Last Name Boulle

Learn more about the origin of the last name Boulle

The meaning and origin of the last name Boulle

The surname Boulle is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "bouelle" or "boel(l)e," which means "cowhide." This occupational name was likely given to a tanner who worked with cowhides. Over time, it evolved into various spellings such as Boullé, Boullet, and Boulle. The name is most prevalent in France but has also been found among French settlers in Quebec, Canada. It's worth noting that the Boulle family gained significant fame in the 17th century with Jean Martial Houlier de Saint-Just, a French clockmaker who designed intricate ormolu clocks, contributing to the development of the French Baroque style in furniture and decorative arts.

Geographical distribution of the last name Boulle

The surname Boulle is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly France, due to its origins from the Old French word "bouille" meaning boiler or pot. Variants such as Boullé, Bolle, Bulle, and others can also be traced back to this root. In addition to France, the name Boulle has migrated with French settlers to various parts of the world, including Canada, the United States (especially Louisiana and Quebec), and various countries in Africa, such as Senegal and Ivory Coast, due to colonial expansion and immigration. The name also appears in other European countries like Belgium and Switzerland, reflecting historical connections between these regions and France. In recent times, individuals bearing the surname Boulle can be found globally, including countries with significant French-speaking diasporas such as Haiti, Martinique, and Quebec.

Variants and spellings of the last name Boulle

The surname Boulle has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common spelling variants include Boullé, Bouelle, Boullet, Bolle, and Bull. These variations may have arisen due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or changes in naming conventions over time. The French name Boulle is derived from the Old French word "bouel" which means 'barrel', and was likely given as an occupational name for a cooper or barrel maker. In Scottish Gaelic, the surname Bull may have been anglicized from the original Gaelic form Mac an Bhailidh, meaning son of the worker or smith. It is important to note that while these variations exist, the original spelling of a surname can sometimes be traced back through historical records and genealogical research.

Famous people with the last name Boulle

Pierre Boulle, a French author and screenwriter, is perhaps the most well-known individual bearing the surname Boulle. Best recognized for his novel "Planet of the Apes" (originally titled "La Planète des Singes"), published in 1963, he also penned the science fiction novel "The Bridge over the River Kwai," which was later adapted into a successful film of the same name. In addition to these works, Boulle authored other novels such as "Monkey with a Gun" and "The Tyrannosaurus Rex." Born in France in 1912, he died in Paris in 1994, leaving behind a lasting impact on both literature and cinema. Another notable figure named Boulle is the French fashion designer Alexandre Boulle, who gained fame for designing luxury automobile interiors and accessories. In 2005, he was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur by the French government for his contributions to design and craftsmanship.

Genealogical research on the last name Boulle

The surname Boulle is of French origin and is believed to have derived from various locations bearing the same name, such as Boulles in Meuse and Boulogne-sur-Mer in Pas-de-Calais. Early records show that the name was spelled in various ways, including Bolle, Bulle, Boulle, and Bull, indicating its evolution over time. Notable figures with the surname Boulle include Jean Boulle, a French engraver in the 16th century, and François Boulle, a French politician in the late 20th century. The name has also been found in England, Scotland, and North America due to migration and colonization throughout history. A significant number of Boulle descendants can be traced back to Normandy, France, highlighting its French roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "boulle"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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.
Last updated : 30 July 2025