Surname Gautier - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
How iGENEA DNA Test Transformed My Understanding of the Gautier Legacy and Personal Identity
As an individual, my iGENEA DNA test unveiled a profound truth- my personal identity and heritage do not exist in vacuum. They are inextricably linked to my surname, Gautier, rooting me to a lineage rich in history and culture, creating a shifted understanding of self and global connectedness.
D. Gautier
read moreGautier: What does the surname Gautier mean?
The surname Gautier is derived from the personal name Gautier, which is of Germanic origins. It is a variation of 'Walter' and was brought to France by the Normans who invaded in the 11th Century. The name translates to 'ruler of the army' or 'army general'.
The Gautier surname is mostly found in France and parts of Canada, particularly in the Quebec region. It was adopted as a surname by descendants of Walter (Gautier) who inherited the name throughout the generations. However, there are some variations of the surname which appear in different countries across Europe, such as Gaultier, Gautherie, and Galtier.
Gautier is associated with various famous people and historical figures, such as Théophile Gautier, a French poet and novelist of the 19th Century. The Gautier name is also associated with various organizations and companies, such as Gautier Mattress Company based in France.
Overall, the Gautier surname is a name of prestige, power, and heritage ascribed to a family with Germanic roots. It is a name which is steeped in history, with records indicating that the Gautiers have a lineage which dates back centuries. It is a name which continues to be used in modern times and which continues to be proudly displayed as a result of its distinguished heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisGautier: Where does the name Gautier come from?
The last name Gautier is most commonly found in France, with around 16,500 people bearing the name. It may also be seen in some parts of Canada, Belgium, the United States, and Switzerland. The larger concentration of Gautiers in France can be found primarily in the regions of Nord- Pas- de- Calais and Centre- Val de Loire. Gautier is thought to be a variation of the Germanic names Walter and Gaucher, and may have originated from a nickname for someone with a dark complexion or a automobile enthusiast, given its translation as “strong car”.
In France the name Gautier is traditionally a patronymic, with each generation taking the father's name as its family name. As such, the Gautier name has been passed down for hundreds of years, originating in the 12th century during the days of medieval French nobility. The coats of arms for the Gautier family features a helmeted soldier with a shield, alluding to the family’s status and military prowess.
Today the Gautier name is still seen throughout France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States, though it may also be encountered in other locations due to emigration. Several famous people have carried the Gautier surname, including renowned French playwright and novelist Théodore Gautier.
Variations of the surname Gautier
The surname Gautier is a French surname that has several different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. It can be spelled Gauthier, Gaultier, Gauthereau, Gauthey, Gouthier, Gautreau and Gautherot.
Gauthier is the most common of these variants, and it is derived from the Old French term "walo" or "gualo," which meant "ruler." This term is derived from the old Germanic word "walha" that means foreigner or stranger. This was likely used as an occupational name for a warrior or leader.
Gaultier, Gauthereau and Gouthier are variant spellings of the same surname. These were likely derived from the Old French "gautier," which is used to describe a huntsman or a falconer. Gauthey is another variant, which may have derived from "gautier" as well.
The variants Gautreau and Gautherot were likely derived from the Old French "gauterote," which was a precious stone used to decorate tapestries and garments. This could have been used as an occupational name for a merchant or embroiderer.
All of the variants listed above have the same origin and were likely used to describe a person's occupation or a physical or religious attribute. The variations in spelling may have also come from regional dialects and oral traditions that were held among families.
Famous people with the name Gautier
- Théophile Gautier (1811–1872): French poet, dramatist, novelist, journalist, critic and art collector.
- René Gautier (1838–1917): French impressionist painter.
- Robert Gautier (1781–1866): French sculptor.
- François Gautier (born 1945): French journalist and writer.
- Anne-Élisabeth Gautier (born 1953): French astrophysicist and astronomer.
- Maurice Gautier (1810–1882): French politician and law professor.
- Charles Gautier (1745–1795): French engraver and draughtsman.
- Fabrice Gautier (born 1972): French film director and composer.
- Christine Angot Gautier (born 1955): French author and journalist.
- Aurélien Gautier (born 1983): French track and road cyclist.