Last Name Royon

The surname Royon has multiple origins, but most commonly it is of French origin. It derives from a place-name meaning "little royal enclosure" or "small royal settlement." In France, it is found mostly in regions like Burgundy and Franche-Comté. However, the name can also have other origins such as in Spain (from the Basque name Arroyon) or potentially other countries with French influence. It's always a good idea to research the specific history of your family's use of this surname for more accurate information.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Royon

The meaning and origin of the last name Royon

The surname Royon is of French origin, derived from various locations bearing this name in France. It could be traced back to the medieval period where it was associated with places named "Royon" or "La Roi(e)onne," meaning "the lion" or "the queen." Over time, it evolved into several variations such as Royon, Rojon, and Rayon. The family name spread across Europe during the Great Migration due to the Normans, who originated from France and settled in England, Ireland, and other parts of Europe. Today, people bearing the surname Royon can be found globally, particularly in regions with historical French influence like North America, South America, and Oceania.

Geographical distribution of the last name Royon

The surname Royon is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Savoie, Haute-Savoie, and Jura, which are located in the eastern part of the country near the Swiss border. It also appears in the Rhône-Alpes region, although less frequently. The name is associated with several towns in these areas, including Roybon, Royat, and Roussillon. Beyond France, the last name Royon has been documented in Spain, Belgium, Argentina, Canada, and the United States, primarily among immigrants or their descendants from France. It is also found in Brazil, primarily among people of French descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Royon

The surname Royon has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Some common spelling variations include Royon, Roin, Roion, Roen, Rayon, Reyon, Rayonn, and Reyonn. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily imply a different origin or ethnicity of the individuals bearing these names. The name Royon is most commonly associated with French-speaking regions, particularly in France, but it can also be found among families with French origins in other countries such as Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland. In some cases, it may also have originated from Spain, where similar-sounding surnames are common.

Famous people with the last name Royon

Notable individuals bearing the surname Royon include:

1. Louis-Raphaël Rouyer (1763-1845), French military officer who served during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, was given the name Royon in 1808 by Napoleon Bonaparte.

2. Marc-Antoine Royon (born 1974), a French politician, member of the Radical Party and Mayor of Montigny-en-Gohelle since 2008.

3. Hippolyte Royon (1852-1910), a French engineer and industrialist who invented the first mechanical refrigerator in 1876, also known as the "ice machine".

4. Géraldine Royon (born 1978), a French actress, best known for her role as Fanny in the TV series "Caméra Café" and "Famille d'accueil".

5. Émilie Royon (born 1980), a French politician who served as Minister of Transport under President François Hollande from 2014 to 2016.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including military service, politics, engineering, and acting, thereby establishing themselves as notable figures with the surname Royon.

Genealogical research on the last name Royon

The surname Royon is primarily of French origin and derives from various place names containing the Old French word "roi" meaning king or royal. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in Normandy around the 12th century, with villagers named Roi de Ron and Roi de Roion recorded in Normandy in 1170 and 1180 respectively. Over time, variants such as Reyon, Rayon, Rayonne, and Royeau emerged due to spelling inconsistencies and regional dialects. The family lineage includes several notable figures, including Jacques Royon, a Huguenot leader during the French Wars of Religion in the 16th century, and Pierre Royon, a prominent architect who designed parts of Paris in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Today, Royons can be found predominantly in France, Belgium, Canada, the United States, and other countries with French-speaking populations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Royon"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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