Surname Terriault - Meaning and Origin

Terriault: What does the surname Terriault mean?

The last name "Terriault" does not have a specific meaning in English. Like most surnames, "Terriault" is likely derived from an occupation, location, patronymic name, or personal characteristic of an individual's ancestors. However, the exact origin of this particular surname isn't well-documented and might be French. Remember, ancestors' surnames might have significantly changed over time due to factors such as immigration and language change. An exact meaning or origin might not be traceable, given the history and evolution of surnames. It's still best to consult genealogical sources or a family history for personalized information regarding the Terriault surname.

Terriault: Where does the name Terriault come from?

The last name Terriault is common today in its original form in Québec, Canada. The families of Terriault were among the earliest settlers in New France, then part of the French Empire, in the late 17th century. Descendants of the original family have since established themselves in other regions of Canada, including the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Much of the family can be traced back to Joseph Terriault, who arrived in New France in 1637. Typically, the last name was spelled “Terriaux” or “Terriau” in France. But it has also been found spelled variously, including “Tarriault,” “Terio,” “Terrheault,” and “Terrillot.”

The surname is still widely used in modern Québécois culture to the extent that it is now part of the laws of the Province of Québec that all married couples use either their own last name, or both of their family names (hyphenated). Tourtière, a popular Québécois dish, is also often referred to as a “Tourtière Terriault.”

Today, the Terriault family is scattered across North America and beyond, with some descendants holding onto the original spelling, while others have adapted it to fit their cultural context. Regardless of how one spells it, the Terriault name is found throughout Canada and is a testament to the lasting legacy of the original family of settlers.

Variations of the surname Terriault

The surname Terriault has various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These variants include Terriault, Terrio, Teriault, Teriour, Teriou, Terriolet, Teriault, Terio, Turiault, Teroault and Tériault.

Terriault is a French-Canadian surname whose origin is disputed. Some believe it derives from the Old French word torroiaus, which could mean fallow land or waste ground, while others suggest it comes from the French word terreau, meaning soil or earth.

It is also commonly found in Belgium where it is spelled Terriau and Tériau. In the United States, Terriault is more commonly found spelled as Terrio and Teriou.

The spelling variants of Terriault can also be found in surnames such as Turrible and Tiberri. Tiberri is an Italian name, coming from the Latin term Tibilis, meaning someone from the city of Tibur, which is known today as Tivoli, located near Rome.

Within Canada the spelling variants including Terriault, Terria, Terrio, Tériault and Teriou are more common. The spellings are also found throughout countries such as France, United Kingdom, Belgium, Norway, Germany, and Switzerland.

The spelling variants of Terriault can be found in surnames from several different origins, from old French to Latin and the various spellings suggest the surname can trace its origins to many different cultural backgrounds.

Famous people with the name Terriault

• Antoine Terriault: professional ice hockey player.
• Marc-André Terriault: Canadian figure skater.
• Sam Terriault: collectively known as T&T, Canadian ice dancing team, members Tara Lipinski and Timothy Goebel.
• Charles Terriault: French Canadian composer.
• André Terriault: French Canadian businessperson.
• Richard Terriault: French Canadian television personality.
• Kimberly Terriault: Canadian author.
• Mark Terriault: Canadian actor.
• Rodolphe Terriault: Canadian entrepreneur.
• Yves Terriault: Canadian actor.
• Eric Terriault: Canadian professional snowboarder.
• Gilles Terriault: French Canadian actor.
• Priscilla Terriault: Canadian professional basketball player.
• Stéphane Terriault: Canadian professional boxer.
• François Terriault: Canadian actor.
• Sylvie Terriault: Canadian actress.
• François Terriault: French-Canadian actor.
• Roch Terriault: Canadian professional soccer player.
• Lise Terriault: Canadian professional sculptor.
• Maxime Terriault: Canadian professional skier.

Other surnames

Terriau