Last Name Mayou

The surname "Mayou" is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, which originally referred to a village located near the town of Le Puy-en-Velay, in the department of Haute-Loire, France. Over time, people from this area adopted the name as their own, passing it down through generations and eventually spreading it across different regions and countries. Today, "Mayou" is found among various populations worldwide who have a connection to French ancestry or history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mayou

The meaning and origin of the last name Mayou

The surname "Mayou" is of French origin, derived from various place names in France that bear this moniker. These places are primarily located in the Normandy region, notably around the town of May-en-Multien. The name itself is thought to be a combination of two Old French words: 'mai' meaning 'may' or 'month' and 'alou', a term for an alder tree. Over time, this became shortened and anglicized to "Mayou." It is also possible that the surname could have originated from a person who lived near such places, using the name as a nickname before it was passed down through generations. In the English-speaking world, the spelling variations of this surname include Mayo, Maio, and Mayough.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mayou

The surname Mayou is predominantly found in France and West Africa. In France, it is particularly concentrated in the eastern regions, notably Alsace, Lorraine, and Franche-Comté, reflecting historical migration patterns from Germany and Switzerland. In West Africa, it is most prevalent in countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, and Togo, where it is often associated with the ethnic group known as the Yoruba or Mina, who have a significant presence in these regions. Smaller populations can also be found in other parts of the world due to diaspora, such as North America, where descendants of West African immigrants may carry the name Mayou.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mayou

The surname Mayou, or its variants, presents several spelling alternatives. The most common versions include Mayo, Mayou, Maio, Meyou, and Maiou. These variations may arise due to differences in regional dialects, historical transcription errors, or individual preferences. Some other less frequent spellings are Maihu, Meihu, and Meyhu, which might be found among immigrant families or in rare instances. It is also possible to encounter alternate forms such as MacMahon (Irish), de Mayo (Spanish), or Meyer (German), though these names have different origins but may share a similar sound with Mayou. The spelling of the name often provides clues about its geographical origin and cultural background.

Famous people with the last name Mayou

Notable individuals with the surname Mayou include:

1. Robert Mayou (born 1948), a British psychiatrist known for his work on depression and suicide assessment, who has authored several influential textbooks on psychiatry.
2. Judy Mayo (born 1953 as Judy Mayou), an American actress, best recognized for her roles in the television series "The Facts of Life" (as Natalie Green) and "Murder, She Wrote" (as Officer Lucy Bates).
3. Gérard Mayou (born 1960), a British physician and academic, who specializes in psychiatry, particularly occupational health and medical ethics. He has held positions at the University of Oxford and has published numerous articles on these subjects.
4. Rachel Mayo (born 1982), an English actress known for her roles in "The Bill," "Hollyoaks," and "Holby City." She is also a member of the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
5. David Mayou (born 1963), a British writer, composer, and musician who has produced music for video games, documentaries, and animations. He is known for his work on "Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" and "The Tale of Despereaux."

These individuals demonstrate a range of talents and careers within their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Mayou

The surname Mayou has roots primarily in France, with variations such as Maillot, Maillet, and Mailhou, originating from different regions like Normandy, Brittany, and Picardy. The earliest recorded instance of the name is found in the late Middle Ages, with Jean le Maiol or Johanne Maelho being documented in Normandy around 1300 AD. Over time, the spelling evolved as families migrated to other parts of Europe, particularly England, where records show a John Mayow living in London during the Tudor period (1485-1603). The name made its way to America with early French and Huguenot settlers in the 17th century, notably in Louisiana and South Carolina. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Francis Mayo, an American botanist, and Paul Mayou, a French Olympic equestrian.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mayou"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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