Last Name Neyret

The surname Neyret is believed to be of French origin, derived from a place name or an occupational name. It could originate from various locations named Neyrat or similar variations across France, such as Neuillac-en-Val in Indre-et-Loire or Saint-Genest-d'Ambière in Mayenne. Another possibility is that it may have originated from an occupation related to the Old French word "niez," meaning "knee," and thus could have been given to someone who had a physical characteristic related to the knee, such as having a large or deformed knee. However, without further information, this is only a possible explanation for the origin of the surname Neyret.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Neyret

The meaning and origin of the last name Neyret

The surname Neyret is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "neiret" or "nereit," which means "black water." It is a topographical name, indicating someone who lived near a black or murky body of water. Over time, it has been variously spelled as Neiray, Neyraud, N'Eyret, and Neyret, reflecting the linguistic evolutions in different regions. The earliest recorded instances of the surname can be traced back to the 12th century in areas such as Savoie and Dauphiné, which are modern-day regions in southeastern France. Today, the name is primarily found among French-speaking populations, particularly in France, Switzerland, and Quebec (Canada).

Geographical distribution of the last name Neyret

The last name Neyret is predominantly distributed in France, with a significant concentration in the Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions, which are located in eastern France. This suggests that the name may have originated from one of these areas during the Middle Ages when surnames first became common. Smaller groups of individuals bearing the surname Neyret can also be found in Switzerland, particularly in the cantons of Vaud and Geneva, suggesting possible migration or historical connections between these regions. Additionally, there are scattered instances of the name in other countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, and the United States, primarily among French-speaking populations or those with links to France. The distribution pattern suggests that the surname Neyret has a strong association with the French-speaking world, particularly France and Switzerland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Neyret

The surname Neyret has various spellings and pronunciations in English. Some common variants include Neirin, Neiriet, Neirit, Nairat, or even Naïrat, reflecting the French origin of the name. It is believed to have derived from a place-name in France, specifically the commune of Neira in Haute-Savoie. Other possible variations may arise due to phonetic differences, such as Neyrett, Neyrete, or even Nairitt, all referring to the same family name. It's important to note that spelling variations can occur due to factors like regional dialects, transcription errors, and individual preferences.

Famous people with the last name Neyret

Notable individuals with the surname Neyret include:

1. Léopold Néyret (1834-1910), a French architect who designed several notable buildings in Paris, including the École Normale Supérieure de la rue d'Ulm and the Hôtel Biron (now the Musée Rodin).

2. Michel Neyret (born 1958), a French actor known for his roles in films such as "The Eighth Day" (1996) and "Ridicule" (1996). He has also worked extensively on television, appearing in series like "Highlander" and "Les Rois maudits."

3. François Néyret (1790-1862), a French general who served during the Bourbon Restoration and the July Monarchy. He notably participated in the Hundred Days under Napoleon I, but was later exiled to Algeria for his support of Louis-Philippe.

4. Pierre Néyret (1758-1830), a French military officer who served during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. He fought in several major campaigns, including those in Italy, Egypt, and Russia.

Genealogical research on the last name Neyret

The surname Neyret is primarily found in France, particularly in the Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne regions. It is believed to have originated from the Old French word "neyre" meaning "kid goat," reflecting its agricultural origins. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name is Guillaume Neyret, a resident of Bourg-en-Bresse in 1256. The family expanded across France during the medieval period, with notable branches appearing in Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand. Some members of the family have been associated with various religious orders throughout history, including the Jesuits and Dominicans. Notable individuals with this surname include Jean Neyret (1756–1809), a French general who served during the French Revolution and Napoleon's campaigns; and Marie-Françoise Neyret (born 1942), a Swiss alpine skier who won two Olympic gold medals in 1964. The Neyret family tree exhibits a rich history of French culture, religion, and military service.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Neyret"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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