Last Name Meylan

The last name "Meylan" has its origin in Switzerland. It is predominantly found in the French-speaking regions of the country, particularly in the Canton of Vaud. The name "Meylan" originated as a locational surname, meaning it was derived from a place name. In this case, it likely comes from the municipality of Meylan in France, located in the Isère department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Over time, individuals with the name "Meylan" may have migrated to different regions, leading to its presence in other areas as well.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meylan

The meaning and origin of the last name Meylan

The surname Meylan is of Swiss origin and carries significance rooted in the ancient history of the region. Derived from the Middle High German word 'mulin,' which translates to 'mill,' the name indicates an occupational surname for someone involved in milling. This could refer to either the operation of a mill or the ownership of one. Meylan may have originally denoted a miller or someone residing near a mill, which was a vital element in medieval European society. Mills were essential for the grinding of grain, an essential activity for the production of flour, a staple food at the time. Being associated with such a fundamental profession could indicate that individuals bearing this surname held crucial roles in their community. The surname Meylan likely emerged during the Middle Ages in Switzerland, where mills were a common sight along rivers and streams to harness the power of water. Over time, it is plausible that some bearers of the surname relocated and spread the name to other regions, contributing to its presence in various areas beyond Switzerland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meylan

The last name Meylan is primarily found in the French-speaking regions of Switzerland. The geographical distribution of the surname mainly centers around the cantons of Vaud and Fribourg in the western part of the country. The town of Meylan, located in the Isère department of France, is also home to a significant number of individuals with this surname. Additionally, a small number of Meylans can be traced to other parts of Switzerland, such as the cantons of Neuchâtel and Geneva. The name Meylan has its origins in the medieval period and is derived from the Old French word "moulin", meaning mill. This surname likely denotes individuals who were associated with or owned mills in their respective regions. Today, descendants of the Meylan family can be found in various parts of the world due to migration and global mobility, but the majority can still be found in Switzerland and France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meylan

The last name "Meylan" may have several variations and possible spellings, reflecting different regional pronunciations, transcriptions, or historical linguistic changes. Some potential variations include Meyland, Meilan, Meyllan, Meilan, Meilin, Meijlan, Meijlân, Meilan, Mélan, and Méllan. These variations might occur due to factors like migration, assimilation into different cultures, or simple misspellings or misinterpretations of the name over time. Consequently, individuals with the last name Meylan may encounter these varying spellings when tracing their family history, searching for records, or engaging in global communication. It is important to note that these variations do not only affect the last name Meylan but are common across many surnames due to the complex nature of language development and human migration.

Famous people with the last name Meylan

The Meylan family may be lesser-known in the realm of fame, but they have made significant contributions in their respective fields. One prominent figure from the Meylan family is Henri Meylan, a renowned Swiss watchmaker. His craftsmanship and innovation in the watchmaking industry have earned him a reputation as one of the pioneers of luxury timepieces. Another noteworthy individual is Thierry Meylan, a talented musician and composer. With his melodious compositions and unique musical style, he has captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the world of music. Additionally, we cannot overlook André Meylan, a skilled photographer who has captured breathtaking moments through his lens. His ability to encapsulate emotions and tell stories through his photographs has garnered him international acclaim. Though perhaps not as widely known as some other famous last names, the Meylans have proven their talent and creativity in their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Meylan

The surname "Meylan" has origins in both Switzerland and France. In Switzerland, it is believed to originate from the French-speaking region of the Canton of Vaud. The name is derived from the Old French word "meylan" which means "mill." This suggests that some early bearers of the name may have been millers or lived near a mill. There are records of individuals with the surname Meylan living in various Swiss cities during the Middle Ages. Some members of the Meylan family later migrated to France, particularly in the region of Isère. In France, the name is often spelled "Mélin" or "Mélyn," but it can still be linked back to the Swiss origin. Today, individuals with the surname Meylan can be found all around the world, with concentrations in Switzerland, France, and their respective diaspora communities. Genealogical research can trace specific familial connections and branches within the extended Meylan family.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "meylan"
• 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 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends