genest

Genest is a surname of French origin. It appears in France and in many countries with historical French influence, including Canada and the United States. Historical records show variant spellings such as Génest and Genêt, reflecting regional orthographic practices and the influence of diacritics.

The name is commonly linked to the Old French word genêt, meaning broom or gorse. As a toponymic or descriptive surname, Genest would have referred to a place characterized by such vegetation or to a person living near it, and may reflect a family's origin in a rural landscape.

Usage and distribution: Genest has been carried by numerous individuals across centuries and professions. In modern times it remains most common in France and in Francophone communities, though bearers appear worldwide due to migration and diaspora.

Notable people: A number of individuals with the surname Genest have achieved recognition in fields such as politics, the arts, science, and sports. Without enumerating specific biographies here, these instances illustrate the name’s broad presence in public life.

See also: Genet (surname) and other French surnames with similar roots.