Surname Arnault - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Genetic Mystery of the Arnault Family: Reflections on My iGENEA DNA Test Results

The discovery of my complex genetic heritage, revealed through my iGENEA DNA test results, has profoundly reshaped my understanding of my surname, Arnault, and my family identity. These surprising findings have created a deep emotional impact and delightful revelations regarding the diverse origins and influences that have come together to sculpt the legacy carried forward by every Arnault.

H. Arnault

Arnault: What does the surname Arnault mean?

The last name Arnault is of French origin. It is derived from the personal name Arnault, a variant of Arnold. The name Arnold is comprised of the Germanic elements "arn", meaning 'eagle', and "wald", meaning 'power'. Therefore, the surname Arnault carries connotations to 'power of an eagle') or 'eagle ruler', representing someone who is strong, powerful, and able to soar above others. Like many surnames, it began as a given name and then transitioned into a family name. Today, one of the most prominent individuals with this last name is Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, a multinational corporation and conglomerate specializing in luxury goods.

Arnault: Where does the name Arnault come from?

The surname Arnault is of French origin. It derives from the personal name "Arnold," which itself is composed of two ancient Germanic elements: 'arn', meaning eagle, and 'wald', meaning rule. Thus, the original meaning of the name Arnold or Arnault is 'Eagle Rule'. Its introduction into France was during the 8th and 9th centuries by followers of Charlemagne.

The surname Arnault is quite popular in France, considering the country's well-known billionaire businessman Bernard Arnault, who is the CEO of LVMH, a global luxury goods company. Other regions where you might find the surname include French-speaking countries and territories like Belgium, Canada (primarily in Quebec), and Switzerland. As with other surnames, migration over the centuries has likely spread the surname Arnault beyond its original geographic boundaries. However, it remains most commonly found within French-speaking populations.

Variations of the surname Arnault

The surname Arnault is of French origin and it is a variant of the more common surname Arnold. Other variants of the surname include Arnoult, Arnould, Arnoux, and Arnott.

The original form of the surname in Old High German was Arenwald, meaning 'eagle rule.' It came to France through the Frankish form Arnwald. As surnames started being used in the Middle Ages, variations in spellings appeared due to a number of factors, including illiteracy and regional dialects.

In the English-speaking world, the most common variation of this surname is Arnold. In Belgium and other parts of Europe, variants such as Arnould and Arnoult are more common.

There may also be many derivatives of the surname, as it was common to add prefixes such as De, La, Le, or suffixes like -son, -sen, or -ez to denote 'son of' or 'daughter of.'

Some less common spellings and variations can include Arnauld, Arnoll, Arnald, Arnaud and Arnaldi. Many of these variants share the same root and meaning as Arnault. Likewise, these variant spellings could be the result of regional pronunciations, patronymics, or phonetic spellings.

The use of different spellings for the same surname can often be found within the same document or set of records, so it's important to consider all possible variations when researching family history.

Famous people with the name Arnault

• Bernard Arnault: He is the chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world's largest luxury-goods company. He is also the richest person in Europe and one of the richest people in the world.
• Antoine Arnault: He is the son of Bernard Arnault and serves as the head of communication and image for LVMH. He is also the CEO of Berluti and chairman of Loro Piana.
• Delphine Arnault: She is the daughter of Bernard Arnault and the executive vice president of Louis Vuitton, one of the brands under the LVMH group.
• Frederic Arnault: He's another son of Bernard Arnault and serves as the CEO of TAG Heuer, a Swiss luxury watchmaker.
• Alexandre Arnault: He's another son of Bernard Arnault and serves as the executive vice president of products and communication at Tiffany & Co, a renowned American luxury jewelry and specialty retailer.
• Jean Arnault: Jean is Bernard Arnault's brother and also involved in the family business.

Other surnames

Arnaud