Surname Benoist - Meaning and Origin

A Discursive Journey into the History and Culture of My Surname, Benoist, through a DNA Test

The iGENEA DNA test unveiled fascinating insights into the history and origin of my surname, Benoist. Rooted in the French language and dominated in France, this surname encapsulates a rich cultural heritage interwoven with historical events and migrations. More than mere labels, our surnames are indeed living history.

H. Benoist

Benoist: What does the surname Benoist mean?

Benoist is a French surname derived from the Latin personal name Benedictus, meaning “blessed”. In the Middle Ages, it was a common name given to both boys and girls to honor Saint Benedict of Nursia, the founder of Western monasticism. The name is common in France and amongst French-speaking communities in the Americas, Africa, the Caribbean, and Oceania.

Benoist is also an occupational surname. Derived from the French word benoist, meaning “one who does carpentry work”, this name was initially used to refer to someone who specialized in carpentry or joinery. In modern times, the Benoist name is more commonly found in Europe, with the highest concentration in France.

Historically, the Benoist name is most famous for Pierre Benoist (1787-1830), a French writer and politician from Orleans who was part of the National Constituent Assembly during the July Monarchy. His written works focused on the evolving political landscape of his homeland, and he was one of the last supporters of Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother, Louis Napoleon.

Overall, the Benoist name embodies strength and resilience and carries a rich history of individuals who were dedicated to their professions and witnessed history in the making.

Benoist: Where does the name Benoist come from?

The last name Benoist is most commonly found in France. It is also found in other countries in Europe, notably Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxemburg, as well as in Canada and the United States.

In France, the name is most prominent in the greater Paris region. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, the name was common throughout the southern region around the Pyrenees Mountains, including cities like Bayonne, Agen, Toulouse, Perpignan, and Montpellier. More recently, Benoist families have settled around the northern city of Lille.

In Belgium, Benoist is found throughout the country, although it is more common in Flanders, specifically in East Flanders. In Luxemburg, the name is found primarily in the Greater Region, which includes the capital city of Luxemburg. In Switzerland, the last name is mainly found in the Jura and Neuchatel regions.

In North America, there are quite a few Benoists living along the Atlantic coast of both the United States and Canada. In the U.S., they can be found in large cities such as Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington. In Canada, the name is present mostly in the cities of Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.

No matter where Benoists are found, the name is rooted in France and will surely continue to spread throughout the world in the coming years.

Variations of the surname Benoist

Surname Benoist is a French surname derived from the personal name Benedictus which means blessed in Latin. It is also derived from the French word benoist which has the same meaning.

Variants of Benoist include Benoite, Benoit, Benoitte, Benoît, Benoiz, Benoîte, Benoy, Benoye, Benois, Benoict, Benoistus, Benosez, Benosio, Benosso, Benossy, Benozet, Benozio, Benoyz, Benoitez, Benoyse, Benoyz, Benoysez, Benoizy, Benozy, Benozys, Benozyt, and Benoyt.

Spellings of Benoist include Benoît, Benoitte, Benoit, Benoyt, Benois, Benoiste, Benoiz, Benoyse, Benoyz, Benoysez, Benoizy, Benozy, Benozys, Benozyt, and Benozet.

Surnames of the same origin as Benoist include Benicio, Benigno, Benimeli, Benitez, Benovides, Benston, and Benvenuto.

Famous people with the name Benoist

• Melissa Benoist: an American actress and singer, best known for her starring role in the CW/DC Comics series Supergirl.
• Marley Benoist: an American actress best known for her roles in the 2019 horror movie 'Fantasy Island'.
• Gérald Benoist: a French writer, best known for his novels and essays on the Bible and the early Christian world.
• Pierre Benoist: a French politician, who served as Minister of Agriculture from 1882 to 1886, and President of the Council of Ministers in 1888 and 1889.
• Madeline Benoist: a French actress, best known for her performance in the 1954 film adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel Les Misérables.
• Emile Benoist: a French engineer and pioneer in the field of automobile production, best known as the co-founder of the French automaker Delage.
• Jean-Eugène Benoist: a French sculptor and animalier during the 19th century, whose work was exhibited in the Exposition Internationale de 1867.
• Marie-Eugénie Benoist: a French painter, best known for her portrait of Napoléon III and Empress Eugénie.
• Jean Benoist: a French medievalist historian who wrote extensively on the history and culture of the Middle Ages.
• Mathieu Benoist: a French ballerina and choreographer.

Other surnames

BenoisBenoit