Arseneau History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
France

Etymology of Arseneau

What does the name Arseneau mean?

Of all the French names to come from Normandy, Arseneau is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived at Arcine, in the Canton of Haute-Savoie in Normandy.

Early Origins of the Arseneau family

The surname Arseneau was first found in Normandy (French: Normandie), the former Duchy of Normandy, where this ancient family has held a family seat since very early times.

The first record of the name was in 1257 and 1264, and has a connection with the noble name of Von-Locarno. The period of the time when the family name was Arcenium was perhaps the most rewarding period in that during this time and up to July 1657 this family branch was elected to be the Barons Arcenale de Langon of Orleans and Poitou, but this branch became detached from the main stem of the name of Arsenault.

The branch which spelt its name Arzegnio ultimately became Counts, but their history has disappeared into the mists of time. When the family arrived in North America it is thought to have first settled in the Canadian Maritimes in the late 1600's and the name became spelt with the traditional "lt" ending. The name flourished more during this period and until the 20th century, although the name is rarely found in the official records of the early French settlers. However, the name is still found in its original form of Arcegno (pronounced Arsenault) in Switzerland where many noble branches of the family exist.

François Arseneau married Suzanne Lecomte in 1665. Suzanne died due to complications from childbirth after delivering their first son, Michel, on 24th December 1666. François died on 10th Februrary 1669 from influenza in Batiscan, Quebec. 1

Early History of the Arseneau family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Arseneau research. Another 65 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1347 and 1452 are included under the topic Early Arseneau History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Arseneau Spelling Variations

There were a great number of spelling variations in French surnames. One reason for this was the wide variety of cultural influences present in France during the early development of the French language. The many spelling variations of the name include Arsenault, Arsenaul, Arsenaulte, Arsenauld, Arsenaud, Arsenaut, Arsenot and many more.

Early Notables of the Arseneau family

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

Arseneau 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 Arseneau 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 Arseneau were

Arseneau Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century

François Arseneau married Suzanne Lecomte in 1665 and had 1 son, Michel and settled in Canada

Arseneau Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

lean Arseneau, aged 36, who arrived in Acadia in 1765
Pierre Arseneau, aged 36, who arrived in Acadia in 1765
Rose Arseneau, aged 17, who landed in St Pierre and Miquelon in 1767
Joseph Arseneau, aged 13, who landed in St Pierre and Miquelon in 1767
Louise Arseneau, aged 48, who arrived in St Pierre and Miquelon in 1767
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Arseneau (post 1700) +

Jeffery Andrew Arseneau, American film actor
Joseph Brant Arseneau (b. 1967), American financial pioneer in developing techniques for third world housing and renewable energy with the use of Renewable Energy Derivatives
Jacques Arseneau (b. 1767), French fur trapper and explorer
Marc Arseneau (b. 1943), French professional footballer
Benjamin Arseneau, Canadian politician, Mayor of Saint-Benjamin, Quebec
Ben Arseneau, Canadian musician, member of the band Boys Night Out
Maxime Arseneau (b. 1949), Canadian radio host and teacher and former Quebec politician, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (2001-2003), Minister of Tourism (1998-2001)

Citations +

Olivier, Reginald L. Your Ancient Canadian Family Ties. Logan: The Everton Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 368, 1972. Print