Last Name Vigne

The surname Vigne is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "vignes," meaning "vines" or "wine-growing estate." This surname was often given to individuals who lived on or worked at such an estate, or it may have been a metonymic occupational name for someone involved in the wine trade. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved, with variations including Vigneau, Vignaud, and Vignola, among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vigne

The meaning and origin of the last name Vigne

The surname Vigne is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "vignes," meaning vines or vineyard. It was originally an occupational name for someone who worked on or owned a vineyard. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passed down from generation to generation. The name can also be found in Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland due to historical influences. Notable individuals with the surname Vigne include Jean Baptiste Vigenere, a French cryptographer who developed a method for encrypting messages that is still used today, and Giuseppe Vigna, an Italian politician.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vigne

The last name Vigne is primarily found across France, where it originates from various regions including Normandy, Brittany, and Franche-Comté. Its presence can also be traced in several other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada due to historical migrations. In addition, smaller populations of the Vigne surname can be found in other European countries such as Italy, Spain, and Germany, likely as a result of similar migration patterns or familial connections between these regions and France over time. The name has also been brought to English-speaking countries through immigration waves, particularly to the United States and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vigne

The surname Vigne can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time, as well as regional dialects and personal preferences. Some common versions of this last name include Vigné, Vignee, Vigneaux, Vigney, and Vignier. These spellings may originate from slight alterations in pronunciation or the influence of local linguistic traditions. The name likely derives from the French word "vigne," meaning vine or vineyard, indicating an occupational or geographical origin. Despite these variations, all these spellings share a common root and are considered variants of the same last name.

Famous people with the last name Vigne

Notable individuals with the surname Vigne include:

1. Charles François Antoine Marie Joseph Bichat de Ville du Petit-Vigne (1771-1802), a French anatomist and physiologist, considered one of the founders of modern pathological anatomy.

2. Adolphe Théodore Brongniart de Ville du Petit-Vigne (1799-1876), a French botanist, best known for his work in palaeobotany and the establishment of the Jardin des Plantes' mineralogy and botany museum.

3. John Vigne (1820-1899), an Australian explorer, surveyor, and politician who played a significant role in the early exploration and development of South Australia.

4. George William Vigne (1806-1879), an English author, best known for his books on India, including "Stories from the Land of the Rajahs" and "Ramalana or the Indian Puppet Show."

5. Édouard François Louis Vieu de Vigne (1834-1902), a French military officer and writer who served as a war correspondent during the Franco-Prussian War.

6. André Vigne (born 1957), a French former footballer who played for various clubs, including FC Metz and RC Lens, and the France national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Vigne

The surname Vigne is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "vigna" meaning vineyard or vine. It was primarily used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a vineyard or as an occupational name for someone who worked in a vineyard.

The earliest record of the surname Vigne dates back to 1370, in the region of Normandy, France. Over time, the name spread throughout France and into other European countries due to various historical events such as the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and the subsequent settlement of Normans in England.

In England, the surname Vigne is most commonly found in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Devon. In America, it was brought by French and English immigrants who settled primarily in Louisiana, Quebec, and New England in the 17th and 18th centuries. Famous individuals bearing the name Vigne include Jean-Baptiste Vigenère, a French cryptographer, and Robert Vignes, a British Army officer who served during World War I.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vigne"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends