Surname Banville - Meaning and Origin
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Banville: What does the surname Banville mean?
The last name Banville is derived from a place name. The suffix “–ville” suggests a geographic origin, most likely referring to the village of Banville, located north of Caen in Normandy, France. The roots of the name can be traced back to the Gaulish name ‘Elmacus’ with the literal meaning “Stone Fort”. The name is also believed to be related to the Latin word ‘bannum’, which can be translated as “ban” or “command”.
The Banvilles were a Norman aristocratic family during medieval times, originating from the village of Banville. The Banvilles gained a reputation as one of the region's most influential and powerful families. They were instrumental in helping to defend Normandy from various invaders and also served as deputies of the Duke. Despite their military successes, the family fell into decline during the Wars of Religion in the 16th century.
Today, the Banville name is still prominent in parts of Europe, especially in France and Quebec. It has become a popular choice for parents seeking French names for their sons. The name carries with it a sense of bravery and courage, and symbolises the courage of those who fought to protect their country and their land.
Order DNA origin analysisBanville: Where does the name Banville come from?
The last name Banville is most prevalent in France today and is primarily found in Normandy and Brittany. The name is thought to have been derived from a French town near Caen, and those with the name can trace their ancestors back to that region. The surname translates to “from a village,” referencing the indirect connection to the French town.
In recent years, descendants of the original Banvilles have expanded beyond France, primarily settling in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. The FrenchImmersion.ca website narrows down the number of people with the Banville name to approximately 11,088 people worldwide, with 3,943 located in France. In the United States, an estimated 887 people carry the name Banville.
The Banville name has a long, rich history, and its current prevalence in France is a testament to the family’s roots. Today, the name has expanded beyond its original home region but still remains more commonly found in France than other countries.
Variations of the surname Banville
The surname Banville is an Anglo-Norman name which is derived from the French towns of La Banville, in Normandy, and La Banville, in Champagne. The surname can be found in many variants and spellings.
Variants of the surname Banville include:
Bafaux, Banfaux, Banfil, Banfilz, Banfils, Banful, Banfule, Banfyll, Banfyl, Banwell, Benfel, Benfill, Benfille, Benfilles, Benfilz, Benfurl, Banfilles, Banfillz, Banfels, Banfeuls, Banfils, Banfiuls, Banfulz, Banfuls, Banfus, Banfuss, Banfuz, and Banvile.
Surnames of similar origin include:
Banvile, Bavell, Bawell, Bedwell, Benfield, Benvile, Benvil, Benvill, Benwill, Berwell, Bewall, and Byfield.
The variety of spellings and variants of the surname Banville result from the ancient scribe and clergy and their various attempts to record this name. In some instances, even the spelling of a single name changed over a period of time.
Famous people with the name Banville
- John Banville: John Banville is an Irish novelist, short story writer and screenwriter. He has written 15 novels and is a winner of the Man Booker Prize.
- Margaret Banville: Margaret Banville is an Irish academic and writer, who has written several books on Irish folklore and literature.
- Edward Banville: Edward Banville is a professional Irish soccer player, playing for the team Shamrock Rovers F.C.
- Michael Banville: Michael Banville is an Irish politician, former leader of the Green Party and former Senator.
- Andrew Banville: Andrew Banville is a contemporary Irish painter and sculptor, noted for his abstract work.
- Billy Banville: Billy Banville is an Irish sports journalist, writer and presenter, working for the Irish national broadcaster RTÉ.
- Simone Banville: Simone Banville is a Canadian television and movie actress, best known for her roles in the films Life as We Know It and Chasing Liberty.
- Richard Banville: Richard Banville is an Elvis impersonator from Ireland, known for his shows and concerts across the country.