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Last Name Biollay

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What is the origin of the last name Biollay?

The surname Biollay has roots in France, specifically the region of Franche-Comté. It is derived from various place names found within this region, such as "Bionlay" or "Biolley," which are themselves named after streams or bodies of water, indicating a settlement near a notable water source. The name evolved over time as families moved and settled in new locations, leading to variations in spelling such as Biollay, Biolley, Bionlay, etc.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Biollay

The meaning and origin of the last name Biollay

The surname Biollay is of French origin, specifically from the region of Franche-Comté in eastern France. It is derived from various place names in this region where it was commonly used as a personal name before becoming a surname. Some examples of these places include Biolley, Bollé, and Boulley. The name itself likely comes from an Old French word "bouel", meaning "dwelling" or "cottage". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have evolved, leading to variations such as Biollay, Beauley, Beaumont, and others. The surname Biollay is relatively uncommon outside of France but has been found in other French-speaking countries, as well as in North America, due to immigration from France over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Biollay

The surname Biollay is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, specifically in Switzerland and France, with a significant concentration in the Jura region, which borders both countries. It is also present in other parts of France, particularly in eastern regions such as Alsace and Franche-Comté. In addition, there are scattered instances of the Biollay surname in Canada, predominantly in Quebec, where French settlers immigrated during the 17th and 18th centuries. The name is less common outside these areas but can be found sporadically across other parts of Europe and North America due to migration over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Biollay

The surname Biollay has several variations and alternate spellings. These include Biolley, Biolley, Bielly, Billey, Bylly, Byloy, Byloi, Byllie, Bylloy, and Beylai. These variations may have arisen due to differences in spelling conventions over time, as well as phonetic changes, migration, and regional dialects. The name Biollay is believed to be of French origin, derived from the Old French "biel" meaning "white" or "fair," combined with the suffix "-eau" denoting a homestead or settlement. It's possible that the variations in spelling of this surname reflect changes in pronunciation and orthography over centuries and across different regions.

Famous people with the last name Biollay

Notable individuals with the surname Biolley include:

1. Jean-Jacques Biolley (1872-1946), a Swiss politician who served as the President of the Swiss Confederation in 1931.

2. Thierry Biolley (born 1956), a French judoka who won a bronze medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

3. Jacques Biolley (born 1967), a Swiss politician and member of the Green Party, who served as President of the Swiss Confederation in 2015.

4. Alain Biolley (born 1960), a French judoka who won a gold medal at the 1984 European Judo Championships.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, ranging from politics to sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Biollay

The surname Biollay is of French origin, derived from various places named Biolley and Biollet in France. It is believed to have origins in Normandy or Franche-Comté regions. Early records show the name was spelled Biallei, Biallai, Bialley, Byallee, Byalley, Byalay, Byallay, Bylay, Beolay, Biollay, and other variations. The family is said to have migrated from France to England during the late Middle Ages, with some branches settling in Scotland and Ireland later on. Notable figures with this surname include Jean-Jacques Biolley, a Swiss mathematician, and Thomas Byalley, an English soldier who served in the English Civil War. The name is relatively rare outside of France but has been found in North America and other parts of Europe due to historical migration patterns.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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