Surname Arnoult - Meaning and Origin

Arnoult: What does the surname Arnoult mean?

The last name Arnoult is of French origin and is thought to derive from the Germanic personal name Arnold, which was introduced into France during the rule of the Franks. The name was likely brought over by Germanic settlers who moved to France during the 5th and 6th centuries. The name is derived from the old German phrase ‘arn wald’ which means ‘eagle power.’

Throughout the centuries the spelling of this family name has changed due to the languages and cultures it has come in contact with. Today there are several variants to the spelling of Arnoult, such as Arnou, Arnaud, Arnaut, Arnauld,arnowlt, Aurnault, and Arnault.

The name is still quite popular in France and its former colonies today. It is estimated that there are over 7000 people worldwide who carry the last name. It is found mainly in Alsace and Northern France, where it originated. It is also common in Belgium, Canada and the United States.

Although there is no official meaning recorded for the name Arnoult, it is often attributed to be a sign of strength and power. This may also be why it is associated with the eagle, the national bird of France, and also why it was given to those of noble lineage and with a powerful reputation.

Arnoult: Where does the name Arnoult come from?

The surname Arnoult is most commonly found in France today. It is associated with the regions of Normandy and Brittany, often being spelled either Arnoul or Arnoult. According to a study conducted in 2014, the name can be found in 1,087 communes in metropolitan France, and is particularly common in the departments of Seine-Maritime, Calvados, Ille-et-Vilaine, and Manche. Additionally, the surname has spread to French overseas territories such as Réunion and French Guiana.

It is also found in certain parts of the United States, particularly in Louisiana and Texas. The first recorded arrival of Arnoult family ancestors in the US was Jean Arnoult, who arrived in New Orleans in 1785 from Paris. This suggests that French Huguenots, who fled religious persecution, may have brought the name to the US.

Concentrations of Arnoults living in the US today appear in New Orleans, Lafayette, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as well as in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Texas. The surname is often found in Louisiana-based records pertaining to Cajun culture. Many members of the Arnoult family likely moved to Gulf Coast States following World War II, with the increased job opportunities in the region. The name is also found in Canadian records, primarily in Ontario and the surrounding provinces.

Variations of the surname Arnoult

The variants, spellings and surnames of Arnoult are innumerable and can be spread out across multiple nationalities.

The most common variant of Arnoult is Arnould, or Le Arnould, which is considered to be the French version of the surname. This version is the most used, having been documented in France since at least the 13th century. It is derived from the Old Germanic name Arnwald, and it could be an occupational name for someone who chose to practice archery.

Other historical variations of the name include Arnaldus, Arnau, Arnauld, Arnault, Arnaud, Arnold, Arnold, Arnouldo, Arnow, Arnoldt, Arnolt, Arnolde, Arnolet, Arnol and Arnoux.

The surname has also traveled to many other countries, evolving to fit the language, culture, and historical period of each one. Variations of the surname in foreign countries are Arnoldi (Italy), Arnolet (Alsace), Arnol (Spain), Arnolf (Switzerland) and Arnow (German-speaking countries).

In the United States, however, the surname’s spelling is frequently changed from its original form. Common Americanized versions of the surname Arnoult include Arnett, Arnall, Arnholt, Arnouth, Arnout, Arnholdt, Arnhost, Arnhold, Arnholz, and Arnoldt.

In England, the spelling and variants of the surname Arnoult are an amalgam of the Old English and French influence over the country. Commonly used versions of the surname include Arnald, Arnhold, Arnall, Arnholt, Arnolet, Arnoux, Arnold, Arnolde, Arnalds, Arnaldcv and Arnoldt.

At its core, the surname Arnoult has a history rooted in Old Germanic and French heritage, and is now used in many languages and cultures in the form of its many varied spellings and surnames.

Famous people with the name Arnoult

• Nicole Arnoult: French actress
• Pierre Arnoult: French classical violinist
• Samuel Arnoult: 19th-century French politician
• Jacques Arnoult: 19th-century French playwright
• Maximilien-Joseph Arnoult: 19th-century French Imperial governor
• Tony Arnoult: American jazz drummer
• Aurélie Arnoult: French football player
• Natacha Arnoult: French model
• Géraldine Arnoult: French radio host
• Stéphane Arnoult: French television presenter

Other surnames

Arnould