Last Name Roubaud

The surname Roubaud has French origins and is derived from a given name Robert, which itself is of Germanic origin. The name Robert is composed of the Germanic elements "hrop" meaning "bright" or "famous," and "bert," a short form of Bertho or Beraht, both meaning "bright, famous, or glorious." Over time, the name evolved into various forms in different regions. The surname Roubaud is a diminutive form of Robert, likely originating from a pet form of the given name, such as Robaut, Robaud, or Roubaud. It can be found mainly in France and its diaspora.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Roubaud

The meaning and origin of the last name Roubaud

The surname Roubaud is of French origin, deriving from Old French "Robe Baud," translating to "Red Robe" or "Bald-Head." It was often used as a nickname for someone who wore a red robe or had baldness distinguished on their head. Over time, this nickname became hereditary and spread across regions in France. The name Roubaud is relatively uncommon but can be found among French families in various parts of the country, particularly in Normandy and Brittany. Its distribution also extends to other French-speaking territories such as Quebec (Canada) and Louisiana (United States), due to French colonization and migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Roubaud

The surname Roubaud is primarily distributed across France, particularly in the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Occitanie where it originated. It also has significant presence in the overseas departments of French Guiana and Martinique. Beyond France, Roubaud can be found in countries with a historical connection to France, such as Belgium, Switzerland, Canada (Quebec), and the United States (Louisiana). There are also instances of this surname in other parts of the world where French immigrants settled, including North Africa and South America. Notably, Roubaud is one of the most common surnames in Haiti due to the large number of Haitian emigrants from France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Roubaud

The surname Roubaud has several variations and spellings. These include Roubaude, Roubaude, Roubadou, Roubaudo, Roubaut, Roubeaud, and Roubauds. Additionally, there might be slight differences in spelling due to regional dialects or transcription errors over time. For example, the French-Canadian variant may show more influence from Quebec's traditional phonetic rules, leading to spellings like Roubaudeau or Roubeaudet. It is essential to consider these variations when researching genealogy or ancestry with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Roubaud

Notable individuals with the surname Roubaud include: 1. Jean-Pierre Roux (born Roubaud) - A French philosopher and mathematician, best known for his work on the foundations of mathematics and logic. 2. Michel Roux Jr. - A British chef, restaurateur, and television personality. He is a two-Michelin-starred chef, who co-founded the famed Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire. 3. Jeanne Roubaud Vachon - An American actress who has appeared in films such as "The Incredible Melting Man," "Solarbabies," and "Cherry 2000." 4. Yvette Roubaud-Garabedian - An American art historian, writer, curator, and educator who specializes in modern and contemporary art with a focus on women artists. 5. Louis-Philippe Roubaud - A French footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like RC Strasbourg, Olympique de Marseille, and the France national team. He was part of the 1982 FIFA World Cup-winning squad. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields across philosophy, culinary arts, acting, academia, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Roubaud

The surname Roubaud originates from France, specifically the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, where it is a common name. The name has medieval origins and is derived from the Old French "roubeau," meaning "round" or "plump." It is believed that the Roubaud family may have been associated with physical strength or robustness in earlier times. The first recorded spelling of the surname Roubaud appears in the 12th-century charters from the county of Venaissin, near Avignon. Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to differences in transcription and pronunciation, such as Rousseau, Roque, and Rousselet. Throughout French history, individuals with the Roubaud surname made significant contributions to their respective fields. For instance, Jean Roubaud was a prominent 17th-century artist who painted landscapes of Provence, while François Roubaud was a well-known engraver and medallist in the 19th century. The Roubaud family also played an essential role in French political history during the French Revolution. Jacques Pierre Roubaud was a deputy for the Ain department, and his grandson, Louis Roubaud, served as the prefect of several departments throughout France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Roubaud"
• 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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