Last Name Thouvenot

Learn more about the origin of the last name Thouvenot

The meaning and origin of the last name Thouvenot

The surname Thouvenot is of French origin, derived from the Old French "toeve" meaning "oak" and the suffix "-not", indicating a place or settlement associated with an oak tree. Over time, this name has evolved into several variations such as Touvillon, Taveau, and Tuvachet. The Thouvenot family originated primarily in the regions of Normandy and Picardy in northern France. As French families began to migrate in the Middle Ages and during the expansion of European empires, many bearing the surname Thouvenot established themselves across Europe and later, in North America. Today, the name remains predominantly French, although it is also found among the descendants of French colonists in Canada and Louisiana.

Geographical distribution of the last name Thouvenot

The last name Thouvenot is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Burgundy, Franche-Comté, and Alsace, where it originated from medieval times. A notable number of individuals bearing the surname can also be found in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization and subsequent immigration. Small populations of Thouvenot descendants are scattered across other parts of North America, Europe, and Australasia, reflecting the dispersal of French settlers over centuries. The distribution pattern suggests a strong correlation between the name and French ancestry or heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Thouvenot

The surname Thouvenot has several variants and spellings due to regional dialects, transliteration errors, and historical changes over time. Some common variations include Thévenot, Thévénot, Thuvenot, Thuevenot, Tevenot, Tevenott, Theveneaux, Tevenaux, Thévenaux, Thévenneau, and others. These variations stem from the French origin of the name, which is a toponymic surname derived from a place named Thouvent or similar in various regions of France. The name may have been brought to other parts of the world by French immigrants or colonizers, leading to further alterations due to local phonetic and orthographic influences.

Famous people with the last name Thouvenot

Notable individuals bearing the surname Thouvenot include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Thouvenot (1743-1826), a French botanist and mycologist known for his work on lichens, mosses, and other cryptogams.

2. Jean-Jacques Thouvenot (1759-1834), a Swiss painter who specialized in landscapes and historical scenes.

3. Émile Thouvenot (1806-1879), a French archaeologist and historian, best known for his work on the Gauls and Gallo-Roman civilization.

4. Jean Thouvenot (1895-1982), a French sculptor who was a member of the Ecole de Paris. His works are part of several museum collections including the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

5. Georges Thouvenot (1907-1998), a Swiss architect, urban planner, and professor at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. He was influential in modernizing post-WWII Switzerland through his designs for public housing and civic buildings.

Genealogical research on the last name Thouvenot

The Thouvenot surname is of French origin and is found primarily in the Burgundy region of France. It is derived from the Old French "thovin," meaning "wild boar." The earliest records show that Jean Thouvenot was baptized in Dijon, France in 1358, marking one of the first appearances of this surname. Over time, the family expanded and migrated to other parts of Europe and eventually to North America. In Canada, many Thouvenots settled in Quebec, particularly in the Trois-Rivieres region, where they contributed to the development of the fur trade industry. In the United States, Thouvenot families can be found primarily in Louisiana and Michigan, with some clusters also in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio. Notable individuals with the surname include Francois-Xavier Thouvenot, a fur trader who played a significant role in the early history of Canada, and John James Thouvenot, a U.S. Representative from Louisiana during the 19th century. Today, the Thouvenot family continues to be found across North America and Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Thouvenot"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 12 June 2025