NomOrigine Background

Last Name Joly

What is the origin of the last name Joly?

The last name "Joly" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "joli," meaning "pretty" or "handsome." It is likely to have originally been a nickname or descriptive surname given to someone with a pleasing appearance. The name may also have been used as a personal name before becoming a hereditary surname. The "Joly" surname is fairly common in France and French-speaking regions.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Joly

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Joly

The meaning and origin of the last name Joly

The surname Joly is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "joli," meaning pretty or cheerful. It is believed to have originated as a nickname given to someone who was pleasing or attractive in appearance. The name may have also been given to someone who had a cheerful or lively personality. The Joly surname is found in various regions of France and has spread to other countries through immigration. Over time, variations of the name such as Jolie and Jolivet have developed. Today, the surname Joly is still relatively common in France and is also found in French-speaking communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Joly

The surname Joly is most commonly found in France, particularly in the regions of Brittany and Burgundy. It is a French surname that is derived from the word "joli", meaning beautiful or pretty in French. The distribution of the surname Joly extends beyond France and can also be found in countries such as Canada, the United States, and Belgium. In Canada, the surname is most prevalent in the province of Quebec, where French influence is strong. In the United States, the surname is scattered throughout the country, with concentrations in states with large French populations such as Louisiana and Maine. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Joly reflects its French origins and its prevalence in areas with historical ties to France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Joly

The last name Joly has several variations and spellings, including Jolley, Jollie, Jolli, Jolle, and Jolé. These variations may be the result of different phonetic interpretations or regional influences. The surname Joly is of French origin, derived from the word "joli," meaning pretty or handsome, and is commonly found in France, Canada, and other French-speaking regions. The variations of the name Joly reflect changes in pronunciation, spelling, and anglicization over time. Despite the different spellings, each variation still retains the same basic meaning and origin. The surname Joly and its variations have likely been passed down through generations of families, with each spelling representing a unique branch or line of descent.

Famous people with the last name Joly

One famous person with the last name Joly is Louis Jolyon "Jolly" West, a prominent American psychiatrist known for his work in the field of psychiatry and psychological warfare. He was a key figure in the development of the field of forensic psychiatry and made significant contributions to the study of mind control and cult behavior. Another well-known individual with the last name Joly is Lilly Singh, a Canadian YouTuber, and talk show host who gained fame through her popular YouTube channel "IISuperwomanII." She has since transitioned into mainstream media, hosting her talk show on NBC called "A Little Late with Lilly Singh." Both Louis Jolyon West and Lilly Singh have made notable contributions to their respective fields and have left a lasting impact on popular culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Joly

Researching the genealogy of the last name Joly reveals a rich and interesting history. The surname Joly is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "joli," meaning "handsome" or "pretty." It is believed to have been used originally as a nickname for someone with an attractive or pleasant appearance. The Joly family can be traced back to medieval France, with records suggesting they were prominent in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. Over time, branches of the Joly family spread to other parts of Europe, including England and Canada. Many Joly individuals have achieved notable positions in various fields, such as politics, literature, and the arts. Family members have also played significant roles in local communities, with connections to influential families and establishments. Exploring the genealogy of the Joly surname will surely uncover fascinating stories and connections across generations.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Jolan (Last name)

surnames > jolan

The last name "Jolan" does not have a widely known origin or specific meaning. It is possible that it may be a variant of another surname or a variation of a first name. Without mo...

Jolel (Last name)

surnames > jolel

The surname "Jolel" appears to have origins in the Hebrew language, deriving from the personal name "Yahel" or "Yahal," meaning "God shines" or "God will shine." It may also have r...

Jolel miha (Last name)

surnames > jolel-miha

The last name "Jolel Miha" does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in English. It may be a rare or unique surname with limited public information available.

Jolha (Last name)

surnames > jolha

The last name "Jolha" is of Finnish origin, derived from the word "joulu" meaning "Christmas." It is believed to have started as a surname for families who were associated with Chr...

Jolil raju (Last name)

surnames > jolil-raju

The last name "Jolil Raju" originates from India. It is a combination of a given name "Jolil" and a family name "Raju," which is a common surname in South India among the Telugu an...

Joliluddin (Last name)

surnames > joliluddin

The last name "Joliluddin" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the personal name "Jalal ad-Din," which means "glory of the faith" in Arabic. This surname is commonly found in I...

Jolina mendes (Last name)

surnames > jolina-mendes

The last name "Mendes" is of Portuguese origin, deriving from the word "mendes" which means "variegated" or "striped" in the Portuguese language.

Joliquin (Last name)

surnames > joliquin

. The last name Joliquin is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name Jolicoeur, which is composed of the elements "joli" meaning "pretty" or "handsome" a...

Jollad (Last name)

surnames > jollad

The last name Jollad is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the personal name Jallad, which means "executioner" in Arabic. This occupational surname may have been given to someone...

Jollu (Last name)

surnames > jollu

The last name "Jollu" appears to be of Finnish origin. In Finnish, "Jollu" could be a variation or derivative of a surname derived from the word "joulu," which means "Christmas" in...

Jolly (Last name)

surnames > jolly

The last name "Jolly" is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "joli," which means "joyous" or "merry." The name may have been used to describe someone with...

Jolly thaliyath (Last name)

surnames > jolly-thaliyath

The last name Jolly Thaliyath has its origin in India. "Jolly" is a common surname in the state of Kerala, while "Thaliyath" is a subcaste within the Syrian Christian community in ...

Jolo-an (Last name)

surnames > jolo-an

The last name "Joloan" is of Basque origin, which is a region in northern Spain and southwestern France. It is derived from the Basque word "juxoa," meaning "big" or "large."

Joly desai (Last name)

surnames > joly-desai

The last name Joly Desai has origins in the Indian subcontinent. "Joly" is a French surname meaning "merry" or "joyful", while "Desai" is a title used by the Gujarati community in ...