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Last Name Thibert

What is the origin of the last name Thibert?

The surname Thibert is of French origin. It is derived from the Old German given name "Theobald", which means "people's bold" or "brave people". In Old French, it was spelled as Teobald or Teobold, and over time, the spelling evolved into the modern form of Thibert. The name became popular during the Middle Ages and spread throughout France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Thibert

The meaning and origin of the last name Thibert

The surname Thibert is of French origin, derived from the Old High German "Theudibald" or "Theobald," which means "People's Bold (or Brave) One." Over time, it was latinized and eventually evolved into the modern form we know today as Thibert. The name began to be used as a personal name during the Middle Ages, becoming popular among the nobility in France. It is believed that the first person to bear the name Thibert lived around the 10th or 11th century, though precise records are not available. In the subsequent centuries, families with the surname Thibert spread throughout France and its colonies, including Canada, where it remains relatively common today. The name is often associated with courage, bravery, and noble lineage, reflecting its original meaning and historical context.

Geographical distribution of the last name Thibert

The surname Thibert is predominantly French in origin and has a significant concentration within France, particularly in the historical region of Normandy. This region, known for its strategic importance due to its position in Northern France, has been a center of the name's distribution. The Thibert family can also be found in substantial numbers in Quebec, Canada, as many French settlers emigrated during the colonization period and have since maintained their ancestral names. Smaller populations of the Thibert family can be found in other parts of the world where French immigrants settled, such as Louisiana in the United States and various countries in Africa and South America due to French colonialism. The name is relatively rare outside these areas, suggesting a strong association with French and French-Canadian heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Thibert

The surname Thibert can have various spellings and dialectical variations. Some common spelling variants include Tibert, Teibert, Tiabert, Tyber, and Theibert. These differences may arise due to regional pronunciation, historical transcription errors, or personal preferences in orthography. Additionally, it is also possible to encounter Thibaud or Thibaut as given names, which are closely related to Thibert, especially in French-speaking regions where the name originates. The root of this surname is believed to derive from a Germanic male personal name "Theoderic" (meaning "people's ruler"), but it has been adapted and modified over time into the modern form of Thibert.

Famous people with the last name Thibert

Notable individuals sharing the surname Thibert include:

* Joseph-Armand Bombardier (1907-1964), an inventor and businessman who founded Bombardier Inc., a Canadian multinational corporation that specializes in transportation equipment such as aircraft, trains, and snowmobiles.
* Daniel Thibert (born 1958), a former professional ice hockey player who played for several National Hockey League (NHL) teams, including the Montreal Canadiens and the Los Angeles Kings. He won three Stanley Cup championships during his career.
* Marie-Josée Kravis (née Thibert; born 1940), a Canadian businesswoman and philanthropist who is the chairman of Saffra Family Capital Advisors, a family investment office. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
* Marc-André Thibert (born 1976), a Canadian writer and journalist who has written for several publications including La Presse, Le Devoir, and L'Actualité. He is also a professor at Université du Québec à Montréal.
* Jean Thibert (1842-1910), a French painter who was a member of the Barbizon School, a group of landscape painters associated with the village of Barbizon in France. His works are held in several museums including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Genealogical research on the last name Thibert

The surname Thibert is believed to have originated from the region of Normandy, France. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Theobald," composed of the elements "theud" (people) and "bald" (bold or brave). The first recorded spelling of the name was in the form of Theobaldus de Thibertis in the 12th-century Charteaux Cartulary.

Throughout the Middle Ages, several branches of the Thibert family emerged, some settling in England during the Norman Conquest and others establishing themselves in various regions of France. The family played significant roles in French history, with members serving as knights, nobles, and clergy during the medieval period.

During the 17th century, a considerable number of Thiberts emigrated from France to Quebec, Canada, following the colonization efforts led by Samuel de Champlain. Since then, the name has spread across North America, with notable bearers including Canadian politician Pierre-Paul Thibert and French actor Bernard Thibert. Today, the Thibert family can be found in various countries around the world, sharing a rich history that spans continents and centuries.

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 : 15 June 2025

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