What is the origin of the last name Nitot?

The surname Nitot is believed to have origins from France, specifically the region of Normandy. It's an occupational name for a weaver, derived from the Old French word "nitu" meaning "nut" and "ot" which refers to occupation. This surname could have been given to someone who wove fabric resembling nuts or worked with materials associated with nuts. However, it is essential to note that surnames often have various origins and can change in meanings over time, depending on regional dialects and cultural influences.
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nitot

The meaning and origin of the last name Nitot

The surname Nitot is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is derived from various place names throughout the area, such as Notot-sur-Ay or Mont-Notre-Dame, which mean "Our Lady's mountain" or "the Notre Dame mountain," respectively. The name likely emerged as a topographic surname for individuals who lived near these geographical features or resided in villages named after them. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have evolved, leading to various forms such as Nitot, Notot, and Notteaux.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nitot

The surname Nitot is predominantly found in France, with the highest concentration in the region of Normandy, particularly in the departments of Calvados and Orne. This suggests that the name may have originated from this region. However, there are also occurrences of the surname in other parts of France, such as in the regions of Picardy, Ile-de-France, and Brittany, indicating a possible spread from its original roots in Normandy over time. Additionally, some individuals with the surname Nitot can be found in other French-speaking countries like Canada and Belgium, possibly due to migration or colonial expansion. While the name is predominantly French, there are also rare occurrences of Nitot in other countries like Switzerland, the United States, and Israel, suggesting a dispersal of individuals with this surname beyond their original homeland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nitot

The surname Nitot can be spelled in various ways due to differences in spelling conventions and phonetic transcription across languages and regions. Here are some possible variations:

1. Nitot (French spelling)
2. Nytot (Alternative French spelling)
3. Nytöt (Finnish spelling, pronunciation similar to the French variant)
4. Nyttö (Danish and Norwegian spelling, also pronounced similarly to the French variant)
5. Nyto (English phonetic transcription of the French or Finnish spelling)
6. Nito (Phonetic transcription of the French spelling in some contexts)
7. Nytote (An alternative English spelling based on phonetic transcription)
8. Nitote (Another possible English spelling based on phonetic transcription)
9. Nytotte (A variant with a double 't' at the end, which may be found in some contexts)
10. Nytoot (A less common variation, potentially due to typing errors or misinterpretations of the spelling)

Famous people with the last name Nitot

Guillaume Le Gentil de la Galaisière Nitot (1739-1836) was a French astronomer and explorer who made significant contributions to astronomy during the Age of Enlightenment. He participated in two expeditions led by Louis Antoine de Bougainville, the first around the world voyage, and the second to Tahiti for observing the 1769 transit of Mercury. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he missed the event and spent several years in captivity among the natives before returning to France. Another notable figure with the surname Nitot is François-Joseph Paul Nitot (1815-1870), a French politician who served as Minister of War under Napoleon III during the Second Empire. He played an important role in modernizing the French army and was instrumental in reorganizing the infantry, creating the Zouaves. These two individuals highlight the diverse achievements of those bearing the Nitot surname across various fields such as exploration, science, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Nitot

The surname Nitot is believed to have origins in France, specifically the region of Picardy. Historically, it is suggested that the name may be derived from a place name, such as Notre-Dame-de-Nitot, a commune in the Somme department. Early records show that the family originated in this area during the Middle Ages. One of the earliest known members was Jean Nitot, who lived in the 14th century. The family spread across France throughout the following centuries, with notable branches in Normandy and Languedoc-Roussillon. Notable individuals bearing the name include Pierre Nitot, a French mathematician and academician, and François Nitot, a renowned French archaeologist. The surname is still common today in France, with a significant number of bearers residing in Paris and its surrounding areas.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names