Show ContentsRouseau History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

From the historical and enchanting region of France emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Rouseau family. Originally, the French people were known only by a single name. The process by which hereditary surnames were adopted in France is extremely interesting. Surnames evolved during the Middle Ages when people began to assume an extra name to avoid confusion and to further identify themselves. Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames. Nickname surnames were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The name Rouseau is a nickname type of surname for a person with red hair or a ruddy complexion. Tracing the origin of the name further, we found the name Rouseau was originally derived from the Old French word rous, meaning red.

Early Origins of the Rouseau family

The surname Rouseau was first found in Bourgogne, where the family held a family seat since ancient times.

Early History of the Rouseau family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rouseau research. Another 265 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1662, 1671, 1728 and 1871 are included under the topic Early Rouseau History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rouseau Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Rousseau, Rouseau, Rosseau, Rouseault, Roussault, Rouseult, Rosault, Rosseault, Rousult, DeRousseau, Derousseau, de Rousseau, De Rousault, de Rousault, Derousult, DeRouseau, de Rouseau, De Rouseau, LeRousseau, le Rousseau, Lerousseau, Aurousseau and many more.

Early Notables of the Rouseau family

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


Canada Rouseau migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Rouseau Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century
  • Mr. Jacques Rouseau, French settler travelling to Canada for work arriving on 31st March 1665 1


The Rouseau Motto +

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: Non me frustra laedes
Motto Translation: Do not harm me without reason


  1. Debien, Gabriel. Liste Des Engagés Pour Le Canada Au XVIIe Siècle. Vol. 6, Laval University, 1952. (Retreived 24th May 2018). Retrieved from https://lebloguedeguyperron.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/130-liste-des-contrats-dengagement-pour-la-nouvelle-france-releves-a-la-rochelle-entre-1634-et-1679/


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