Crépeau

Crépeau is a surname of French origin. It is believed to derive from the Old French word "crepe" or "creppe," meaning a type of pancake or crepe. This suggests the name may have originated as a nickname for someone who made or sold crepes, or perhaps for a person with a physical characteristic reminiscent of a crepe, such as thinness or a wrinkled appearance.

The surname is found in various regions of France, particularly in the northern and western parts of the country. Over time, as French speakers emigrated, the surname Crépeau has been carried to other parts of the world, including Canada, the United States, and other French-speaking communities.

Notable individuals who bear the surname Crépeau include Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal, whose mother was of Métis heritage and whose paternal surname was Crépeau, and French politician and diplomat Pierre Crépeau. Genealogical records indicate a long history of the Crépeau family in France, with various branches establishing themselves in different locations over centuries. The spelling of the surname can sometimes vary slightly in historical documents due to regional dialects and transcription practices.