Surname Arnould - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Enigmatic Arnould Surname Through iGENEA DNA Test: A First-Person account

As someone interested in genealogy, undergoing the iGENEA DNA test opened up fascinating insights into my familial history, specifically shedding light on the Arnould surname. From Northern European roots to potential Celtic origins and diverse contemporary global connections, the scientific revelations were simply awe-inspiring.

R. Arnould

Arnould: What does the surname Arnould mean?

The last name Arnould has roots in ancient France, and has endured numerous spelling changes as it was exported across Europe and the world. Arnould (or Arnou, Arnaut, Arnoult, etc.) is derived from the Olde French word “arnaut,” meaning “Eagle” - a noble and fierce animal of prey considered a sign of strength and courage. Indeed, the name is one of the most popular last names in France.

Throughout the centuries, the surname has been used to refer to strong-willed individuals with fierce determination and courage. These qualities are commemorated in the family crest or sign of arms - the Eagle displayed prominently in its center.

Until the 20th century, the surname was commonly held by warriors, but more modern-day residents of Arnould name are more likely to be found in business, government, or education. The surname does, however, continue to have a strong presence in the military, particularly in France.

In the United States, many have adopted the surname through marriage or immigration, and carry the proud legacy of the Arnould name. The association with the Eagle has also been used to craft modern marketing campaigns for brands bearing the name.

Overall, the name Arnould is a proud and storied one, rooted in strength and courage. Its noble symbolism has endured for centuries, and continues to be used to honor the great and brave individuals associated with the last name.

Arnould: Where does the name Arnould come from?

The last name Arnould is most common today in Belgium, France, Germany, and Luxembourg. It is also found in other parts of the world due to migration.

In Belgium, the name is mainly associated with French-speaking families from the Wallonia region, as well as in the French-speaking area of Brussels. Records show the name is first mentioned in the history of Belgium in the 1500s. Arnould can also be found in the Netherlands, particularly in the south in the province of Limburg where many French-speaking immigrants settled after World War II.

In France, the name Arnould dates back to at least the 1300s and is found today mostly in the northern part of the country. It is mainly associated with the Picardy, a region in the north, as well as the Lorraine region in the east.

In Germany, the name Arnould is quite rare as most immigrants with this name settled in France, Belgium, or the Netherlands instead. Luxembourg also holds a small population of Arnoulds, most of whom are first-generation immigrants from Belgium.

Today, many descendants of the original Arnould settlers continue to use the surname and are prominent in many parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Arnould

The surname Arnould is an anglicised form of a French family name. The original French spelling is Arnould, although some families chose to use "Uh" in place of the "Uu" (which evolved in the Middle Ages as a form of respect); other French spellings include Arnoul, Arnauld, Arnault, Ahrnould, Arnuhl, Arnuel, and Arnou.

The surname Arnould is believed to be of Germanic origin, and some members of the family adopted the German spelling von Arn (or von Arnul).

Variations of the Arnould surname can be found in almost all countries traditionally inhabited by French-speakers, including Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Some families have adopted the spelling Arnol; there are also a few instances of Arnold.

In the United States, the most common variant of the Arnould surname is Arnold, while in Canada and Australia, the most common variant is Arnault. In mainland Europe, the most common variant spellings are Arnauld, Arnol, and Arnoul.

The Arnould surname is also found in parts of Africa and South America, which are home to descendants of French colonists. Common variants of the surname in these regions include Arnowl, Arnauh, and Arnolf.

In addition, there are several other surnames with similar origins, including Arnaud, Arnott, Arnau, Arnoudt, Amant, Arnot, Excelsior, Ahrn, and Arendt. These may be anglicised versions, or surnames taken on by families who either migrated to other regions of the world or had known affiliations with other countries.

Famous people with the name Arnould

• Émile-Justin Menier Arnould (1851–1914), French minister of war
• Geraldine Arnould (born 1967), French former figure skater
• Edouard Arnould (1820–1890) Belgian painter
• Eudore Arnould (1827–1908) Belgian instrument maker
• Jean Arnould (born 1961), French equestrian
• André Arnould (1919–2002), French diplomat
• Jeanne Arnould (1877–1952), French soprano
• Jean-Marie Arnould (1939–2012), French cameraman
• Gilbert Arnould (1917–1994), French actor
• François-Xavier Arnould (born 1932), Belgian politician and journalist.

Other surnames

Arnoult