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Last Name Perrault

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What is the origin of the last name Perrault?

The surname Perrault is of French origin. It derives from the Old French word "peral" meaning "pear tree". This surname was originally a geographical name for someone who lived near a pear tree or a place named with that term. Over time, it has been anglicized to various forms, including Perrot, Perrott, Perrolt, etc., in different regions and countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Perrault

The meaning and origin of the last name Perrault

The surname Perrault is of French origin, deriving from the Old French word "peral" or "perau", meaning "pear tree". It's a toponymic name, indicating that an individual lived near such a place marked by a pear tree. Over time, the spelling evolved to Perrault as it is most commonly seen today. The name is relatively rare in France but is more prevalent in regions with significant French colonization, such as Louisiana and Canada. It's also worth noting that Charles Perrault was a renowned French author, known for his collection of fairy tales including "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," and "Little Red Riding Hood." However, there is no direct connection between the surname Perrault and this famous author, as they originate from different branches of the family.

Geographical distribution of the last name Perrault

The surname Perrault is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Normandy and Picardy. These areas have historically been associated with the Viking invasions, where the name may have originated from Norse settlers or influence. The name also appears frequently in Quebec, Canada, reflecting the migration of French colonists during the 17th century. In addition to these countries, Perrault is found sparsely across other parts of North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, as a result of the diaspora from France. The distribution of the name Perrault shows strong historical ties to its French roots but also indicates significant migration and dispersal over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Perrault

The surname Perrault has several variations and spellings. These include Perault, Parolet, Paroulé, Perrot, Perrat, Perrault, Perraut, Perraud, Perraudt, and Perraudeau, among others. Each of these may have originated from different geographical locations or historical periods, reflecting the diversity in the way names were transcribed over time. It's essential to note that these variations might be more common in certain regions than others due to regional dialects and local customs. The original French name is derived from the word "perruque," meaning wig, likely given to someone who made or sold wigs, symbolizing a connection to the craft of wig-making.

Famous people with the last name Perrault

Charles Perrault and Marie-Catherine d'Aulnoy are among the most renowned figures bearing the surname Perrault in literature history. Charles Perrault (1628-1703) was a French author, who served as a member of the French Academy. He is best known for his collection of fairy tales, "Tales of Mother Goose," published in 1697. These stories include well-known classics such as "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," and "Puss in Boots." Marie-Catherine d'Aulnoy (1650-1705), on the other hand, was a French writer of fairy tales and memoirs. She is considered one of the founders of the genre, publishing her tales as part of "The Tales of the Genie" in 1698. Despite not being related by blood, Perrault and d'Aulnoy are often associated with each other due to their significant contributions to the fairy tale genre during the same time period.

Genealogical research on the last name Perrault

The surname Perrault is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "peraut," meaning "wild boar." It is most prevalent in Normandy and other regions of France. Early records show that the name was first documented in the late Middle Ages, with Jean Perrault appearing in a tax roll for Basse-Normandie in 1304. Throughout history, the family expanded across Europe, particularly during the Hundred Years' War when Normans followed Edward III of England to England. Descendants of this war migration were found in Scotland and Ireland from the late 13th century onwards. In the New World, the Perrault family was among the early French colonists who settled Acadia (present-day Nova Scotia) in the early 17th century. From there, branches of the Perrault family dispersed throughout North America during the 18th and 19th centuries.

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NomOrigine Team
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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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