Bottin (surname)
Bottin is a French surname.
Origin:
The surname Bottin is of French origin, specifically from the Franche-Comté region. It is a diminutive of the personal name "Botte," which itself is a shortened form of names like Robert or Hubert. The "-in" suffix is a common diminutive ending in French, indicating "little" or "son of." Thus, Bottin could be interpreted as "little Botte" or "son of Botte."
Distribution:
The surname is predominantly found in France. While not one of the most common French surnames, it has a noticeable presence, particularly in the eastern regions of the country. Emigration from France has resulted in the presence of the surname, albeit less frequently, in other countries such as Canada and the United States.
Notable People:
- Sébastien Bottin (1764-1853): A French statistician and government official, best known for creating the Bottin, a directory of businesses and individuals in Paris. This directory became widely successful and influential, often considered the prototype for modern telephone directories.
Related Terms:
- Le Bottin (French): Refers to the directory created by Sébastien Bottin. Over time, it evolved into a comprehensive business and residential directory. It has also become a genericized term in French-speaking regions, used to refer to any directory.