Show ContentsBlanchette History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Blanchette is derived from the word "blanc," which is French for "white." It was no doubt originally given to someone either because of their blond hair or because of a reputation for purity and piety, and as such is classed as a nickname surname. Nicknames were derived from a wide variety of characteristics that would have been associated with the first person who used the name. 1

Early Origins of the Blanchette family

The surname Blanchette was first found in Normandy (French: Normandie.)Throughout the centuries, several members were recognized for their valiant conduct at war and as a result, the family earned titles and lands in honor of their courage. This renown family branched and prospered in various provinces in France where they adapted well to the varied cultures of these new regions. On January 20, 1572, the Duke of Savoie, the head of the family, was granted a Patent of Nobility, confirming the important status of this family and its descendants. Living in Dauphiné, Pierre Le Blanc, the Lord of Prebois and of Ferrière, is mentioned for his contributions to the community in 1602.

By the 1700's, the Le Blanc family had spread to Provence where they were the Lords of Boisvert, of Castillon, of Mondespin, of Roquefort, of Ventabren and of others. As well, they provided many Consuls to Parliament and an official representing the nobility of Provence. Having their noble status maintained in 1718 and 1788, the Leblancs had their impressive stature confirmed by royalty. Several members of this family were actively engaged in the political movements of their times and for serving their countrymen, the Le Blanc name was honored further. Distinctive among the family were consuls in the Parliament of Toulouse and the President of the Court of Aides of Montauban in 1778.

Pierre Blanchet, born in 1646, son of Noel and Madeleine (née Valet), was a French weaver that travelled from Picardy (French: Picardie) to Canada in the 17th century. After settling in Quebec he married Marie Fournier, daughter of Joseph and Françoise (née Hebert), at Notre-Dame on 17th February 1670. 2

Early History of the Blanchette family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Blanchette research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1614 and 1689 are included under the topic Early Blanchette History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Blanchette Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Blanchet, Blancheteau, Blancheton, Blanchonnet and many more.

Early Notables of the Blanchette family

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

Blanchette World Ranking

In the United States, the name Blanchette is the 3,774th most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 3 However, in Canada, the name Blanchette is ranked the 390th most popular surname with an estimated 11,933 people with that name. 4 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Blanchette is the 71st popular surname. 5

Migration of the Blanchette family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Pierre Blanchet, of Picardy, who married Marie Fournier in Québec city in 1670; René Blanchet of Poitou, who married Marie Sédilot in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec in 1670.


Contemporary Notables of the name Blanchette (post 1700) +

  • Romeo Roy Blanchette (1913-1982), American clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church
  • Jean-Guy Blanchette, Canadian lawyer and provincial court judge in Quebec (1972-)
  • Joëlle-Ann Blanchette, Canadian television personality
  • Andrulla Blanchette (b. 1966), British female bodybuilder and fitness model
  • Joseph-Adéodat Blanchette (b. 1893), Canadian politician and merchant
  • Louis Blanchette (1739-1793), French Canadian explorer, best known for founding the city of St. Charles in 1769
  • Lysane Blanchette Lamothe, Canadian politician


The Blanchette 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: Sans tache
Motto Translation: Without stain.


  1. Dauzat, Albert, Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionaire Étymologique des Noms et Prénoms de France. Paris: Librairie Larousse, 1987. Print.
  2. Olivier, Reginald L. Your Ancient Canadian Family Ties. Logan: The Everton Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 368, 1972. Print
  3. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  4. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  5. "The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec


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