Last Name Vuilleminey

The surname Vuilleminey is believed to be of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from various locations named Vuillermet, Vullierens, or Villers-l'Équipe in France. Surnames commonly originated as a means of identification among people with the same or similar names during the Middle Ages. They often were derived from geographical locations, occupations, or personal characteristics. In this case, the name likely came from one of the mentioned places and was subsequently passed down through generations over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vuilleminey

The meaning and origin of the last name Vuilleminey

The surname Vuilleminet is of French origin, derived from the Old French term "Vilain" which means 'peasant' or 'farmer', and the diminutive suffix "-et". Over time, it evolved into various spellings such as Vilmain, Villement, and Vuilleminet. The name was often given to individuals who lived in rural areas or were of peasant background. As French populations migrated and settled in other countries, variations of the surname emerged, reflecting differences in pronunciation, spelling, and transliteration based on local linguistic influences. Today, Vuilleminet is a relatively uncommon surname but can be found among communities with French ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vuilleminey

The surname Vuilleminey is predominantly found in France, specifically in the eastern region of Franche-Comté and nearby regions such as Burgundy and Alsace, where it originated. Its distribution is primarily centered around the cities of Besançon and Dole, historically part of the Duchy of Burgundy, and the Vuillemin family has been traced back to the 13th century in these areas. Over time, members of the Vuillemin family may have migrated to other parts of France or moved abroad, leading to its presence in countries with a significant French population, such as Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. However, compared to common French surnames, Vuilleminey is relatively uncommon and has a more limited geographical distribution.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vuilleminey

The surname Vuilleminet has several variations and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some of these variations include: Vuilleminay, Vuillemeneux, Vuillémine, Vuilléminet, Vuillémène, Vuillement, Vuilmin, and Vuillominet. These variations can be found across different regions and countries where French-speaking people have emigrated, such as North America, particularly in Quebec, Canada, and the United States. It is essential to note that these variations may not necessarily indicate a separate family lineage but rather differences in spelling based on location and time period. Researching genealogy can help individuals discover their unique family history and find connections across these variant spellings.

Famous people with the last name Vuilleminey

Prominent individuals with the surname Vuilleminey include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Vuillemin (1796-1842), a French naturalist and explorer who was part of several expeditions in Africa, including one led by René Caillié to Timbuktu in 1828.

2. Émile Vuillemin (1870-1935), a French automobile engineer who worked for Peugeot and developed the famous Peugeot Type 176, one of the first mass-produced cars in France.

3. Jean-Louis Vuillemin (born 1942), a French mathematician known for his work on algebraic geometry and the cohomology of complex algebraic varieties. He was awarded the Fields Medal in 1970.

4. Pierre-Marie Vuillemin (1923-1989), a French philosopher and Catholic priest, noted for his work on the philosophy of Henri Bergson and his own theories on time and memory.

5. Élise Vuillemin (born 1967), a French singer and actress who has appeared in several films and television series, including the role of Marie-Antoinette's maid "Loulou" in Sofia Coppola's film "Marie Antoinette."

Genealogical research on the last name Vuilleminey

The surname Vuilleminey is believed to have originated from France, specifically the region of Picardy, where it was first recorded in the late Middle Ages. One of the earliest records of the name can be found in the Cartulary of the Abbey of St. Riquier from 1063, where a certain "Vilmarius" is mentioned. The name is thought to have derived from various sources, including "vilis" meaning "village" and "minet" or "mineur" meaning "younger" or "lesser," suggesting that the original bearers may have lived in a minor village or were of lower social status compared to their contemporaries. The name has since spread throughout France and other parts of Europe, with notable immigrants settling in the United States and Canada in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vuilleminey"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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