the pen name John Motte during his time as a Member of Parliament.

Genealogical research on the last name Motte

The surname Motte is of Old French origin, derived from the word "motte," meaning mound or small hill. It was often used as a toponymic name for someone who lived near such a landform. During the Middle Ages, many French families emigrated to England and later colonies in Europe and the Americas, carrying the name Motte with them.

The first recorded spelling of the name is believed to be that of Richard de la Motte, who appeared in the Domesday Book, a survey carried out in 1086 by William the Conqueror. The family continued to be prominent throughout England and France during the Middle Ages, with branches also established in Scotland and Ireland.

In modern times, variations of the name include Mot, Mott, Mote, and Motteux. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Sir John Motte, a medieval crusader; Alexander Cunningham Motte, an American Civil War soldier and politician; and French composer François Motte. The family's history reflects their long-standing influence in Europe, particularly in France and England, and their continued presence in modern societies.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Motte"
• 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 June 2025