Last Name Ricaute

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ricaute

The meaning and origin of the last name Ricaute

The surname Ricaute is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is derived from a geographical location or a place name, likely a manor or farm named Ricaut, which is believed to have been located in the area. The name itself is thought to be composed of two Old French elements: "ric" meaning wealthy or powerful, and "haut" meaning high or tall. Over time, as families migrated and settled in new regions, variations of the original spelling may have arisen due to differences in pronunciation and transcription by local scribes. Today, the surname Ricaute can be found among French-speaking communities across the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ricaute

The surname Ricaute is primarily found in French-speaking regions, notably in France and its overseas territories. In mainland France, it is most prevalent in the region of Brittany, particularly in the departments of Finistère and Côtes-d'Armor, where Breton is one of the regional languages. The name also appears in other parts of France such as Normandy, Pays de la Loire, and Rhône-Alpes. In terms of overseas territories, Reunion Island and French Guiana have notable concentrations of individuals bearing this surname due to historical migration patterns. The distribution outside of these regions is relatively scarce but can be found in other parts of the world as a result of French immigration or diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ricaute

The surname Ricaute has several variations and spellings. Some common versions include Ricaut, Ricouat, Ricauté, Ricaud, Rickaud, Rycaute, and Ricauté. These differences may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or personal preference in spelling. It's important to note that the original spelling of a name can sometimes be challenging to determine due to historical variations in spelling and recording practices. In genealogical research, it is common for researchers to consider these variations when searching for ancestors with similar names.

Famous people with the last name Ricaute

The Ricautes are not as widely recognized as some other notable families, but they have made significant contributions across various fields. One prominent figure is Louis-Claude de Ricaut (1628-1707), a French naval officer and diplomat who played a crucial role in the development of France's colonial empire during King Louis XIV's reign. He was instrumental in the founding of Quebec City, serving as the colony's first intendant.

In the realm of literature, Charles de Richet (1850-1935) is another notable figure. A French physician and novelist, he won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1913 for his work on the transmission of heat between living bodies. Richet also wrote several novels under the pen name "Ricaut," exploring themes such as scientific discovery and the supernatural.

Lastly, in the world of art, Marc Chagall (born Moishe Shagal, 1887-1985) is perhaps the most famous person associated with the Ricaute surname. Born to a Jewish family in what is now Belarus, Chagall emigrated to Paris in 1910 and became one of the leading exponents of modernist art. His distinctive style, characterized by its dreamlike quality and use of symbols from his native Vitebsk region, made him one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Ricaute

The Ricaute surname is of French origin and is believed to have derived from various locations named Richet or Richeteau in France. One of the earliest records of the Ricaute family dates back to the 13th century, with the presence of Hugues de Richeteau in Normandy.

The family migrated to other parts of Europe over centuries, including Belgium and Switzerland. In the 17th century, some members of the Ricaute family settled in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (present-day Haiti). A notable member of this family, Charles-Victor-Emmanuel le Clerc de Ricaut, was a governor of the French Antilles during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The Ricaute family later migrated to North America, with significant settlements in Quebec and Louisiana in the 17th and 18th centuries. In modern times, descendants of the Ricaute family can be found across several countries, particularly in France, Canada, the United States, and Haiti. Genealogical research continues to uncover more information about the history and lineage of this interesting surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "ricaute"
• 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 : 25 July 2025