Arseneau is a surname of French origin.
Etymology The surname Arseneau is believed to be a diminutive of the given name Arsène. The name Arsène derives from the Ancient Greek word arsenios (ἀρσένιος), meaning "masculine," "virile," or "strong." It was popularized as a given name through Saint Arsene the Great, a 4th-century Roman deacon and hermit.
Geographical Distribution The Arseneau surname is most prominently found in Canada, particularly in the Maritime provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island). A significant proportion of individuals bearing this surname are descendants of Acadian settlers, who were early French colonists of what is now Atlantic Canada. The surname is less common in France.
Notable People Individuals with the surname Arseneau include:
- Adrien Arseneault (born 1952), Canadian politician, former Member of Parliament for Restigouche—Madawaska.
- Joseph Arseneau (1875–1959), Canadian politician, former Member of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island.
- Jean-Guy Arseneau (born 1948), Canadian politician, former Member of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick.
- Jace Arseneau (born 2005), Canadian ice hockey player.