Surname De Meules - Meaning and Origin
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De Meules: What does the surname De Meules mean?
De Meules is a French surname, derived from the Old French term "moulin" meaning "mill." Hence, the surname De Meules could be translated as "from the mills." This surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a mill or as an occupational name for someone who worked at a mill. It could also indicate the family's ownership of a mill. In the historical context, mills were important landmarks and crucial for local economies, as they were used for grinding grain into flour. Thus, families associated with mills might have been significant figures in their communities. Like many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation may have evolved over time and could vary depending on the region. Overall, surnames like De Meules offer a glimpse into our ancestors' lives, indicating their professions, where they lived, or their status in society.
Order DNA origin analysisDe Meules: Where does the name De Meules come from?
The surname De Meules is of French origin, possibly pointing to a geographical location or a topographical feature as is common in French surnames. The name suggests a connection to mills or a place where mills are in abundance since "moulin" means mill in French.
It’s difficult to definitively determine where this surname is most common today, given its rarity. However, databases suggest most of the individuals carrying this name are found in Canada, particularly in Quebec. The prevalence of French surnames in Quebec is due to the region's historical connection to France. During the 17th century, French colonists came to Quebec and consequently, French names are still prevalent today. Also, a few instances of the De Meules surname can be found in France and the United States. However, please note that due to its rare nature, it might not be widespread in these areas.
Variations of the surname De Meules
The surname De Meules is of French origin and it exists in different variants and spellings that are likely due to geographical variations, regional dialects, and even immigration records. Here are a few potential variants and similar surnames:
1. Desmeules: This is a variation of the surname where the "De" prefix has been combined with the main name. This is common in French language conventions.
2. Demeules: This is another variant that appears to combine the prefix with the main name, but here, the middle "s" is dropped.
3. De Meulles: A possible variation due to dialectic differences or recording errors, where a double "l" is present.
4. De Mules: A spelling variant that removes the "e".
5. DeMeules: Another common variation that merges both the prefix and the surname together.
6. Du Meules, Dummeules, De Meulenaere, DeMoulin: These are more divergent forms of the name, but share similarities and could be connected to De Meules in some way.
Often, immigration led to misspellings or changes in original names, most common in North America. Therefore, one can find some people with altered version of De Meules due to this reason.
The name essentially appears to mean "of the mills" or "from the mills" in French.
Famous people with the name De Meules
- Jean de Meules (1560–1633), a French Franciscan and theologian
- Jacques de Meules (1565–1644), a French lawyer
- Pierre de Meules (1635–1709), a French painter and engraver
- Marie de Meules (1676–1732), a French lady-in-waiting
- Pierre Jacques de Meules (1707–1762), a French abbot
- Henri Auguste de Meules (1751–1825), a French diplomat
- Marie Gertrude de Meules (1773–1852), a French noblewoman
- Henri Turrettini de Meules (1785–1848), a Swiss naturalist
- François Auguste de Meules (19th century), a French statesman
- Adolphe de Meules (1844–1922), a French ambassador
- Eugène de Meules (1846–1904), a French deputy
- Michel De Mueles (20th century), a French banker