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Last Name Follea

What is the origin of the last name Follea?

The surname Follea has roots in France. It is derived from various places named Follet, Folletin, and Folleville in the Normandy region of France. This surname likely originated as a local surname, which means it was originally used to identify people who lived in or near these locations. The name is thought to be derived from the Old French word "follet," which means "little goblin" or "spirit." However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and can change over time due to various factors such as spelling variations and migrations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Follea

The meaning and origin of the last name Follea

The surname Follea is believed to have French origins, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is derived from various place names across France that share the same root, such as Folleville, Folletot, and Folleville-en-Caux, which are all named after the Old Norse word 'folr' meaning 'people' or 'folk', combined with 'vill' meaning 'settlement' or 'farm'. The name could also have evolved from a personal name of Old Norse origin, 'Follei', which was later Latinized as Folletus. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname Follea may have varied due to geographical and historical influences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Follea

The surname Follea is primarily concentrated in France, with a significant number of bearers found in the Brittany region, specifically in the departments of Côtes-d'Armor and Finistère. This regional clustering suggests that the name may have originated from this area. However, it's also present in other parts of France, albeit less frequently. Outside of France, the surname Follea is relatively scarce, but there are some occurrences in Belgium, particularly in the Wallonia region, and a few instances in Canada, mainly in Quebec, which could be due to French emigration. Additionally, there are records of individuals with this surname in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, most likely as a result of further migration from France or its colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Follea

The surname Follea has several variations and alternate spellings. Some of these include Folée, Folléa, Folia, and Follae. These variations may have originated due to differences in spelling conventions, regional dialects, or transcription errors over time. However, it's important to note that the specific variation of a surname can sometimes provide insight into its geographical or cultural origins. For example, Follea could potentially be derived from French or Italian roots, given the similarity to words like "foliage" (French) and "foglia" (Italian). But without additional context, it's challenging to definitively determine the exact origin of this surname.

Famous people with the last name Follea

Notable individuals with the surname Folléa include:

1. Marion Folléa (born 1984), a French actress known for her roles in films such as "La Guerre des boutons" and "The New Tenants."
2. Jean-Pierre Folléa (1937-2015), a French composer and musicologist who wrote numerous scores for films, television shows, and ballets.
3. Bernard Folléa (born 1946), a French politician who served as the Minister of Defense under President François Mitterrand. He is also known for his work in local government, particularly in Seine-Saint-Denis department.
4. Julien Folléa (born 1987), a French professional footballer who currently plays for Swiss club FC St. Gallen as a goalkeeper.
5. Sébastien Folléa (born 1980), a French rugby union player who played as a prop for several teams, including RC Toulon and France's national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Follea

The surname Follea originates from France and is predominantly found in the Brittany region. The name is believed to have derived from various locations such as Folles, Fougeres, or Folligny. One of the earliest recorded instances of this surname was in 1230 when Robert de Folleio appeared in historical documents. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variants including Folley, Follet, and Folliot, among others. The Follea family migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066, establishing roots in various parts of the country, particularly in Kent and Sussex. Later on, the Folleas were also found in America, with early records showing their arrival in Louisiana in the 18th century. The Follea family tree is vast and diverse, with numerous branches scattered across Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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