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Last Name Thibout

What is the origin of the last name Thibout?

Thibout is a surname of French origin. It is derived from various given names that were popular in France during the Middle Ages, such as Theobald and Thomas. These names themselves have Germanic roots, with Theobald composed of the elements "theod" (god) and "bold" (brave), and Thomas coming from the Aramaic name THOMA (twin). Over time, these names were Latinized, leading to various spelling variations in different regions. In France, Thibout is often found in Normandy and Brittany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Thibout

The meaning and origin of the last name Thibout

The surname Thibout is of French origin, derived from the given name Théobald or Teobaldo, which means "people's bold or brave one." It is an occupational name for a blacksmith, derived from the Old German name Dietbold, composed of the elements "diot" (people) and "bald" (brave). The name was brought to France by the Normans in the 11th century and later became popularized as a surname. Variations of Thibout include Teibout, Tebout, Tebeau, Tibault, and Deboit.

Geographical distribution of the last name Thibout

The surname Thibout is primarily found in French-speaking regions, particularly Belgium and France, where it originated. It's a variant of the more common French surname Thibault, which comes from the Old High German personal name "Theudebald" or "Theobald," meaning "people's bold." Over time, variations in spelling due to phonetic changes and regional dialects led to the emergence of Thibout as a distinct surname. While it is less common outside of France and Belgium, small populations bearing this name can also be found in other French-speaking countries such as Switzerland, Canada, and some parts of Africa like Haiti and French West Africa due to migration and colonization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Thibout

The surname Thibout can be found with various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and regional dialects over time. Some of these variations include Thibodeau, Thibeault, Thibaud, Thibodeaux, Thibaudet, Thibode, Thibaudeau, Thibo, Thibaults, Thibaut, and Thiboat. These variations are primarily found in French-speaking regions or among descendants of French immigrants, reflecting the name's origins in the old French language. The base form of the name is derived from the medieval personal name Theodulf, a compound of the elements theud meaning "people" and wulf meaning "wolf."

Famous people with the last name Thibout

Notable individuals with the surname Thibault include:

1. Jean-Louis Thibault (born 1948), a French writer and essayist who has published numerous works on literature, philosophy, and religion. His best-known books include "Le Dernier Mot" and "La Gloire de Dieu."
2. Pierre Thibault (1905-1992), a Canadian chemist who made significant contributions to the field of polymer science. He was awarded the prestigious Wolf Prize in Chemistry in 1984 for his work on the chemistry of natural rubber.
3. David Thibault (born 1967), an American actor known for his roles in television series such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "CSI: Miami." He has also appeared in films like "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" and "The Thirteenth Warrior."
4. Gilles Thibault (born 1964), a Canadian ice hockey coach who currently serves as the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Prior to joining the Red Wings, he coached various teams in the American Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
5. Alex Thibault (born 1986), a Canadian ice hockey player who played professionally for several teams, including the Detroit Red Wings and the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL. He won two Stanley Cups with the Red Wings in 2008 and 2009.

Genealogical research on the last name Thibout

The surname Thibout, also spelled Thibeault and Thibeau, is of French origin. It derives from the Old French personal name "Thibaut," which means "brave people" or "people's leader." This name was popular in the Middle Ages, primarily among the nobility, and was borne by several prominent figures, including Thibaut III, Count of Champagne (1143-1201) and Thibaut IV, Count of Champagne (1201-1253). The name spread across France and its colonies, with significant populations in Quebec, Canada, due to French settlement. In the United States, it is most common in Louisiana, where many French settlers migrated. Variations of the surname include Thibeault, Thibodeaux, Thibodaux, Thibodeau, Theobald, and Teal.

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 : 29 July 2025

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