Surname Meunier - Meaning and Origin
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Unearthed Lineage – iGENEA DNA Test Unveils Spanish, German and Jewish Roots in the Meunier Family Tree
Taking a DNA test with iGENEA brought unexpected revelations about non-French roots in the user's Meunier ancestry, reshaping their self-understanding, cultural awareness, and their view on personal traits and inclinations.
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read moreMeunier: What does the surname Meunier mean?
The last name Meunier is a common French surname that is derived from the Latin word "meunarius", meaning a miller or grain worker. It is a variant of the family name Meunier, which is believed to have evolved from the Latin word "meum", meaning own or possession.
In the Middle Ages, the Meunier family name was typically held by people living in areas with flourishing agricultural industries. Millers and grain workers were highly valued and held prominent positions in society.
Today, the surname Meunier is still common in several countries including France, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg. It is also used in the United States, though it may be more commonly spelled as Ménard or Muñoz.
The name Meunier is thought to imply qualities such as efficiency, agility and resilience. Those who bear this name are said to be ambitious and resourceful. They are known to be able to establish goals for themselves and work hard to achieve them, typically gaining success due to their diligence.
Order DNA origin analysisMeunier: Where does the name Meunier come from?
The surname Meunier is most common in and around France today. Many individuals with the surname Meunier can be found in French-speaking countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. In addition, it is also common in former French colonies such as French Canada, French Louisiana, and Algeria.
The name Meunier is derived from the French word meunier, which means miller in English. The name originated from the occupational surname given to individuals who worked in a mill. Many people with this name came from the French regions of Aquitaine, Normandy, and Picardy and can be traced back to the Middle Ages.
In France, the surname Meunier is particularly common in the outskirts of Paris, for example in the departments of Essonne, Seine-et-Marne, Val-D’Oise, Yvelines, and Oise.
Statistics from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies in France suggest that the name is most common in the central east region of Champagne-Ardenne and the north-eastern region of Lorraine. Several individuals with this name can also be found in the south-western region of Occitanie.
It is estimated that over 55 thousand people in France currently bear the surname Meunier.
Variations of the surname Meunier
The surname Meunier is a French toponymic (or origin from place) surname that has several spelling variations, variants, and related names. Variants for this surname, which all share the same root, include Meuniau, Meoonier, Meuniez, Meuner, Meunet, Meunot, Meunelle, Meuneret, Moinier, Moinot, Munier, Muniere, Munet, Muner, and Munier.
Most commonly spelled “Meunier”, the French surname began appearing in documents across France in the Middle Ages. It was derived from the French phrase “meunière”, meaning “miller”. This designation was given to people who filled the profession of grinding grain into flour in a mill. It likely developed as a distinctive surname during a period when hereditary surnames were becoming increasingly popular and was borne by farmers, millers, bakers and people who derived their professional livelihood from working in a mill.
The “Meunier” spelling of the surname is seen most commonly in northern France and in the southwest. Variants of the Meunier surname can be found throughout France. In the north, the “Meunier” spelling is often seen alongside variations such as “Meuniez”, “Meunelle”, and “Meuneret”. The “Munier” spelling, as well as its variations, are predominantly seen in central France. The “Moinier” spelling is seen in southwest France and variations of this include “Moinot” and “Munot”.
The surname Meunier is also connected to other surnames from other parts of the world. For example, it is also the root of surnames like Munoz (Spanish), Mohni (Finnish), Molnar (Hungarian), Mohnar (Polish), and Moonier (Dutch).
Famous people with the name Meunier
- Adriana Meunier: A French Model, actress and singer
- André Meunier: Brazilian footballer
- Arthur Meunier: Canadian actor
- Bruce Meunier: American singer and songwriter
- Charles Meunier: French professional footballer
- Fabien Meunier: French singer
- Florence Meunier: French actress
- Gaëtan Meunier: French Alpine skier
- Geneviève Meunier: French race car driver
- Jacques Meunier: French sculptor and ceramist
- Jean-Charles Meunier: French sculptor
- Luc Meunier: Canadian traditional music fiddler and composer
- Michel Meunier: Canadian painter
- Philippe Meunier: French aeronautical engineer and mandolinist
- Pierre Meunier: French philosopher
- Pierre-Joseph Meunier: French painter
- Sergio Meunier: Brazilian racing driver
- Valérie Meunier: A French photographer