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Last Name Vauville

What is the origin of the last name Vauville?

The surname Vauville is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically a village named Vauville in Normandy, France. The name Vauville comes from the Old French words "vau" meaning valley or lowland and "ville" meaning town or city. Over time, as families moved away from their original homelands, they often took their place names with them as a form of identification. Thus, the surname Vauville is a locative name, meaning that it originally denoted where an individual lived.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vauville

The meaning and origin of the last name Vauville

The surname Vauville originates from France and is derived from various locations bearing the same name across the country. The name "Vauville" itself means "little valley" or "small valley" in French, indicating its geographical origins. Over time, it has been recorded under slightly varying spellings such as Vauvilliers, Vauviller, and Vauvillé due to the differences in regional dialects and transcription practices. As with many surnames, the migration of individuals bearing this name led to its dispersal across Europe and eventually other continents, where it continues to be found today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vauville

The surname Vauville is primarily found in France, where it originates from the region Normandy. Specifically, it is most prevalent in the departments of Eure and Seine-Maritime. Beyond France, variations such as Vaville, Vauvel, and Wavil appear sporadically across other French-speaking countries, particularly in Belgium and Switzerland. In addition, there are also trace occurrences of this surname among French-Canadian immigrants in Quebec, Canada. The dispersal of the name to these locations can be attributed to migration patterns during historical periods like the French colonization of North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vauville

The surname Vauville can be found with various spellings and variations due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common variations include:

1. Vauvilliers (French)
2. Vauvillaud (French)
3. Vauvillé (French)
4. Vauvillez (French)
5. Vauvilet (French)
6. Wauwille, Wauville (Dutch)
7. Wawille, Wawville (German)
8. Vauvel, Vavil (English)
9. Fauville, Fouville (Old English/Norman)
10. Vauvillé (Belgian-French)

These variations reflect the mobility of individuals and families throughout history, as well as the different languages and dialects spoken in various regions. It is essential to consider these variations when conducting genealogical research or identifying historical figures with the surname Vauville.

Famous people with the last name Vauville

The Vauville surname has been associated with notable figures in various fields. One of the most well-known is Yves Montand (real name Ivo Livi), a French actor and singer who achieved international fame during the mid-20th century. Known for his baritone voice, he won numerous awards and was a prominent figure in the French New Wave cinema. In music, Jacques Vauville was a French composer and pianist known for writing several popular songs in the 1930s and '40s. Lastly, Jean-Pierre Vauvelle is a French diplomat who served as France's Ambassador to China from 2007 to 2012. These individuals have left lasting impacts in their respective domains, making the surname Vauville significant in cultural and political spheres.

Genealogical research on the last name Vauville

The surname Vauville originates from France and is primarily associated with the Normandy region, specifically the Calvados department. The name is derived from a place name, indicating an individual who lived near or owned land at a location called "Vauville." The term "Vauville" is composed of two elements: "vau" which means hollow or valley, and "ville" meaning village or settlement.

Throughout history, various branches of the Vauville family have spread across France and beyond, primarily due to migration and political events such as the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) and the French Revolution (1789). Some notable descendants include Pierre Vauville, a prominent 18th-century mathematician, and Jean Vauville, a French Resistance fighter during World War II. The name is also present in Canadian genealogical records, with several Vauvilles settling in Quebec in the 17th century.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

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