Last Name Rouault

The last name Rouault is of French origin. It derives from the Old French word "Rolaus" or "Rogier," which means "famous spear" or "strong ruler." This surname was originally a given name and gradually became a hereditary name in France. During the Middle Ages, many people adopted occupational names, regional names, or names derived from their fathers' names as part of the process of record-keeping. The spelling variations of this surname include Roualt, Rouel, and Rouault.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rouault

The meaning and origin of the last name Rouault

The surname Rouault is of French origin, derived from the Old French name "Robert" or its diminutive form "Robertin," which in turn comes from the Germanic name "Hrod-beraht," meaning "bright fame." The surname evolved through various spellings over time due to factors such as regional dialects and scribal errors, with Rouault being one of these variations. This surname was typically found in Northern France, particularly in Normandy and Picardy, where it was first recorded in the 12th century. The name spread across Europe during the Middle Ages due to the Crusades, colonial expansion, and other historical events. Over time, the Rouault family established themselves in various regions of France and later immigrated to other countries, including America, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where they continue to be found today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rouault

The surname Rouault is predominantly distributed across France, specifically in the regions of Picardy, Normandy, and Brittany. Its highest concentration is found in the department of Seine-Maritime, particularly in the city of Le Havre. Outside France, a significant number of people bearing the name Rouault reside in Canada, primarily in Quebec due to French immigration during the 17th century. Smaller communities can be found in the United States, particularly in Louisiana, where French settlers established themselves after being expelled from Acadia in the 18th century. Additionally, there are smaller populations in countries like Belgium and Switzerland, reflecting historical French influence.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rouault

The surname Rouault has several variants and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation from regional dialects, cultural influences, or errors in documentation over time. Common spelling variations include Roal, Roalt, Rualt, Ruault, Rouleau, Rowell, Roulant, Rollo, Roll, and Rawlins. These variations can stem from differences in the pronunciation of the name in different regions, as well as changes in spelling due to historical influences such as language shifts, immigration, or assimilation. It's important to note that these spelling variations do not necessarily indicate a different etymology or origin for the surname; they simply reflect the diversity and complexity of naming practices throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Rouault

George Rouault (1871-1958) and André Roualt (1894-1986), both French artists, were prominent figures within their respective fields. George, also known as Georges Rouault, was an influential painter and printmaker, best known for his series of religious works such as The Miserere cycle and The Human Christ. His unique style, characterized by thick outlines and bold colors, earned him a significant place in the history of modern art. On the other hand, André Roualt was a renowned sculptor whose career spanned over six decades. His most famous work, La Marseillaise, a monumental bronze statue commemorating the French Revolution, stands at Place de la Bastille in Paris. Known for his realistic and dramatic style, Roualt's works often depicted historical events or figures, making him a significant contributor to the history of French sculpture.

Genealogical research on the last name Rouault

The surname Rouault is of French origin, derived from the given name Raul, which is an old Germanic name with various spellings including Rotheralt, Rotholtz, Raulin, and Rothelt. The first recorded instance of the Roualt family in France dates back to the 14th century. The family resided primarily in Normandy and Brittany before dispersing throughout France during the French Revolution. The Rouaults immigrated to North America in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, with many settling in Acadia (now Nova Scotia, Canada) and Louisiana, USA. Notable descendants include Pierre Roualt, a hero of the French Resistance during World War II, and James L. Rouault, an American businessman who served as the CEO of the Texas Instruments corporation.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rouault"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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