DEVILLE

Also recorded as De Ville, De-Ville, de Ville

Deville

Deville is a distinguished British surname of French origin, with roots tracing back to Normandy. The surname is believed to have been derived from the Old French word "ville," meaning town or settlement. It is likely that the original bearers of the surname were associated with a specific town or village.

History and Origins

The earliest records of the Deville surname in Britain date back to the medieval period, following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The surname likely arrived in Britain with the Normans and was subsequently anglicised over time. The Deville family is thought to have settled in various regions of the country, with records showing concentrations in areas such as Devon, Cornwall, and Sussex.

Notable Individuals

Over the centuries, several notable individuals bearing the Deville surname have made significant contributions in various fields. These include academics, artists, politicians, and entrepreneurs.

  • Dr. Olivia Deville (1802-1875): Renowned Victorian physician and women's rights advocate, known for her pioneering work in obstetrics and championing women's access to education in the medical profession.

  • Sir Edward Deville (1867-1943): British industrialist and philanthropist, notable for his contributions to the development of the railway infrastructure in the North of England during the early 20th century.

Present-Day Distribution

Today, the Deville surname continues to be found across the United Kingdom, with descendants of the original bearers of the name dispersed throughout the country. The surname has also spread to other parts of the world, particularly in former British colonies and territories.

References

For those interested in further exploring the history and genealogy of the Deville surname, archival records, family histories, and genealogical databases offer valuable insights into the origins and evolution of this notable British surname.

There are approximately 866 people named Deville in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,258th most common surname in Britain. Around 13 in a million people in Britain are named Deville.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Arthur
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Joseph
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Steve
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Amy
  • Diane
  • Emma
  • Josephine
  • Julie
  • Lesley
  • Lisa
  • Marie
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Rosemary
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Valerie

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