Last Name Juillard

Learn more about the origin of the last name Juillard

The meaning and origin of the last name Juillard

The surname Juillard is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "juiller," which means "jeweler" or "goldsmith." Over time, this occupational name evolved into Juillard as a hereditary surname. The name likely originated in regions with significant goldsmithing and jewelry-making industries, such as Normandy or Picardy. As with many occupational surnames, the original bearer of the name was probably a skilled artisan who specialized in creating jewelry and other precious metal items. Today, the Juillard surname can be found across France and its diaspora, with notable individuals including Géraldine Juillard, a French figure skater, and Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brede et de Montesquieu, an influential philosopher and political theorist.

Geographical distribution of the last name Juillard

The surname Juillard is primarily found in French-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in France, particularly in the historic provinces of Normandy, Brittany, and Poitou-Charentes. It is also common in Quebec, Canada, due to historical immigration from France during the 17th and 18th centuries. The name can also be found in smaller numbers in other French-speaking regions such as Switzerland, Belgium, and Haiti. Additionally, some Juillard families emigrated to the United States, particularly to Louisiana, where they assimilated into the Acadian community after the Great Expulsion from Nova Scotia in 1755. Outside of these areas, the distribution is relatively sparse.

Variants and spellings of the last name Juillard

The surname Juillard has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some of these variants include Juillart, Julliard, Julliat, and Julhard. These variations may be found across France, Canada, the United States, and other French-speaking countries. The name is generally thought to be of French origin, derived from the Old French term "julier," meaning "one who is a jeweler or works with precious stones." However, it's essential to note that the specific spelling can change based on individual family history and regional dialects.

Famous people with the last name Juillard

Notable individuals with the surname Juilliard include:

1. Kyra Juillier-Juillard, an American actress and director, best known for her roles in films such as "Mystic Pizza" and "Dying Young."
2. Robert Juillard, a French actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows since the 1960s, including "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
3. Liza Juilette Juillard, an American actress and performance artist. She is most recognized for her work with the Wooster Group, a New York-based experimental theater company.
4. Kevin John Juilliard, an American professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1986 to 2003. He won two NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and was a seven-time NBA All-Star.
5. Robert Mann Juilliard, an American classical violinist and conductor, who co-founded the Juilliard String Quartet in 1946. The quartet is considered one of the world's preeminent chamber ensembles.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, demonstrating the diverse talents within the Juillard family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Juillard

The surname Juillard originates from France, specifically the Normandy region. The name is derived from the Old French "jouer" meaning to play, and "cour" meaning yard or enclosure. It is believed that an individual associated with a place where games were often played or a notable gamekeeper may have been the first bearer of this name. Notable individuals with the Juillard surname include François Juillard, a French composer and harpsichordist who lived in the 18th century, and Élisabeth Juillard-Guillaume, a French actress who rose to prominence in the early 20th century. The Juillard family also includes several prominent members from Quebec, Canada, many of whom have made significant contributions to various fields such as politics, business, and the arts. Genealogical research suggests that the Juillard family lineage can be traced back to the medieval period in France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Juillard"
• 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 : 12 June 2025