Surname Regnault - Meaning and Origin

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G. Regnault

Regnault: What does the surname Regnault mean?

The last name Regnault is of French origin. It is a patronymic surname, usually derived from the given name of the father of the original bearer. The name is derived from the Old French words ‘regn’ meaning ‘rule’ and ‘ault’ meaning ‘old’. This indicates that the original bearer of the surname may have been the son of someone who was old, noble, or of high status.

In France the last name Regnault is widespread and is particularly common in the central and western regions of the country. During the Middle Ages the family name was well established and its oldest members held positions of nobility in the local community. Over the generations the prominence of the family has continued and members of the Regnault surname have contributed to many aspects of French history including loyal service in the military, involvement in administration and government, and significant advances in areas such as science and medicine.

The Regnault surname has also since spread to other parts of Europe and beyond, to countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Australia. In each of these countries, descendants of the original Regnault family have brought their rich culture and family history to new lands. With them, they have brought with them the ongoing spirit of generosity, bravery, and loyalty which lies at the heart of the Regnault family name.

Regnault: Where does the name Regnault come from?

The last name Regnault is most commonly found in France, where it is recorded in the regions of Brittany, Normandy and Picardy. The surname has also spread to countries within the French-speaking world, especially in North America, where most of the bearer's relatives emigrated.

The French-Canadian areas of Québec, Acadia and Ontario are particularly rich in bearers of the Regnault name. In the United States, it is commonly found in the New England states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine, as well as in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

The name would have been spread throughout other countries in Europe, including the Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg. Migration has also led to the establishment of Regnault families in Latin America and the Caribbean, notably in French Guiana, Haiti, Martinique and the Dominican Republic.

The Regnault name is also a popular choice in the United Kingdom. It is mostly found in the metropolitan counties, especially Greater London, and in the south eastern counties such as Hampshire, Surrey and Kent. The surname appears to be rarer in the northern counties such as Norfolk, Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Variations of the surname Regnault

The surname Regnault is derived from the French surname "Rognon", which is a location-specific name for people from Rognon in the Meuse region of France. Variants, spellings, and other surnames related to this surname include:

Regnaud - A variant spelling of the surname which is derived from the Old French personal name "Raginwald" which was a compound of the Germanic words "ragin" (advice) and "wald" (rule).

Regneault - A variant spelling of the surname where the "l" is used in place of the "u".

Regnole - Another variant spelling of the surname.

Reynauld - A variant spelling of the surname where the "a" is used in place of the "u".

Ragnault - An alternative spelling of the surname derived from the Old Germanic personal name "Ragenwald" which is composed of the words "ragen" (advice) and "wald" (rule).

Rougneau - A variant spelling of the surname derived from the Old French personal name "Rougon" which was a compound of the Germanic words "rag" (red) and "win" (friend).

Rougenault - A variant spelling of the surname where the "l" is used in place of the "u".

Rougeot - A variant spelling of the surname derived from the Old French personal name "Rouget" which was a form of the Old Germanic personal name "Rougot" which is composed of the words "rag" (red) and "gaud" (strife).

Rougnon - A variant spelling of the surname derived from the Old French personal name "Rougon" which was a compound of the Germanic words "rag" (red) and "win" (friend).

Rouleau - A variant spelling of the surname derived from the Old French personal name "Roulet" which was a compound of the Germanic words "rouh" (rust) and "hard" (brave).

Roulemens - A variant spelling of the surname derived from the Old French personal name "Rouleman" which was a form of the Old Germanic personal name "Roulman" which is composed of the words "rouh" (rust) and "man" (man).

Famous people with the name Regnault

• Henri Victor Regnault (1810-1878): French physicist and chemist known for his researches on thermochemistry.
• Jean-Baptiste Regnault (1754-1829): French painter best known for his classic style, particularly during the early 19th century.
• A great-great-grandfather of the last: Pierre-François Regnault (1732-1787): French lacemaker, founded the first French lacemaking school and presented his work in the Paris Salon.
• Étienne Béthanie Regnault (1826–1917): French-born priest and a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
• Emile-Arunette Regnault (1844-1909): French painter who specialized in figure paintings and worked in the Academic style.
• François Regnault: Canadian-American physicist who has studied photoluminescence in nanotubes and optics in noble gases.
• Louis-Hilaire-Alfred Regnault (1839-1917): French painter, most known for his Battle of Gettysburg in which he depicted the American Civil War.
• Nicolas Regnault (1717-1791): French poet who wrote the lyrical poem "La Reine de Saba", a lengthy poetic drama set in 12th century Yemen.
• Robert Regnault (1878–1931): French balloonist and author of the book entitled "L'aerostation militaire".
• Yvonne de Regnault (1891: 1968): French actress best remembered for her roles in the films of Marcel Pagnol.

Other surnames

RegnauldRegnaut