Surname Vien - Meaning and Origin
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Vien: What does the surname Vien mean?
The last name Vien is of French origin and is derived from the word vienne, meaning “coming from Vienna”. It is a toponymic surname used to indicate those who trace their ancestry to Vienna, Austria, or the canton of Vaud in Switzerland.
The city of Vienna, Austria held a significant political role throughout history, having served as the home of several influential royal families, including the Habsburgs. It was considered the Empire’s capital city and was at the center of several political movements, social reforms, and cultural initiatives in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. After the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian empire in the 20th century, Vienna established itself as a vibrant center of culture, commerce, and art.
The Vien surname is also related to French historical and cultural events. It is believed to have derived from a French translation of the Latin term of Vienne, meaning “coming from Vienna,” or the former Duchy of Vienne, located in the French region of Lorraine.
Today, the Vien surname is most likely found in France, Austria, Switzerland, and France, as well as in countries with a strong influence from French culture such as Québec, Louisiana, and French-speaking Africa. It is also a common surname in the United States. In the U.S., the purpose of the Vien surname is typically attributed to immigrants from French-speaking areas seeking new homes, beginning in the 17th and 18th centuries. While the Vien surname does not have any specific religious connotations, it does provide a rich glimpse into European history and a proud legacy of Franco-Viennese culture.
Order DNA origin analysisVien: Where does the name Vien come from?
The last name Vien is most commonly found among descendants of French settlers in Canada. It first arrived in North America in the 17th century and has become one of the most well-known French-Canadian surnames. French Canadians who have the last name Vien are descended from families who originally lived in the areas of Poitou, Anjou, and Touraine in France.
Today, the last name Vien is most commonly found in the province of Quebec in Canada. In the 2016 census, the number of people with the last name Vien was reported as 498 in Quebec. The city of Montreal is one of the main areas that has a sizable population with the last name Vien, with a total of 150 people living in the city.
However, the last name Vien is also found throughout North America. It can be found in the United States states of Rhode Island, New York, Florida, and California. Additionally, it can be found in certain parts of Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and throughout other parts of Europe. Even though it is found in a wide range of places, Vien is still largely regarded as a French-Canadian last name.
Variations of the surname Vien
The surname Vien is a variant spelling of the surname Vienne, which originates from the French commune Vienne in south-eastern France. The surnames Vienne and Vien have been used interchangeably over the centuries, with both spellings gaining prominence in France from the medieval period. The name can be spelt a variety of ways, including Vien, Vienn, Vyan, Viand, and Vyen.
The older variant of Vienne was often spelt Vien, Vina, Vinai, Vyand, Vyan and Vine. In England, the spelling was often adapted to Vians, Vand, Via, Vain and Vane. Different spellings often reflected regional dialects in France and the English-speaking world.
Other variants of the name include Vienot, Vyon, Vion, Vieux and Vionneaux. Although the names are similar, this does not necessarily imply a blood relation between families bearing different variations of the same name.
In the United States, Vien is most often pronounced as the English word "vein" rather than the French word "vi-on". Although this diminishes the French significance of the name, it has become ingrained in the American vernacular and is reflected in the spelling of the surname.
The surnames Vienne, Vien, and their variants are still commonly used throughout Europe and the United States, but are most prominent in France. As with many French surnames, they have likely been passed down through generations, offering insight into one’s ancestral background and heritage.
Famous people with the name Vien
- Anaïs Vien: French actress who starred in both film and television productions across Europe, most notably in films by Eric Rohmer.
- Charles-Joseph Vien: French portrait painter from the 18th century, noted for his portraits of prominent French figures of the time.
- Laurent Vien: Canadian politician from Quebec who served as Member of National Assembly of Quebec from 1989 to 1998.
- Michèle Vien: French painter of abstract landscapes, often with a mixture of colors, forms, and symbols.
- Olivier Vien: French businessman who serves as the chairman of European Experience, a business consulting agency.
- Philippe Vien: French film director, screenwriter and producer.
- Pierre Vien: French film and television actor of the 20th century.
- Robert Vien: French actor, director, and writer who is best known for his work in the French comedy film The Name of the Rose.
- Vien Nguyễn: Vietnamese-American visual artist, musician, and researcher based in Detroit, Michigan.
- Yolande Vien: French politician and Union for a Popular Movement Member of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2004.