Surname Guion - Meaning and Origin
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Guion: What does the surname Guion mean?
The last name Guion is a French surname that has been recorded in many countries over the centuries, including both France and the United States. The name's origins have been traced back to the Medieval period, and its meaning is believed to originate from the Old French word "guion", which refers to a guide or leader. This is because it was a name often taken by individuals who were entrusted to lead militia or armies. Over time, the name changed to “Guyon” and became adopted by members of the prominent Guion family in the mid 1500s in Normandy, France. The last name has since spread throughout the world, evolving in different countries and cultures.
In America, the name is often seen spelled as “Guyon” and is known to be very rare. It is most commonly seen in parts of New England and Louisiana. It is a name with a long and storied history, and those bearing the name are often proud of its legacy and its ties to European history. While the name has no modern-day significance, it is a reminder of the hard-working and loyal people on whom it was bestowed all those centuries ago.
Order DNA origin analysisGuion: Where does the name Guion come from?
The last name Guion is most commonly found today in France and North America. It is rare in other parts of the world, but small communites of the Guion family have been found in places such as England, Belgium, and Switzerland.
In France, the last name Guion has been found in the Normandy, Bretagne, Provence, and Aquitaine regions. Many of the present day Guion families in France trace back to these same regions suggesting an heritage that reaches back centuries.
In North America, the most populous states with this last name include Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, and Texas. It is also commonly found in Louisiana, where there is a large population of descendants from France.
Many of the Guion families in North America trace their ancestry back to some of the earliest immigrants who arrived with the French Huguenots more than three centuries ago. The Guion family is still found along the coasts of south-east USA and around the Mississippi and Ohio regions, where French colonial influence was strong in the 18th century.
Regardless of their origin, the Guion family continues to carry the traditions and values of their ancestors. They have contributed greatly to the fabric of the societies that they have found themselves in and left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Variations of the surname Guion
The surname Guion is of French origin and is derived from the personal name Guyon. Variants of this surname include Guyon, Guien, Guyen, Gion, Guinin, Guillouin, Guillin, Guiuon, Gueuon and many others.
The most common variants of the surname Guion stem from the Old French personal name Guyon, which was derived from the Germanic given name Wido or Widoghin. This name was composed of two elements, ‘wig’ which meant ‘battle’ or ‘combat’, and ‘wino’ which meant ‘friend’. The addition of the French suffix ‘on’ to the name gave the name a more personal, meaning it became ‘son of Wido’.
In England, the most common variant of the surname is Guedon. This surname originated as a toponymic name, which derived from the Old English words ‘gūth’ which meant a physical enclosure, and ‘dūn’ which is a hill. The combination of these two words translated to ‘Guedon’ which meant ‘dweller at the guarded hill’.
The surname Guillouin or Guillou is another variation of the surname Guion. This variant of the surname is derived from the personal name Guillio, which was a pet form of the masculine given name Guillaume, a French form of William.
In the United States, variants of the surname Guion include Guill, Guillory, Gwin, GWYNN and Gwyne. These surnames were all likely derived from the Old Welsh pronunciation of the name Guion, which would have been “gum”.
Overall, the surname Guion has many variants and spellings derived from several countries, languages, and dialects. These variants and spellings, including Guyon, Guien, Guedon, Guillouin, Guill, Guillory, Gwin, GWYNN, and Gwyne, can all be traced back to the same French origin.
Famous people with the name Guion
- Blaise Guion: Blaise Guion was a French actor. He is best known for his role in the award-winning historical drama film Les Miserables. He also appeared in other films such as Babette's Feast and Rebel Without a Cause.
- Rev. Sylvanus Guion: Rev. Sylvanus Guion was an American Presbyterian pastor and writer. He wrote several books, including A Commentary on the Book of Daniel and Theology Explained and Defended.
- Blaise Philippe de Guion de Bres: Blaise Philippe de Guion de Bres was a French naval officer and admiral who served in the French Navy during the 18th and 19th centuries. He also wrote the book Manual of Shipbuilding.
- Pierre Guion: Pierre Guion was a French sculptor and medalist known for his Classical-style sculptures. He enjoyed a successful career, having created works such as the bronze doors of philanthropist Saint-Kang the Unifier of France, and the Gravilliers statue.
- Wilma Guion: Wilma Guion was an American costume designer. She is best known for her work on films such as Sugarland Express directed by Steven Spielberg, Marooned directed by John Sturges, and Brian's Song.
- Louis Guion: Louis Guion was a French composer who wrote a number of operas as well as sacred music. His opera Les Danaïdes is considered one of his best works.
- Ludovic-Napoléon Guion: Ludovic-Napoléon Guion was a French poet, dramatist, and novelist. He is best known for his dramatic novel Une Nuit de Noce, which was very successful in its time.
- Jean-Louis Guion: Jean-Louis Guion was a French violinist and composer who wrote works for solo violin and chamber ensemble music. He was also the founder of the Ordre des Chevaliers des Violons de Paris in 1837.