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Last Name Ripart

What is the origin of the last name Ripart?

The surname Ripart is believed to be of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "reparte" which means "companion," "comrade," or "soldier." Over time, it may have been spelled in various ways, including Ripart, Repart, and Reparte, reflecting the regional dialects of France. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved during a period of history called la grande émigration (the great migration), where people moved from rural areas into towns and cities, often adopting occupational or geographical names as their surname. As with many surnames, the exact origin may vary between families and more specific research would be necessary to confirm the exact lineage of a particular Ripart family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ripart

The meaning and origin of the last name Ripart

The surname Ripart is of Italian origin, derived from various place names that mean "on the other side" or "across the river." In Italian, "rio" means river and "parti" means divided or separated. The name may have been given to individuals who lived near a river's divide or crossing, or it could have been a topographic surname for someone living on the opposite bank of a river. The Ripart family is believed to have originated from various regions in Italy, with some branches tracing their roots back to the city of Genoa and other areas along the Po River. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved due to migration and assimilation, resulting in variations such as Riparti, Reppart, Reparto, and Ripardo.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ripart

The surname Ripart is predominantly found in France, with a significant concentration in the southwestern region, particularly in the departments of Gironde and Dordogne. It is also common in the Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne regions. Beyond France, variations of the name such as Riparti or Riparto can be found in Italy, particularly in the northern regions of Piedmont and Liguria. In North America, the surname Ripart is sparsely represented but primarily concentrated in the United States, with pockets of occurrence in states like California, Texas, and Florida. It's also worth noting that migrants from France may have carried the name to other parts of the world, such as Canada, Australia, and South America, but these instances are relatively rare.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ripart

The surname Ripart has several variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common variations include Riparti, Riparto, Reparti, Reparto, Riperto, Rippardi, Ripardi, and Ripartee. These variations may have originated due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors during migrations or naturalization processes, or changes in spelling conventions over time. It's essential to note that these variations can make genealogical research challenging, but methods such as comparing historical records, using online resources, and consulting experts can help trace family history more accurately.

Famous people with the last name Ripart

Notable individuals with the surname Ripart include:

1. Jean-Marie Rivière (1923-1974), a French serial killer also known as "The Vampire of Dole," who was convicted for the murder of nine women and a child between 1964 and 1974.

2. Jacques Ripart (born 1950), a Belgian philosopher, essayist, and academic who is Professor Emeritus at the University of Lille in France, specializing in ethics and political philosophy.

3. François Rippert (1854-1926), a French architect known for his designs of several Parisian department stores, including Le Bon Marché and La Samaritaine.

4. Vincent Ripart (born 1975), a French former professional footballer who played as a defender for several clubs in France and Belgium throughout his career.

5. Luc Ripart (born 1963), a Belgian economist, academic, and politician who has served as the Governor of the National Bank of Belgium since 2017.

Genealogical research on the last name Ripart

The surname Ripart originates from France and is believed to have derived from various locations named "Ripart" or "Rippeart," found in regions such as Normandy and Brittany. One of the earliest records of the name dates back to the 13th century, with Adam de Riparte appearing in documents from the Norman abbey of Bec-Hellouin in 1206. The name is also associated with the region of Flanders, as evidenced by a Jean Ripart who was listed as a witness to a charter granted by William, Lord of Conches, in 1253. In modern times, the Ripart family has been found in various French provinces, including Burgundy and Languedoc-Roussillon, before emigrating to other countries such as Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and the United States. Notable individuals with the surname include Jean-Baptiste Ripart (1822-1912), a French painter and engraver, and Michel Ripart (born 1965), a Swiss politician.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 30 July 2025

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