| ![Show Contents]() Benois History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The name Benois has been included within French history since the early portion of the Middle Ages. This Languedoc name is derived from remembrance of St. Benoit d'Aniane, who lived from 750 to 821. Early Origins of the Benois familyThe surname Benois was first found in Languedoc, where the family held a family seat since ancient times. The ancient lineage of this family was believed to originate from the family of Saint Benoît d'Aniane (750-821). By the 1300's the family was well established in the region of Languedoc where several members distinguished themselves through their contribution to the community in which they lived and received grants of lands, titles, and letters patent confirming their nobility and that of future generations. Gilles Benoît was made a Knight in recognition of his great contribution to his region. Paul Benoit, born in 1626, son of François and Marie (neé Chatellain), arrived in Quebec on 22nd September 1653. He worked as a carpenter and married Isabelle-Elizabeth Gobinet in Montreal, Quebec on 16th September 1658. 1 Early History of the Benois familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Benois research. Another 175 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1400, 1582, 1618, 1632, 1717, 1721, 1741, 1742, 1770 and 1900 are included under the topic Early Benois History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Benois Spelling VariationsFrench 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 Benois is distinguished by a number of regional variations. The many spelling variations of the name include Benoît, Benoit, Benois, Benoie, Benoi, Benoy, Benoyt, Benoyte, Benoye, Benoys, Bennoît, Bennoit, Bennois, Bennoie, Bennoi, Bennoy, Bennoyt, Bennoyte, Bennoye, Bennoys, Benoitt, Bennoitte, De Benoît, De Benois, De Benoiste, De Bennoist and many more. Early Notables of the Benois familyNotable amongst the family name at this time was - Antoine Benoist (1632-1717), a French painter and sculptor, personal painter to King Louis XIV. Claude de Benoît, was Count Palatine of the city of Avignon
- Another Antoine Benoist (1721-1770), was a draughtsman and engraver, was born at Soissons in 1721. Early in life he was brought to England by Claude du Bosc, the engraver, and found employment as a te...
Migration of the Benois familyIn 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 Benois 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 Benois were Jacques Benoît, who settled with his wife, Sara Mounie and son, Jean, in Carolina in 1695; D. Benoitt, aged 27; settled in Baltimore in 1823; Benjamin Bennoi settled with his wife and 2 children in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1768.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Benois (post 1700) | + |
- Albert Benois (1852-1936), Russian water-colorist
- Leon Benois (1856-1928), Russian architect
- Nicholas Benois (1813-1898), Russian architect
- Alexandre Nikolaevich Benois (1870-1960), Russian painter
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Benefacientes benedicti
Motto Translation: Blessed be doing well
- Olivier, Reginald L. Your Ancient Canadian Family Ties. Logan: The Everton Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 368, 1972. Print
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