Jolivet - Definition, Pronounciation
Does anyone know the proper pronounication, definition and origin of the french name Jolivet? I believe it is pronounced like zho-LEE-vey, is that correct?
vote up1vote down

Replies

Pronunciation OK, though the French tend to stress each syllable equally, so not so heavy on the LEE bit.
It is a diminutive of Joli, one of a couple of dozen variants of this word found as surnames; Jolet, Jolin, Jolivel, Joliveau, etc. Joli can mean "pretty, neat, pleasant, nice", etc. As a surname it could also be ironic, i.e., meaning not so nice.
vote up1vote down