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Last Name Yvonne

What is the origin of the last name Yvonne?

The surname Yvonne does not have a direct French origin as a given name but is instead derived from the French word "yvonne," which means "yew tree" or "ivy." As a surname, it might have been an occupational name for someone who worked with yew trees or ivy, or it could be a habitational name for someone who lived near a place named Yvonne. The name Yvonne as a given name became popular in France due to the 15th-century legend of Saint Yvonne, and it was later adopted by French speakers, leading to its use as a surname. However, as a surname, it is more commonly found among French Canadian families, possibly due to French colonization of Canada and subsequent immigration to the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yvonne

The meaning and origin of the last name Yvonne

The surname Yvonne is primarily a feminine given name of French origin that has been adopted as a last name in some cases. The name originally derives from Yvonne, a French female given name which means "yew tree" or "yew woman." It is derived from the Old French word "ivoire," meaning ivy or yew, and the diminutive suffix "-onne". This surname was popularized in France during the Middle Ages, particularly among the nobility. As a result of historical events such as colonization and migration, the name Yvonne has spread worldwide and is now found in many countries. In some instances, it has been passed down as a family name or adopted by individuals seeking a unique surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yvonne

The surname Yvonne is primarily of French origin, derived from the given name Yvonne, which means "yew tree" in Old French. Geographically, it is most prevalent in France, particularly in regions such as Normandy and Brittany, where it was historically a common female given name. However, due to French colonization and immigration, variations of the surname Yvonne can also be found in various parts of the world, including North America (particularly Canada and the United States), Belgium, Switzerland, and countries with significant French-speaking populations, such as Quebec in Canada and Haiti. In these places, the surname may have been adopted by families of French descent or by individuals who were given the name Yvonne during their lives.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yvonne

The surname Yvonne has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to transcription errors and regional differences over time. Some common variations include: Yvon, Yvonn, Ivone, Yvonie, Yvonette, Yvonnette, Yvonnet, Yvonetta, Yvonnette, Yvonneau, Yvonneteau, Yvonet, Yvonetteau, and Yvonneteau. In French, the name Yvonne is a feminine given name derived from the word yvette, meaning "yew tree". It became a popular surname among French speakers due to its unique and elegant sound. However, as people migrated and assimilated into different cultures, the spelling of the name evolved to accommodate local phonetic rules and traditions.

Famous people with the last name Yvonne

Notable individuals bearing the surname Yvonne include:

1. Yvonne De Carlo (1922-2007), a Canadian-born actress, best known for her roles as Lily Munster on The Munsters and Baptista in the film version of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.

2. Yvonne Goddard (born 1958), an Australian former middle-distance runner who competed at two Olympic Games. She won gold medals in the 1500 meters at both the 1974 and 1978 Commonwealth Games.

3. Yvonne Strahovski (born 1982), an Australian actress of Polish descent. She is best known for her roles as Sarah Walker on Chuck, Hannah McKay on Dexter, and Serena Joy Waterford on The Handmaid's Tale.

4. Yvonne Chaka Chaka (born 1965), a South African singer-songwriter and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. She is known for her hit songs such as "I'm Burning Up" and "UMqombothi."

5. Yvonne Craig (1937-2015), an American actress and dancer, best recognized for her role as Batgirl in the 1960s TV series Batman.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as acting, sports, music, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Yvonne

The surname Yvonne is not traditionally considered a French family name but originated as a given name that was later used as a surname. Originating from the Old French "Yves," meaning "yew tree," it was initially given as a male name but evolved into a unisex name in modern times. As a surname, Yvonne is relatively rare and is more common in France due to its feminine origins, although it can be found in other parts of the world among those of French descent. Notable figures with the surname Yvonne include Canadian actress Marjolaine Yvonne, and French figure skater Pascal Yvon. Tracing the genealogy of the Yvonne family can be challenging due to its uncommon nature, but researching records in France such as church baptism, marriage, and death records may provide valuable information for those seeking their roots.

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 : 30 July 2025

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