Last Name Prevot

The surname Prevot is of French origin. It derives from the Old French word "prévôt," which means "provost" or "local magistrate." Over time, this occupation-based surname was adopted by various families across France, particularly in regions such as Normandy and Picardy. As with many European surnames, it was often taken as a patronymic, passed down from father to son. The Prevot family name is relatively common in France and French-speaking regions today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Prevot

The meaning and origin of the last name Prevot

The surname Prevot is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "prévôt," meaning "provost" or "governor." Originally, this term was used for officials who held administrative and judicial powers within a town or region during the Middle Ages. Over time, as these positions were hereditary, the name became a surname, passed down through generations. The Prevot family name can be found throughout France, particularly in regions like Normandy, Picardy, and Lorraine. Notable figures bearing this surname include Émile Prevost (1864–1944), a French philosopher and mathematician, and Jacques Prevost (1752-1796), a Swiss scientist and naturalist.

Geographical distribution of the last name Prevot

The surname Prevot is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in France and its overseas territories such as French Guiana, Réunion, and Martinique. A significant number of people with the Prevot surname can also be found in Canada, primarily in Quebec, due to historical French immigration. The name is less common but still present in Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. In addition, there are Prevot families scattered across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean, as a result of migration waves over centuries. It's worth noting that surnames can be difficult to trace due to factors such as spelling variations and assimilation into new cultures, which may affect the exact geographical distribution.

Variants and spellings of the last name Prevot

The surname Prevot can appear with various spellings and slight variations across different regions and time periods. Some common spelling variants include Prévôt, Prévoit, Prévost, Prévoyst, Prévaud, Prévaudeau, Prévat, Prévède, and Prevatt. These variations may result from phonetic differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or the use of diacritics. The name is derived from the Old French word "prévot" meaning a local magistrate, administrator, or leader. It was commonly used as an occupational surname for individuals who held such positions. The surname Prevot can also be found in different countries, most notably France, Canada, and Switzerland.

Famous people with the last name Prevot

Notable individuals with the surname Prevot include:

1. Jean-Louis Prevot (1764–1839), a French general who fought under Napoleon Bonaparte, reaching the rank of Marshal of France during the Napoleonic Wars.
2. Charles-Marie Prevot (1790–1852), another French military officer, known for his role in the Belgian Revolution and later as a military engineer.
3. Georges Prevost (1797–1861), a Canadian lawyer, businessman, and politician who served as the first Lieutenant Governor of Quebec from 1841 to 1845.
4. Pierre-Marie-Alexis Millot de Prevot (1822–1887), a French archaeologist who made significant contributions to the study of ancient Egypt, particularly in the area of papyrus discoveries.
5. Marcel Prevost (1906–1974), a Belgian film actor known for his work in French cinema during the 1930s and 1940s.
6. Marc-André Prevot (born 1981), a Canadian ice hockey player who has played professionally in Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, and the United States.
7. Élodie Prevost (born 1985), a French actress known for her roles in various television series, including "Plus belle la vie" and "Dix pour cent".

These individuals represent diverse fields of endeavor spanning the military, politics, archaeology, film, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Prevot

The surname Prevot has roots in French language and history, originating from the Old French term "prebote," meaning a farm attached to a church or monastery. The name was often given to individuals who lived near such institutions. The earliest known records of the Prevot family date back to the 12th century in regions like Normandy and Champagne, France. Some notable members include Jean Prevost, a French jurist during the reign of Louis XIV, and Pierre-Jean de Béranger, a famous French poet from the early 19th century. The Prevot family expanded to other countries as French colonization progressed, with significant populations found in Canada, particularly in Quebec. In modern times, variations of the name include Prevost, Prévost, Prévoit, and Previat. The Prevot family tree is vast, with many branches across Europe and North America, reflecting its long history and geographical dispersal.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Prevot"
• 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

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