Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Serreau

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Serreau?

The surname Serreau is of French origin. It is derived from a place name meaning "small enclosed field" or "small walled garden." This could have been either a nickname for someone who lived near such a field or garden, or it could have been a topographic name for someone who resided by a small field or garden. The spelling variations of this surname include Serrau, Serrat, and others, reflecting regional dialects in France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Serreau

The meaning and origin of the last name Serreau

The surname Serreau is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "serrau," which means "saw" or "axe." It was originally an occupational name for someone who worked as a sawyer or axeman, such as in a forest or mill. The use of tools like saws and axes were essential for various tasks, including woodworking, construction, and agriculture, thus making the name quite common among craftsmen and laborers during the Middle Ages. As with many surnames, over time, individuals bearing the Serreau name migrated to different regions, resulting in variations of its spelling and pronunciation, such as Serré, Serrat, or Serra. The name remains popular today in France and French-speaking communities around the world, reflecting its long and rich history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Serreau

The surname Serreau has its highest concentration in France, predominantly in the western regions such as Brittany, Normandy, and Pays de la Loire. It is also found in significant numbers in eastern France, particularly in Franche-Comté and Alsace. Beyond France, there are pockets of Serreaus in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, specifically Quebec. In addition, the diaspora has dispersed this surname to various parts of the world where French immigrants have settled, notably North America (United States and Canada), South America, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Serreau

The surname Serreau has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in spelling conventions and phonetic translations across regions and time periods. Some of these variants include Serrault, Serraud, Serrault, and Serrau. These variations may arise from a combination of factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional alteration to suit personal preference or conform to local norms. It is also important to note that the name may have different origins depending on the family history; it could be of French origin, derived from the word "serre," meaning "grip" or "vise," or it could originate from a place name in France. Regardless of the specific variant, all these surnames share a common ancestral root and can be traced back to families of French descent.

Famous people with the last name Serreau

Notable individuals bearing the surname Serreau include:

1. Michel Serreau (1927-2019), a French archaeologist and prehistorian, known for his research on the origins of agriculture in Europe.
2. Édouard Serreau (1863-1942), a French composer and music teacher who contributed to the development of modern harmony.
3. Jacques Serreau (born 1930), a French surgeon, pioneer in the field of gastric bypass surgery for obesity, and founder of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders.
4. Martine Serreau (born 1962), a French actress, best known for her role as Violette Nozière in the film Ma Fille est une Putain (My Daughter Is a Prostitute) directed by Claude Chabrol.
5. Thierry Serruau (born 1963), a French politician and former member of the European Parliament, representing the Socialist Party.
6. Antoine de Serres (1586-1648), a French inventor who developed the first practical hot-air balloon.
7. Jean-Charles Serreau (born 1972), a French racing driver and businessman, competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the GRAF Racing Team.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including archaeology, music, medicine, acting, politics, and invention.

Genealogical research on the last name Serreau

The surname Serreau is primarily found in France and has various origins, stemming from two different roots: "serrature" meaning locksmith, or "sere" meaning "birch" or "oak grove". One early record shows the name being spelled as Serratum de la Tour in 1275 in the region of Normandy. The name was also found in Brittany and Languedoc in medieval records, indicating a possible migration of families during this time. The Serreau family played significant roles in various regions of France, with notable contributions in agriculture, trade, and local government throughout the centuries. Notable figures include Pierre Serreau, a jurist from Poitou during the 16th century, and Jean-Baptiste Serreau, a military officer who served under Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century. The surname continues to be prevalent today, with descendants scattered around the world due to French colonization and migration.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Seraaj

Last name • surnames > seraaj

The surname "Seraaj" is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic word "siraaj" which means "lamp" or "light". It is a common surname in Arabic-speaking countries and is typically ...

#2 Seraciod

Last name • surnames > seraciod

The last name Seraciod appears to have Spanish origins. It is likely of toponymic origin, meaning it may be derived from a place name or geographical feature. However, without furt...

#3 Serado

Last name • surnames > serado

The last name "Serado" is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from the word "cerrado," which means "closed" or "shut," and likely originated as a topographic or occupational surnam...

#4 Serafica

Last name • surnames > serafica

The surname Serafica is of Italian origin. This surname is derived from the Italian word "serafico," which means "angelic" or "seraphic." The name could have originated as a nickna...

#5 Serafin

Last name • surnames > serafin

The surname Serafin is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name Serafino, which is a variation of the Greek name Seraphim, meaning "burning ones" or "fiery ones". This ...

#6 Serafines

Last name • surnames > serafines

The surname "Serafines" has Spanish origins. It is derived from the word "serafín," which means "seraph" in English. The word "seraph" refers to a type of celestial being in Chris...

#7 Serafini

Last name • surnames > serafini

The surname Serafini is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name Serafino, which ultimately comes from the Latin word "seraphim," meaning "fiery ones" or "burning ones,...

#8 Serag al din

Last name • surnames > serag-al-din

The surname Serag al Din is of Arabic origin. It is a combination of the words "Serag" meaning lamp or lantern and "al Din" meaning of the faith or religion. This surname likely or...

#9 Serahi

Last name • surnames > serahi

The surname Serahi is believed to have originated from various regions, with different possible origins depending on specific geographical locations. 1. In Turkey, the name could ...

#10 Serai

Last name • surnames > serai

The last name "Serai" is of Arabic origin, derived from the word "siray" which means "palace" or "mansion."

#11 Seraidi

Last name • surnames > seraidi

The last name Seraidi is of Algerian origin. It is believed to be derived from a Berber word or root, but the exact meaning or origin is not widely documented. It is also possible ...

#12 Seraj

Last name • surnames > seraj

The surname Seraj is of Persian origin, coming from the Persian word "siraj" (سراج), meaning "lamp" or "light". It is a common surname in Iran and may also be found in other co...

#13 Serajim

Last name • surnames > serajim

The surname Serajim is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "siraj," which means "lamp" or "light." This surname may have been given to someone who worked as a lamp...

#14 Serajol islam

Last name • surnames > serajol-islam

The last name Serajol Islam originates from the Arabic word "seraj", meaning lamp or light, and the word "Islam", referring to the religion of Islam. It is a common last name among...

#15 Serancad

Last name • surnames > serancad

The last name Serancad is of French origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word "serenc", which means serene or calm. The suffix "-ad" is a common suffix used in ...