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Last Name Yvelin

What is the origin of the last name Yvelin?

The surname Yvelin is of French origin. It is derived from a geographical location, likely a place named Yvelines, which is a department located west-southwest of Paris in France. This surname may have been given to someone who lived near or came from this area during the Middle Ages, when surnames were first adopted. Over time, variations such as Evellin, Eveline, and Evalyn are found in other countries due to immigration or name changes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yvelin

The meaning and origin of the last name Yvelin

The surname Yvelin is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany. It derives from the Old French word "Yvolet", which means "hazel grove" or "hazelnut tree". The name was likely given to someone who lived near a hazel grove or whose occupation was related to hazelnuts. Over time, it has undergone various spellings due to phonetic changes and regional dialects, including Ivelin, Ivellin, Yvellin, and other variants. The name is relatively uncommon today but can still be found in Brittany and among French-speaking communities around the world. It carries a connection to the natural beauty of hazel groves, reflecting its Breton origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yvelin

The surname Yvelin is predominantly distributed in France, particularly in the western region of Brittany where it originates from. A significant number of people with this last name can be found in the departments of Côtes-d'Armor, Ille-et-Vilaine, and Finistère. Outside of France, Yvelin is also present in smaller numbers among French emigrants, particularly in Canada, where it can be found in the province of Quebec. The name may appear sporadically in other countries as well due to historical or modern migration patterns from Brittany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yvelin

The surname Yvelin has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. These include Yvonin, Ivelin, Yvelene, Ivelline, and Ivelen. It is also spelled as Yveline, Ivelina, and Yvelena in some regions. Additionally, it may have minor spelling differences due to phonetic adaptations or transliteration, such as Iwelina or Yewelin. The origin of the name is French, derived from the given name Yves, which means "yew tree" in Breton. The surname Yvelin primarily comes from Brittany, a region in France with a rich Celtic heritage.

Famous people with the last name Yvelin

The Yvelin surname is relatively uncommon, and as such, there are fewer famous individuals bearing this last name compared to more prevalent ones. However, two notable figures with the surname Yvelin include:

1. Pierre Yvelin (1783-1864), a French naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars and played a crucial role in the Battle of Trafalgar, commanding one of Napoleon's ships, the Formidable.

2. Éric Yvelin (born 1965), a French politician who has been serving as a member of the National Assembly for Seine-Maritime since 2017. He is a member of La République En Marche! and is involved in various committees, including Defense and Armed Forces, European Affairs, and Foreign Affairs.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields – naval warfare and French politics – further enriching the legacy associated with the Yvelin surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Yvelin

The surname Yvelin is believed to have originated from the region of Brittany, France. One of the earliest records of the name was found in the 13th century in the parish of Saint-Brieuc, where it was spelled as "Ivelin." Over time, variations such as Iveleyn, Iveline, and Yveline emerged due to differences in transcription and translation. The name is thought to be derived from the Breton language, with yvel meaning "yew tree" or "ivy," possibly indicating a geographical location near a yew grove or an occupational association with ivy cultivation. Some notable bearers of this name include the French poet Alain Yvelin in the 15th century and Jacques Yvelin, a 17th-century Breton poet. Today, the Yvelin family can be found across France and beyond due to migrations throughout European history.

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 : 13 June 2025

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