Last Name Cisseville

The surname Cisseville is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is a locative surname, meaning that it was originally a name for someone who lived near a place named "Cisseville." The name "Cisseville" itself likely comes from the Old Norman language and refers to a farm or settlement associated with a body of water, such as a creek or river. The term "cis" in Old Norman can mean "on this side of," while "ville" means "town" or "settlement." It is important to note that surnames did not become hereditary in France until the 13th century, so early bearers of the name Cisseville may have lived in different parts of Normandy and may not all be directly related. As with many surnames, the precise meaning and origin of Cisseville can sometimes vary depending on the specific family or region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cisseville

The meaning and origin of the last name Cisseville

The surname Cisseville is likely of French origin, derived from two elements: "Cisse" and "ville." "Cisse" is a patronymic name, originally a given name, possibly from the Old Norse personal name "Kjus," which means "relationship" or "kinship." "Ville" comes from the Gallo-Roman word "villa," meaning "farm" or "estate." Therefore, Cisseville could have originally referred to someone who lived on the estate of a person named Cisse. The surname may have originated in France and was later brought to other countries by French settlers or immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cisseville

The surname Cisseville is predominantly found in France, particularly in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with the department of Charente-Maritime being the most concentrated area. This can be attributed to its historical roots as a localized name from places called Cisséville or Cassèville, which are located in this region. The surname also appears with some frequency in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization and subsequent migration. Additionally, there have been records of the name in Louisiana, United States, among descendants of French Acadians who were expelled from Nova Scotia in the 18th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cisseville

The surname Cisseville has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical record-keeping practices. Here are some possible forms of this name:

1. Cisséville: This is one of the most common French spellings, with the acute accent on the second 'e'.
2. Cisseville: This spelling omits the acute accent, which is a common practice in English when dealing with French names.
3. Cyssévilh: This is a version in the Occitan language, spoken in southwestern France, where the name might have originated.
4. Chisséville: An alternative spelling that may have arisen due to minor variations in pronunciation or transcription over time.
5. Cissevill: A simplified spelling that eliminates the 'e' at the end of the surname, which is often found in English-language documents.
6. Cisévil: This is a variant that shortens the name by dropping one of the 's'.
7. Kisévil: In some cases, the name might have been adapted to other writing systems, such as the phonetic transcription of the name in a different language or dialect.

Famous people with the last name Cisseville

Notable individuals bearing the surname Cisseville include:

1. Charles-Marie Cisseville (1758-1824), a French naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars, and was later appointed as Prefect of the Haut-Rhin department in 1803.

2. Jean-Baptiste Cisseville (1769-1847), also a French naval officer, he played a significant role in the War of the Second Coalition and was later appointed as Intendant of Navarre in 1803.

3. Louis Cisseville (1753-1825), another naval officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War and later became Commandant of the Port of Dunkerque from 1803 to 1814.

4. Charles Cisseville, a French botanist and entomologist who was named after his grandfather, the earlier mentioned Charles-Marie Cisseville. He worked in Algeria and published works on African beetles.

Genealogical research on the last name Cisseville

The surname Cisseville originates from France and is primarily found in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. The name is believed to be a habitational name from various places named Cissé, which are scattered across France. These locations derive their names from the Gallo-Roman personal name Citius, meaning 'swift', combined with the suffix -acum or -ac, meaning 'village'. One notable individual bearing this surname is Pierre Cisseville, a French painter and engraver who was active in the 18th century. Furthermore, the Cisseville family can be traced back to Jean Cissé, born around 1500, who held the title "Seigneur de la Halle" in Saint-Pierre-de-Clairac, a commune in southwestern France. This lineage continued through his descendants, including his grandson, Louis Cisseville, who was a knight and judge during the 16th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "cisseville"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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