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Last Name Thebault

What is the origin of the last name Thebault?

The surname Thebault is of French origin. It derives from the Old French "Thibaut," which means "bold warrior" or "people of Thibeaux." Thibeaux was a place name in medieval France, particularly in regions like Champagne and Lorraine. Over time, as people migrated and settled in different places, variations of this surname emerged, such as Thibault, DeThibault, Teobald, Theobald, etc.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Thebault

The meaning and origin of the last name Thebault

The surname Thebault is of French origin, derived from the Old Gallo-Roman given name "Theobald" or "Thibaut", which means "people's bold or brave". The name was borne by various early medieval figures such as Saint Theobald, Bishop of Provins, and Theobald II, Count of Blois, Chartres, and Champagne. The surname Thebault is a variation of the original name, possibly stemming from regional dialects or scribal errors over time. It is most prevalent in France, where it signifies an individual of noble or valiant lineage. The name, like many others, was brought to other parts of Europe during waves of migration and colonization. In modern times, the surname Thebault can be found across various countries worldwide, particularly those with a historical connection to France or French settlers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Thebault

The surname Thebault is primarily distributed across France, where it originates from the historical region of Burgundy. A significant number of Thebault descendants can be found in Paris and its surrounding areas due to population migration over the centuries. Additionally, it has a presence in other French-speaking regions such as Alsace, Lorraine, and Franche-Comté. Outside France, the distribution of this surname is relatively sparse but can be traced in Canada, particularly Quebec due to French colonization, as well as in Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States where it is mainly concentrated in Louisiana, likely due to early French settlers who arrived there.

Variants and spellings of the last name Thebault

The surname Thebault has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include Thibaut, Teobald, Tebalde, Thiebauld, and Tibalt. These variations stem from the French origin of the name, where it is derived from "Thibaud," a medieval personal name composed of the Germanic elements "Theud-" (people or tribe) and "bold" (brave or bold). Thebault can also be found in other European countries such as Belgium, where it may be spelled Thevalt, Thiebaut, or De Valte. In English translations, it is often Anglicized to Theobald or Teebald. Additionally, over time, spelling errors and dialectal differences have led to various alternate forms of the name, including Thebalt, Tebault, and many others.

Famous people with the last name Thebault

Notable individuals bearing the surname Thebault include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Théodule Thebault (1820-1903), a French explorer who made significant contributions to the mapping and naming of regions in North America, particularly in Texas.
2. Maurice Thebault (1876-1945), a French composer, conductor, and violinist known for his works for orchestra and chamber ensembles. His most famous work is the oratorio "La Croix de Christ."
3. Jean-Baptiste Thebault (born 1987), a Canadian professional ice hockey player who currently plays for HC Dinamo Minsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He previously played for teams such as the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL).
4. Frédéric Thebault (born 1962), a French mathematician known for his work in analysis, particularly in the study of Banach spaces and functional analysis. He is a professor at the University of Caen Normandy and a member of several academic societies.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including exploration, music, sports, and mathematics.

Genealogical research on the last name Thebault

The Thebault surname is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "tebaule" which means "the balcony." This name is primarily found in Normandy and Picardy regions of France. One of the earliest recorded bearers of this name was Enguerrand Tebaut, who lived in the 13th century in Normandy. The family migrated to other parts of France and later spread across Europe during the Middle Ages. In Canada, the name can be traced back to Pierre Thebault, who settled in Quebec in 1642. Variations of the surname include Teboul, Tebeau, Tebeaux, and Teobald. Notable individuals with this surname include Antoine-Adolphe Téobald, a French archaeologist and historian, and Pierre Thebault, a Canadian artist known for his landscapes. Today, the Thebault family can be found in various parts of the world, including France, Canada, the United States, and Australia.

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 : 12 June 2025

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