Perreault is a French surname derived from a diminutive of the given name Pierre, the French form of Peter. The name is part of a broader family of French surnames formed from pet forms of Pierre, including Perrault, Perrin, and Perrot.
Etymology and Origin
The suffix -ault in Perreault is a typical French diminutive ending, indicating endearment or smallness. Thus, the surname originally meant 'little Pierre.' The root name Pierre itself has been consistently popular in France since the 13th century, though it fell out of the top 100 names in 2017. As with many French patronymic surnames, Perreault emerged in the Middle Ages as a way to identify individuals by their paternal lineage or characteristic. The phonological evolution from Pierre into forms like Perreault reflects regional dialects and spelling variations common in Old French.
Notable Bearers
The surname is strongly associated with Canadian professional hockey players, reflecting the name's prevalence in French-speaking Canada (Quebec). Notable athletes include Gilbert Perreault (born 1950), a Hockey Hall of Fame center who played for the Buffalo Sabres; Mathieu Perreault (born 1988), known for his NHL career with multiple teams; and Jacob Perreault (born 2002), a contemporary prospect. Other ice hockey stars are Yanic, Bob, and Gabe Perreault.
Beyond hockey, the name has appeared in various fields: Annie Perreault (born 1971) is a Canadian short track speed skater and Olympic gold medalist; Dominique Perreault (born 1984) plays water polo for Canada; and Pete Perreault (1939–2001) was an American football guard. In the arts, Guillaume Perreault (born 1985) is a Canadian writer and illustrator. In academia, Melanie Perreault is an American historian and university administrator. Among politicians, Mona Perreault served in the Michigan House of Representatives, and Robert Perreault (born 1947) was a Canadian member of Parliament.
Cultural Significance
The surname connects to a larger network of equivalents across Europe, mirroring the Greek-derived Peter (meaning 'rock' much like "Petrus" from Greek πέτρος). In Armenian, the equivalent is Bedrosian or Petrosyan; in Russian, Petrov/Petrova and its variants; in Croatian, Petrić; and in Serbian, Petrović. Although the popularity of the first name Pierre has declined, the surname Perreault remains common in Quebec and among French diaspora communities.
- Meaning: 'Little Pierre,' a diminutive of Pierre (Peter).
- Origin: French.
- Type: Patronymic surname.
- Notable in: French Canada (Quebec); hockey players and other athletes.
- Variants: Perrault, Perrin, Perrot.
Other Languages & Cultures
Sources: Wikipedia — Perreault