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Last Name Noirot

What is the origin of the last name Noirot?

The surname Noirot is of French origin, derived from a geographical location or a profession. It originally comes from the Old French word "noir" meaning black, and "ot" which means small stream or brook, indicating someone who lived by a dark stream or brook. However, it's also possible that Noirot could have been an occupational name for a tanner, as "noir" was used to refer to the blackened hides during the tanning process. This surname is common in France and its French-speaking regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Noirot

The meaning and origin of the last name Noirot

The surname Noirot is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "noir" which means 'black' or 'dark'. It was likely originally used as a nickname for someone with dark hair or complexion, or it could have been a metonymic occupational name for a maker or seller of black dye or ink. The surname Noirot appears in various forms in French records from the Middle Ages onward, including Noiraut, Noiret, and Noirot. Over time, it has been carried to other countries by French immigrants, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Noirot

The surname Noirot has a significant presence primarily in France, particularly in the eastern region, with a notable concentration in the Franche-Comté and Bourgogne areas. It is also found in parts of Switzerland, particularly Geneva, due to historical migrations from neighboring regions. Additionally, some individuals carrying the surname Noirot can be traced in Canada, especially Quebec, as a result of French colonization and subsequent migration. In the United States, it is primarily concentrated in Louisiana, reflecting the influence of French settlers. The name is less common in other countries, but its presence can still be found in various European countries and amongst the French diaspora worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Noirot

The surname Noirot has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some variations include Noirout, Neurot, Neyrot, and Nourot. These variations may arise from regional dialects, errors during data entry, or intentional alterations for various reasons. It's essential to understand that these changes do not significantly impact the original pronunciation and meaning of the name, which is believed to be derived from a locality named Neirot or Neyrot in France. Additionally, the surname Noirot may also have origins unrelated to this specific French locale, as it could potentially stem from Old French words like "noir" (black) or "nu" (naked), indicating a descriptive name or nickname.

Famous people with the last name Noirot

Notable individuals bearing the surname Noirot include:

1. Auguste Noirot (1825-1900), a French chemist who is known for his work on alkaloids and vitamins, particularly vitamin B3.

2. Jean-Louis Noirot (born 1947), a French linguist and anthropologist specializing in the study of African languages, particularly those of the Niger-Congo family.

3. Pierre Noirot (1806–1885), a French painter, known for his Orientalist works featuring Middle Eastern landscapes and people.

4. Yves Noirot (1922-2017), a Swiss-French theologian and historian of Christianity, who made significant contributions to the study of early Christianity, especially the Patristic period.

These individuals have made substantial contributions in their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on their disciplines.

Genealogical research on the last name Noirot

The surname Noirot is of French origin and is believed to have derived from various locales named "Noiret" found in France. The first recorded appearance of the Noirot family can be traced back to the 12th century, with a certain Guillaume de Noyrete listed as a witness in a charter signed by Louis VII of France in 1154 AD. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved, but it remains predominantly a French surname. The Noirot family has been documented throughout France, particularly in regions such as Franche-Comté, Rhône-Alpes, and Île-de-France. Notable individuals with the surname Noirot include Pierre Noiret, a renowned French actor, and Jean-Pierre Noirot, a prominent linguist who specialized in Romance languages.

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 : 28 July 2025

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