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Last Name Thibault

What is the origin of the last name Thibault?

The surname Thibault has French origins and is derived from a given name of Germanic origin. It is composed of two elements: "Theod-" meaning "God" and "-bold" meaning "brave." The name was popularized by the Normans during the Middle Ages and became more common in France, where it evolved into its current form over time. Thibault has been borne by several significant figures throughout history, such as Thibaut IV of Champagne (1201-1253), a medieval French king, and Thibaut de Montmorency (1493-1567), a prominent French military leader.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Thibault

The meaning and origin of the last name Thibault

The surname Thibault originates from France and is derived from the Old German name "Theobald," which means "people's brave or servant of God." The name was brought to Europe by the Normans during the conquest of England in 1066, where it evolved into various forms such as Teobald, Theobaldus, and Thibaut in different regions. In France, the spelling became Thibault, which is the most common form today. It has also been anglicized to Theobald or Tibbals in English-speaking countries. The name Thibault remains popular in France and among French descendants around the world, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Thibault

The surname Thibault has a significant presence predominantly in French-speaking regions and countries with historical connections to France. It is most common in France, particularly in the region of Picardy, Normandy, and eastern France. Outside of France, Thibault is prevalent among descendants of French immigrants in Quebec, Canada, and Louisiana, United States. The name also appears in Belgium, Switzerland, and countries with large populations of French speakers, such as Haiti and some African countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal. In addition to these areas, Thibault can be found sparsely in other parts of the world due to historical migration patterns, though its frequency varies significantly compared to its strongholds in France and Quebec.

Variants and spellings of the last name Thibault

The last name Thibault has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some common versions include:

1. Thibalt
2. Thibolet
3. Tihbaut
4. Teibolt
5. Teibaud
6. Theobald (a variant with a different etymology, originating from the Old High German "Theobaldus")

The name Thibault is of French origin and derived from the Old High German personal name "Diotbald," which means "people's ruler" or "peoples' bold." It is most commonly found in France but has also been distributed to other parts of the world due to migration and assimilation. The spelling may vary slightly depending on regional dialects, family traditions, or errors in documentation over time.

Famous people with the last name Thibault

Notable individuals with the surname Thibault include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume Thibault (1798-1871), a renowned French violin maker, known for his high-quality instruments and significant influence on violin craftsmanship during the 19th century.
2. Alphonse Thibaud (1856-1908), a French violinist and composer, who is recognized for his contributions to violin pedagogy, authoring several influential books on the subject.
3. Pierre Thibault (born 1934), a Canadian mathematician, known for his work in algebraic topology and homotopy theory. He was awarded the Fields Medal in 1966.
4. Sylvie Thibaud-Nissen (born 1962), a French-Belgian astronomer, recognized for her work on variable stars and cataclysmic variables. She is a fellow of the International Astronomical Union.
5. Thomas Thibault (1870-1943), an American botanist who specialized in tropical plants, especially orchids. He was the curator of the New York Botanical Garden's Orchidarium from 1926 until his death.

Genealogical research on the last name Thibault

The Thibault surname originates from France and is derived from the Old French given name Theobald, which means "people's bold" or "brave people." The name was brought to England by the Normans following the Conquest in 1066 and eventually spread to other countries. In France, the name is primarily found in regions such as Brittany, Normandy, and Languedoc-Roussillon.

In English-speaking countries, the Thibault surname is relatively uncommon but can be found across various parts of North America, particularly in Canada and the United States. Some notable individuals bearing this name include French author Jean-Baptiste Thibault de Chanvalon (1763-1834), Canadian politician Charles Thibault (1850-1925), and American professional wrestler "Mad Dog" Vachon, whose real name was Maurice Thibault.

The Thibault family motto is "Fortiter et Recte," which translates to "Bravely and Rightly." This motto reflects the surname's historical association with bravery and integrity. Genealogical research on the Thibault family can be traced through various online resources, church records, and census data in France, Canada, and the United States.

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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 : 28 July 2025

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