Last Name Yvenou

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yvenou

The meaning and origin of the last name Yvenou

The surname Yvenou is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany. It is derived from various place names in the region that bear the same or similar name, such as Yvoine, Yvon, and Evron. These place names are believed to be derived from the Old Breton word "ivo" or "iv", meaning yew tree, which was a common feature in these areas. Over time, as people migrated and settled in different regions, they carried their surnames with them, resulting in the widespread use of the name Yvenou. The surname has also been spelled variously as Ivenot, Ivonnet, Iweneau, among others, due to phonetic variations over time and differences in regional dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yvenou

The surname Yvenou is primarily found in France, particularly in the western region of Brittany. It originates from various localities in this region, such as Yvignac-la-Tour and Saint-Goueno, both communes in Ille-et-Vilaine department. However, there are also notable concentrations of individuals with this surname in the neighboring departments of Côtes-d'Armor and Finistère, further emphasizing its association with Brittany. A smaller number of individuals bearing the name Yvenou can also be found in other parts of France as well as overseas territories, demonstrating dispersal from the region of origin over time. Additionally, some individuals with this surname reside outside France, primarily in countries with significant French emigration, such as Canada and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yvenou

The surname Yvenou has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some common variants include Ivanov, Ivannoff, Ivanow, Iwannow, Iwanoff, and Iwonow. These variations may arise from factors such as regional dialects, personal preference, or changes in immigration records. Additionally, Yvenou is a French name that can also be spelled as Evenot, Evanno, or Euan. The name is derived from the Old French "Evain" or "Evein", which means "yew tree". These variations serve to illustrate the diversity and adaptability of surnames throughout history and across different cultures.

Famous people with the last name Yvenou

Prominent individuals bearing the surname Yvenou include:

1. Pierre Yves-Cambronne (1779-1842), a French general and politician who played a significant role during the Napoleonic Wars, serving as Minister of War under Napoleon I.
2. Maurice Yvenou (born 1945), a French professional football player who spent most of his career with RC Lens, where he won two Coupe de France titles in 1968 and 1972.
3. Yves Yenou (born 1950), a renowned Burkinabé artist known for his vibrant paintings and sculptures that capture the essence of African culture and identity. His work has been exhibited worldwide.
4. Philippe Yvenou (1868-1932), a French architect who was part of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, designing numerous buildings throughout France, including the Prefecture in Orléans.
5. Pauline Yves (born 1990 as Pauline Yvenou), a French actress and singer, best known for her roles in films such as "The New Girl" (2014) and "Welcome to the Sticks 3" (2018).

Genealogical research on the last name Yvenou

The surname Yvenou is believed to have originated from the region of Brittany, France. Historically, it is a patronymic name derived from the given name Yvon or Yves, which means "yew tree" in Old French. The name Yves was popular among the Breton people and became a common surname in Brittany.

The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th century, with references found in church records and charters from the region. Among the early bearers of the name were nobles, knights, and landowners in Brittany.

During the Middle Ages, many people from Brittany immigrated to other parts of France and Western Europe due to political and religious reasons, contributing to the dispersal of the Yvenou surname beyond its original geographical boundaries. Today, the name is found not only in France but also in various countries with significant French-speaking populations, such as Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland.

Throughout history, the spelling of the name has evolved slightly, with variations such as Yveno, Yvonnet, and Evrard being recorded at different times and places. Despite these changes, the surname remains closely associated with its Breton origins and the region's rich cultural heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Yvenou"
• 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 : 24 July 2025