Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Voltaire

      Origin

      French

      Meaning

      Derived from the Surname Arouet

      Variations

      Clotaire, Victoire, Claireen
      The name Voltaire originates from the French surname Arouet, which is derived from the Latin term volta meaning to turn. This transformation reflects a playful rebranding adopted by François-Marie Arouet, who later took on the pen name Voltaire. The name encapsulates a sense of wit and intellectual rebellion, traits that defined his persona as one of the leading figures of the Enlightenment. It is not just a name but a symbol of the values espoused by Voltaire, including reason, tolerance, and a critique of dogma.

      Voltaire was born in 1694 in Paris and became one of the most influential writers and philosophers of his time. His works, including Candide and Philosophical Letters, challenged the established norms of religion and government. Voltaire's sharp criticism of the French government and the Catholic Church often led to censorship and imprisonment. His experiences in exile and his advocacy for civil liberties cemented his role as a champion of individual rights. Over time, the name Voltaire became synonymous with enlightenment ideals, and he is celebrated for his contributions to literature, philosophy, and social reform during the 18th century.

      In contemporary society, the name Voltaire continues to resonate and is frequently invoked in discussions of free speech, human rights, and secular thought. His works are studied in philosophy and literature courses around the world, illustrating his enduring influence. The term Voltairean has emerged to describe ideas and practices that align with his principles of rationalism and skepticism toward authority. Furthermore, various institutions, including schools, libraries, and awards, bear his name, reflecting a commitment to the values he championed. Overall, Voltaire remains a relevant figure, embodying the spirit of inquiry and advocacy for justice in modern discourse.

      Based on our records...

      Hamilton

      Hamilton

      This is the most common surname associated with Voltaire.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Voltaire.
      Voltaire

      Voltaire

      This is the most common name for a child of a Voltaire.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1889 is when there were the most people born with the first name Voltaire.

      Explore the origins of another name.