The surname Quinot is of French origin. It is derived from a personal name, "Quinet", which is an old Occitan (a Romance language dialect group spoken in Southern France) and Gascon (a historic region in Southwestern France) variant of the Latin name Quintus. The name Quintus was originally a Roman praenomen, or given name, for one of five sons in a family, as opposed to the cognomina which were surnames used to distinguish one family member from another. Over time, the personal name Quinet evolved into various forms such as Quinot, Quinault, and others, which are still found among French-speaking populations today.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Quinot
The surname Quinot is of French origin, stemming from medieval times. It is derived from the Old French word "quinault," which means "small river" or "creek." Over time, this term evolved into the modern form "Quinot." As with many European surnames, it was originally a geographical name, used to identify an individual who lived near a small body of water. The Quinot family name can be found in various regions of France, particularly in Normandy and Picardy, but it is also present in other parts of the country. As French settlers migrated, the name spread throughout Europe and eventually to the Americas, where it remains common today.
Geographical distribution of the last name Quinot
The surname Quinot is primarily found in French-speaking regions, predominantly in France and neighboring countries such as Belgium and Switzerland, due to its etymological origins from these areas. In France, it is most prevalent in the northwestern region of Brittany and other regions like Normandy and Alsace. In Belgium, it is particularly common in Wallonia. The name's occurrence in other countries, including Canada, the United States, and Australia, is primarily attributed to French immigration waves during various historical periods.
Variants and spellings of the last name Quinot
The surname Quinot has various spellings and derivatives, primarily due to differences in transcription and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include: Quinet, Quignot, Quinnaut, Quenot, Quinoit, Kwinte, Quynet, Quenette, and Cquinot. These alterations may stem from phonetic adaptations or errors during record-keeping, migration, or assimilation into different cultures. It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a name can often be subjective and dependent on personal preference or historical context. The original etymology of the name Quinot is uncertain; however, it is believed to have French origins, potentially deriving from a place-name or an occupational title.
Famous people with the last name Quinot
Notable individuals bearing the last name Quinot include:
1. Michel Quinot (born 1946), a French politician who served as the Mayor of Ribeauvillé from 1983 to 2014 and was elected Senator of Bas-Rhin in 2008.
2. Frédéric-Auguste Quinot (1814–1897), a French sculptor known for his neoclassical works, such as "The Triumph of the Human Spirit" and "The Resurrection."
3. Jean Baptiste Quinot (1765–1827), a French naval officer who served during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. He was captain of the corvette La Favorite, which captured HMS Speedy in 1794.
4. Jacques-Henri Quinot (1764–1850), a French physician, botanist, and chemist who was one of the first to describe the medicinal properties of quinine, derived from the cinchona bark, for treating malaria.
Genealogical research on the last name Quinot
The surname Quinot originates from France and is primarily found in the region of Normandy. It is an occupational name for a "cunning man" or healer, derived from the Old French term 'quinault' meaning "healer." This profession was highly respected in medieval society as these individuals were often considered to have mystical or magical powers. The name may also have been a nickname for someone with quick wit or intelligence. Notable figures with this surname include Jean Quinot, a French sculptor and painter active during the late Baroque period, and Marcel Quinot, a French resistance fighter during World War II. The family is believed to have migrated from France to Quebec, Canada in the 17th century and later to Louisiana, USA. Genealogical research suggests that branches of the Quinot family are still present in France, Canada, and the United States today.
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