Last Name Vuillemey

The surname Vuillemey is of French origin. It is derived from a given name, which was originally a diminutive form of the name Guillaume, meaning "will" or "desire" and "helmet" respectively, in Old French. Over time, the given name evolved into Villeme, and then Vuillemey. The surname became common among the Normans who invaded England in 1066, but it also spread to other regions of France where it remains a relatively common name today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vuillemey

The meaning and origin of the last name Vuillemey

The surname Vuillemey originates from France, specifically from regions such as Picardy, Normandy, and Lorraine. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "vilemain" or "vilemains," meaning a farmer or tenant of a small farm. Over time, the spelling evolved to Vuillemey due to various phonetic variations and regional dialects. The name may also have been a nickname for someone who was considered hardworking and diligent, like a good farmer, reflecting the value placed on agriculture in feudal society. Like many surnames, its exact origin may be lost to history, but it remains a common French surname today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vuillemey

The surname Vuillemey is predominantly of French origin and has a significant presence in France, particularly in regions such as Normandy, Picardy, and Franche-Comté. Outside France, there are notable populations of individuals with the surname Vuillemey in countries with historical ties to France, including Belgium, Canada (Quebec), and Switzerland. Additionally, due to immigration and diaspora, there are smaller communities carrying the name in countries like the United States, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vuillemey

The surname Vuillemey has several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Villerme, Villermeaux, Villermoz, Villermot, and Villemay. These variations may result from differences in spelling conventions over time or regional dialects. Additionally, the name could have originated from various places in France, such as Meaux or Villemeux, which might explain some of these spellings. It's also worth noting that the name can be found in other countries, including Belgium and Switzerland, where similar spelling variations may occur due to differences in language or local traditions.

Famous people with the last name Vuillemey

Notable individuals with the surname Vuillemey include:

1. Charles-Emile Vuillemey (1834-1926), a French neurologist who was one of the first to recognize and describe Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and fatal degenerative brain disorder.

2. Jean Louis Armand Vuillemey (1811-1875), a French archaeologist who made significant contributions to the study of Egyptian and Greek antiquities. He served as the director-general of the Louvre Museum in Paris from 1860 until his death.

3. Jean-Baptiste Vuillemey (1797-1875), a French sculptor known for his work on numerous monuments and public buildings throughout France. One of his most notable works is the statue of Napoleon I on horseback in Saint-Cloud, near Paris.

4. Pierre Jules Vuillemey (1828-1910), a French archaeologist who made important discoveries in Egypt and Italy. He was one of the first to advocate for the use of photography as a tool for recording archaeological sites.

Genealogical research on the last name Vuillemey

The Vuillemey surname is predominantly of French origin and is believed to have derived from various localities named "Villeneuve" or "Villemey," meaning "new town" or "town of the mill." One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is that of Jean de Villeneuve, a knight mentioned in the Chronicles of Normandy during the 12th century. The family spread across France and later migrated to other countries, including Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States due to historical events such as the French Revolution and economic factors. In America, the Vuillemey family settled primarily in Louisiana, where they played significant roles in the fur trade, politics, and military throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Notable individuals with this surname include Jean-Baptiste Vuillemin (1748-1832), a French politician, and Antoine Vuillemin (1605-1683), a French missionary in Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vuillemey"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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