Daignault History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
France
England

The name Daignault has a long French heritage that first began in the northern region of Normandy. The name is derived from when the family lived in the diocese of Coutances, in Normandy.

Early Origins of the Daignault family

The surname Daignault was first found in Normandy (French: Normandie), the former Duchy of Normandy, where they held a family seat at Aigneaux in the diocese of Coutances in Rouen, and were members of the aristocracy of that region. The first of this name on record was Herbert D'Aigneaux who was descended from the Vicomte Caen in the Cotentin. The family gave its name to the parish of Aigneaux. It is assumed that Herbert joined the Duke of Normandy in his conquest of England in 1066 A.D. Sometime before 1074 Herbert sold part of his estates to Bishop Odo of Bayeux, and also purchased other lands from Corbin, his son. The Aigneaux family had a very important barony consisting of many fiefs along the River Lavire for seven miles, together with St.-Contest at Amfreville on the island of Marie. They were the benefactors of many religious establishments.

Early History of the Daignault family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Daignault research. Another 80 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1680 and 1736 are included under the topic Early Daignault History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Daignault Spelling Variations

French surnames were subject to numerous spelling alterations depending on the region and time it was used. The early development of the French language relied heavily on borrowing elements and grammar from other languages. For example, Old French was infused with Germanic words and sounds when barbarian tribes invaded and settled in France after the fall of the Roman Empire. Middle French also borrowed heavily from the Italian language during the Renaissance. As a result of these linguistic and cultural influences, the name Daignault is distinguished by a number of regional variations. The many spelling variations of the name include Daignault, D'Aigneau, Daigneau, Daignaux, D'Aiognaux, Daignaud, D'Aignaud, D'Aignault, D'Aigneaux, Daigneaux, Deneau, Deneault, Denyau, Denais, Deinout, Deinieau, Denault, Denaut, Denaux, Deneux, Denieau, Daieneault, D'Aieneault, Daineau, D'Aineau, Aignault and many more.

Early Notables of the Daignault family

More information is included under the topic Early Daignault Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Daignault migration to Canada +

In 1643, 109 years after the first landings by Cartier, there were only about 300 people in Quebec. Migration was slow. The fur trade attracted migrants, both noble and commoner. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year the French Acadian presence in the Maritimes had reached 500. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The family name Daignault has made many distinguished contributions in France and New France to the world of science, culture, religion, and education. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Daignault were

Daignault Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century

Jean Daignault, who settled in Quebec in 1665 from Brittany
Francois Daignault, who settled in Quebec in 1669 from Saintonge near Bordeaux
Jean Daignault, who settled in Quebec in 1670 from Poitou
Jacques Daignault, who arrived in 1683 in Quebec from Normandy
Michel Daignault, who arrived in Quebec from Normandy in 1688

Contemporary Notables of the name Daignault (post 1700) +

Alexander Troup Daignault, American industrial engineer, Florida
Guy Daignault, Canadian short track speed skater world champion in 1982 and 1984
Laurent Daignault (b. 1968), Canadian silver medalist short track speed skater at the 1992 Winter Olympics
Michel Daignault (b. 1966), Canadian silver medalist short track speed skater at the 1988 Winter Olympics