Last Name Lethuillier

The surname Lethuillier is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French "let" meaning "meadow" and "huiller" which means "oil-maker." Over time, it could have been a nickname for someone who lived near an oil press in a meadow, or it may have been a metonymic occupational name for someone involved in the production of oil. As with many surnames, its exact origin may vary between families and regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lethuillier

The meaning and origin of the last name Lethuillier

The surname Lethuillier is a French name that originated from the Old French "l'étui" meaning 'the case or sheath', and the Norman-French "le tuiller" which means 'the leather worker'. It was often given to individuals who were leather craftsmen, specifically those involved in creating cases, sheaths, or armor. Over time, the name evolved into its current spelling, Lethuillier. In the Middle Ages, many French families adopted occupational names as a means of identification before surnames became hereditary. The Lethuillier family is known to have originated from the region of Normandy in France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lethuillier

Lethuillier is a French surname primarily concentrated in France, particularly in regions such as Brittany and Normandy, where it originated from medieval settlers or knights who held lands under the feudal system. It has also been found to be prevalent in other parts of France like Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes. Outside of France, the name has dispersed due to French colonization and immigration. Notable populations can be found in Canada, particularly in Quebec, where it is a common surname due to the historical influence of French settlers. Additionally, there are significant Lethuillier communities in Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States, mostly as a result of French immigration during the 17th to 20th centuries. The name can also be found in other countries with French colonies such as Haiti and some African nations like Senegal, due to the historical presence of French colonial forces.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lethuillier

The surname Lethuillier has several variations and alternate spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common variations include Le Thuillier, Letuiller, L'Etuillier, L'Huillier, Le Hullier, Lethulier, L'Heutuillier, L'Heuduillier, and L'Heutillier. These variations mostly result from the different ways of writing French accents and apostrophes in English text over time. It is important to note that these variations may lead to different phonetic pronunciations, reflecting regional dialects within France where the surname originated. The original spelling of this name would be Lethuillier de La Grange, a title indicating nobility from the region of Normandy in France.

Famous people with the last name Lethuillier

Prominent individuals with the surname Lethuillier include:

1. Pierre-Esprit Radisson (1643-1710), a French-Canadian explorer, fur trader, and naval officer who played a significant role in the early exploration of North America for both French and British interests.

2. Pierre Lethuillier (1850-1906), a French academic painter known for his historical and mythological works, as well as for portraits of notable personalities such as Napoleon III, Pope Pius IX, and Tsar Alexander II.

3. Jean-Baptiste Lethuillier (1746-1834), a French naval officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. He later became Governor of French Guiana in 1802.

4. Gaston Lethuillier (1905-1944), a French aviator and flying ace during World War I, credited with 31 victories. He was posthumously awarded the Legion of Honor.

5. Jean Lethuillier (1932-2021), a French archaeologist who specialized in prehistoric and protohistoric periods, particularly focusing on Egyptology. He was the former director of the Louvre's Department of Egyptian Antiquities.

Genealogical research on the last name Lethuillier

The surname Lethuillier originates from France and is derived from the occupation of a miller or a person associated with a mill. The name is a diminutive form of 'moul' meaning 'mill', and 'maudit' meaning 'cursed'. The first recorded appearance of the name was in the 13th century during the reign of King Philip III of France. Some notable individuals bearing the Lethuillier surname include Jean-Baptiste de Lethuillier, a French politician who served as Minister of the Navy under Louis XV, and Charles François Dumouriez Lethuillier, a French general during the French Revolution. The name has since spread to other parts of the world due to French colonization and migration, with significant populations found in countries like Canada and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "lethuillier"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends