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
      • 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
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Lefou

      Origin 
      French

      Meaning 
      The Silly One, The Fool

      Variations 
      Fouad, Leehu, Leeor

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The moniker Lefou, hailing from the French language, derives its essence from the juxtaposition of two distinct words: le, signifying the, and fou, meaning silly or fool. Together, these lexical components amalgamate to craft the titular meaning of The Silly One or The Fool. Originating from the realms of medieval France, this designation serves as a testament to the rich linguistic tapestry of the nation.

      Throughout history, the name Lefou has found its place within various narratives. As is often the case with names of such nature, it frequently appeared on jesters or court fools during the Middle Ages, who were entrusted with the task of entertaining nobility with their capricious antics. These individuals, renowned for their wit and penchant for drollery, were bestowed with the name Lefou as a nod to their self-deprecating role.

      In modern times, the usage of the name Lefou has expanded beyond its original medieval context. With its meaning of The Silly One, this appellation has found its way into various forms of artistic expression. Notably, Lefou is a character in the renowned fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, originating from the imaginative minds of French writers. This character encapsulates the essence of recklessness and comedic folly, supporting the enduring presence of the name Lefou in contemporary culture.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.