What is the origin of surname Paquette?

The surname Paquette is of French origin and is a topographical surname. It means "little package" or "small bundle" and likely originated from someone who lived near a place where packages were stored or handled, or who worked in a related profession.

Here's a breakdown:

* "Paquet" is the Old French word for "package" or "bundle".

* "-ette" is a diminutive suffix, meaning "small" or "little".

Therefore, Paquette could have been a nickname for someone who lived near a place called "Le Paquet" (The Package), or who was known for delivering or handling small parcels.

Other possible origins:

* It could also be a patronymic surname, meaning it was derived from a given name. In this case, it might have been derived from the name "Pacquet" or "Paquet".

* Alternatively, it could be a habitational surname, meaning it was derived from the name of a place. In this case, it might have been derived from a place called "Paquette" or "La Paquette".

Where it is most common:

The surname Paquette is most common in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec. It is also found in France and other parts of the world with French ancestry.