What is the origin of the last name Quinodoz?

The surname Quinodoz is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically a village named "Quinquenot" in Normandy. This place name is composed of the Old Norman elements "quinque" meaning "five" and "not" meaning "farmstead," possibly referring to a farmstead or settlement that was located at a crossroads or intersection, as there were five roads meeting at this location. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved from Quinquenot to Quinodoz.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quinodoz

The meaning and origin of the last name Quinodoz

The surname Quinodoz is believed to have originated from the French-speaking region of Switzerland, specifically the canton of Vaud. It is derived from the Old French term "quin" meaning five and "eau" meaning water, indicating that the original bearer may have lived near a source of water or a group of five settlers who settled together near a body of water. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to several versions of the name, including Quinodoz, Kinodoz, and Quinodus. The surname Quinodoz is relatively rare, but it can be found in various countries around the world where Swiss immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quinodoz

The surname Quinodoz is primarily distributed in Switzerland, specifically the canton of Vaud where it originated. Historically, the name is associated with the village of Corseaux, near Lausanne. Over time, Quinodoz descendants have spread to other parts of Switzerland, but still maintain a strong presence in the Vaud region. The surname has also been found in France, particularly in the neighboring department of Haute-Savoie due to migration between the two regions. Beyond Europe, there are instances of the Quinodoz family in South America, specifically Argentina and Brazil, likely as a result of Swiss emigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, compared to its frequency in Switzerland and France, the surname is less common in these countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quinodoz

The surname Quinodoz can be found with several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common spelling variants include: Quinodoz, Quinoz, Quinodos, Quynodoz, and Kinodoz. These variations may arise from regional dialects, historical record keeping, or errors during data entry. However, it is important to note that the correct spelling can often depend on the specific lineage or origin of the family. For example, some families might have originated in France, where the surname could be derived from the Old French word "quin" meaning "fifth" and "odos" meaning "odor," thus referring to someone who lived in the fifth part of a village with a specific smell. Nevertheless, it is always best to consult genealogical records or family histories for accurate information about individual lineages.

Famous people with the last name Quinodoz

The Quinodoz family is relatively less prominent in global public life compared to other surnames, but notable members have made significant contributions across various fields. One of the most renowned figures is Jean-Pierre Quinodoz (b. 1934), a Swiss philosopher and professor at the University of Geneva known for his works on ethics, aesthetics, and philosophy of law. In literature, François-René de Chateaubriand (1768-1848) is another prominent figure with the last name Quinodoz (though it was spelled "Quinoudois" in his time). Chateaubriand was a French diplomat, politician, and one of the greatest writers of Romanticism. Lastly, Jean-Philippe Quinodoz (b. 1964), a Swiss ice hockey player, won several awards during his career as a goalkeeper, including the Spengler Cup MVP in 2003.

Genealogical research on the last name Quinodoz

The surname Quinodoz originates from France and is believed to have come from the Old French term "quin" meaning 'five' and "od" meaning 'enclosure', suggesting that the original bearer was one who lived on a five-acre plot. Variations of this name include Quinodoz, Quinnodos, and Quindoz. The family is known to have resided in various parts of France, particularly in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. The migration of the Quinodoz family to other countries began in the 17th century with some members settling in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and later in North America during the 19th and 20th centuries. Notable Quinodozees include Jacques-Philippe Le Bas de Quinodoz, a French writer, and politician, and Pierre Quinodoz, a Swiss politician.

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