Surname Thibault - Meaning and Origin

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Z. Thibault

Thibault: What does the surname Thibault mean?

The last name Thibault is of French origin and is a patronymic surname, derived from the personal name Thiebaud. Historically, Thiebaud was the Old French version of a Germanic given name Theobald, composed of the elements thiud, which means ‘people’ and bald, which means ‘bold.’

The Thibault surname is also thought to be a diminutive form of the name Thibaut, which may be sourced from the Old Norse element Þór, which was taken from Thor. In Norse mythology, Thor is the god of thunder and lightning.

The surname Thibault is found as far back as the 13th century in various anecdotal records. One Thibaut is mentioned in ‘Cartulaire de l’Abbaye de Cluny,’ dated 1242, and a Thibault de Mello is listed in the ‘Chroniques de Touraine,’ dated 1293. As the family name spread, various branches of the Thibault family can be found in various regions of France today.

To this day, the surname Thibault continues to represent a proud French history and culture. In English-speaking countries, the French pronunciation “Thi-bo” is quite common.

Thibault: Where does the name Thibault come from?

The last name Thibault is most commonly found in France today. According to recent population records, it is the 20th most popular last name in the country. It is also found throughout French-speaking regions such as Belgium, Switzerland, Algeria, and Québec.

Thibault is likely of Germanic origin, meaning it likely dates back to the 5th or 6th centuries, when Germanic invaders were entering the region. In earliest French records, it may have appeared as Theobald (first recorded in 1230). Since then, the spelling has evolved to the current Thibault, and further variations may exist depending on the location.

It is also possible to find Thibault in other countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia—though in much smaller numbers. Since many French immigrants and French-Canadians traveled to these countries, the last name could have spread and diversified in other countries as well.

In Europe, Thibault is likely to be found in any region with a significant French-speaking population. It is especially found in France's bordering nations, such as Belgium and Switzerland. It is also most likely to be most common in areas with historical ties to France, such as some parts of North Africa.

Variations of the surname Thibault

The surname Thibault has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These alternative names can be divided into French and English spellings and pronunciations.

In French, the surname is spelled and pronounced with a silent “t” sound at the end: Thibaudeau, Thibaudeau, and Thibaudeaux. The spelling “Thibaudeau” may also be pronounced with a “t” sound in some areas, although this pronunciation is not as common.

In English usage, the surname is spelled “Thibault” or “Thibeault,” with a “t” sound at the end. These spellings may also be pronounced with a “d” sound at the end in some areas.

The surname Thibault is also an anglicized version of the Germanic name “Dietbald,” also spelled “Dietbold,” “Dietbaldt,” or “Dietboldt.” The variant spellings and pronunciations of this name can also be pronounced with or without a “t” sound.

Variant spellings of the surname Thibault also often appear as Tebault, Tebo, Tebalt, Tibaud, Tibo, Tiböl, Tibbald, and Tibbalds.

Other variant spellings and surnames with the same origin, but different pronunciations, include Tibault, Tibolet, Tiobaud, and Tiobault.

The surname Thibault is a common, centuries-old French surname, but its origins can be traced back to the Germanic name “Dietbald.” No matter how it is pronounced or spelled, it is of the same origin and has the same meaning.

Famous people with the name Thibault

• Sarah Thibault: Canadian ice dancer
• Frédéric Bartholdi: French sculptor of the Statue of Liberty
• Jasmine Thibault: Canadian actress and voice artist
• Pierre Thibault: former Canadian Member of Parliament
• Vincent Thibault: French pianist
• Arene Thibault: French pianist
• David Thibault: Canadian singer
• James Thibault: Canadian film director
• Emmanuel Thibault: French composer
• Louis-Michel Thibault: Canadian painter
• Philippe Thibault: former Canadian Member of Parliament
• Guillaume Thibault: French author and screenwriter
• André Thibault: Canadian film director and teacher
• Gérard Thibault: 17th century Dutch fencing master
• Fred Thibault: Canadian soccer player

Other surnames

ThibaudThibaut