Annebault

Annebault is a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region in northwestern France.

Geography
Annebault is located in the pays d'Auge, 17 kilometers from Lisieux.

Toponymy
The village Annebault was first mentioned as Olnebac in the beginning of the 12th century, and as Ounebaus in 1195.

Several different theories have been proposed to explain the origins of this name. French linguist René Lepelley has proposed that the name comes from the Old Norrois "almr balkr", or "splitting of the elm". On the other hand, Ernest Nègre, toponymist and specialist in Occitan, has offered that it is derived from the Germanic personal name Allinus followed by the Old Norse bekkr. Yet another theory, courtesy of Albert Dauzat and Charles Rostaing, holds that Annebault derives from the Germanic personal name Hanno followed by Germanic bald, or bold. Ultimately, despite this plethora of suggestions, the origins of "Annebault" remain obscure.

History
The vestiges of a feudal moat, possibly dating to the tenth century, can be found to the south of the town, in the nearby forest.

Personalities
Claude d'Annebault (circa 1495-1552) was a French military man who became an admiral and was named Admiral of France in 1544.