DE VILLIERS

Also recorded as De Villiers, De-Villiers, Devilliers

De Villiers

De Villiers is a surname of Franco-Norman origin, derived from the old French words "de" (meaning "of") and "villiers" (referring to a town or village). This surname is believed to have been brought to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066. The De Villiers family is considered to be a notable Huguenot surname, with roots in France, particularly in the areas of Normandy and Bordeaux.

Members of the De Villiers family were among the Huguenots who fled religious persecution in France during the 17th and 18th centuries, seeking refuge in Britain. The surname has since become established in various parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in areas with historical ties to Huguenot settlements, such as London, Canterbury, and Norwich.

The De Villiers surname is often associated with individuals of French heritage and is reflective of the diverse cultural influences that have shaped British society over the centuries. Today, bearers of the De Villiers surname can be found across the United Kingdom, where they have made significant contributions to various fields, including art, literature, academia, and business.

As a surname with a rich history and cultural significance, De Villiers serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Huguenot community in Britain and the broader narrative of immigration and integration in the country's past.

There are approximately 560 people named de Villiers in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named de Villiers.

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