Last Name Demarchelier

The surname Demarchelier is of French origin. It is derived from a place name and means "from Marcilly," referring to several towns named Marcilly found in various regions of France. This name would have been originally given as a locative surname, denoting that the original bearer lived near or was from one of these places. Over time, it has been anglicized to Demarchelier.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Demarchelier

The meaning and origin of the last name Demarchelier

The surname Demarchelier is of French origin, specifically from the northern regions of France, particularly Picardy. It is derived from two elements: 'demarche', which means 'march' or 'approach', and 'lieu', meaning 'place'. Thus, Demarchelier originally referred to someone who lived at a place where there was an approach or march, such as a military camp or a crossroads. The name evolved over time, with variations including De Marcq, De Marcilly, and Demarsiliers in France. Notable individuals bearing the surname Demarchelier include the fashion model and photographer Patrick Demarchelier.

Geographical distribution of the last name Demarchelier

The surname Demarchelier is predominantly of French origin and is most concentrated in France, particularly in regions such as Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardie, where it's believed to have originated from the town of Marchéles-en-Brenne (originally Marche-lès-Dinant). However, significant numbers of people with this surname can also be found in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. In the United States, it's commonly found in states with a strong French Canadian influence such as Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. There are also notable populations in the Netherlands and countries with a significant French expatriate community, such as Australia and the UK.

Variants and spellings of the last name Demarchelier

The surname Demarchelier has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these include: De Marcheleir, De Marcelleur, De Marchalier, De Marcqleire, De Marcqliere, De Markquiere, Demarcqliere, Demarkquiere, Demarckquiere, Demarchqliere, Demarkelier, and Demerqliere. These variations may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcribing errors, or changes in spelling norms over the centuries. Despite these differences, they all share a common origin, tracing back to the French region of Flanders.

Famous people with the last name Demarchelier

One of the most notable individuals with the surname Demarchelier is the Belgian-born French fashion photographer, Patrick Demarchelier. He began his career in the early 1970s and has since worked for high-profile publications such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle, photographing celebrities like Princess Diana, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Campbell. His distinctive style, characterized by natural lighting and an emphasis on capturing the essence of his subjects, has made him one of the industry's most sought-after photographers. Another renowned figure with the Demarchelier name is the American model and actress, Amber Valletta, who was discovered in 1993 while shopping at a mall. She quickly became a top model, walking for designers like Calvin Klein and Chanel, before transitioning into acting. Both Patrick Demarchelier and Amber Valletta have made significant contributions to the fashion and entertainment industries, respectively.

Genealogical research on the last name Demarchelier

The Demarchelier surname originates from France and is derived from the Old French term 'demi charlier', meaning 'half Charles'. This name was likely given to individuals associated with the Carolingian dynasty, who ruled France during the Middle Ages. One notable bearer of this name is Gerard Demarchelier, a French-American fashion photographer known for his work with Vogue magazine and other high-profile clients. His grandfather, also named Gerard Demarchelier, emigrated from France to the United States in 1928. In the U.S., the Demarchelier family is primarily concentrated in New York and Massachusetts, with records of their presence dating back to the early 20th century. Genealogical research indicates that the Demarchelier lineage can be traced back to the region of Normandy in France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "demarchelier"
• 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

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