Surname Joly - Meaning and Origin
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Unveiling the Historical & Cultural Journey of The Joly Surname Through iGENEA DNA Test
Delving into my personal history using an iGENEA DNA test offered me incredible insights into the cultural and historical roots of my ancestry and the origins of my surname, Joly. The test provided fascinating revelations about my predecessors' migration patterns from Gaul and their establishment in the Languedoc region of France, where they held a family seat since ancient times.
O. Joly
read moreJoly: What does the surname Joly mean?
The last name Joly is of French origin, and is a corruption of the Latin name Julius, which was a common name among early Christians. The name is derived from the Latin word Iulus, meaning “downy-bearded,” which refers to youthful good looks. It is believed that the name was first used by a localized community in the town of Jullouville, in Normandy, France.
The most famous bearer of the Joly surname is Jean Jullou de la Praders, a French lawyer and legal scholar. He is credited with being the first European to recognize the validity of the Magna Carta in 1202, leading to its acceptance in the English legal system. His influence on legal thought is still felt today.
The Joly surname continues to live on in various places, such as France, Canada, and the United States. Joly is a common name in all of these countries, with many people bearing this surname having made a contribution to their respective communities and nations.
In all, the Joly surname carries with it a history of hard work and dedication to the law. The name is associated with a legacy of scholars and influencers who have helped shape legal systems in many parts of the world. It is a reminder of the importance of a good education and adherence to the law for the betterment of mankind.
Order DNA origin analysisJoly: Where does the name Joly come from?
The last name Joly is most commonly found in France. It is believed to be derived from the Latin root “jolius,” meaning “merry,” or quite literally “jovial.” The name is also found in Turkey, where it was likely brought by French immigrants, and there are variants in other parts of Europe as well.
In the United States, Joly is a relatively uncommon surname, but it does exist, mainly in the Northeast and Midwest. It can be found in small pockets within Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. As of 2020, it is estimated that there are only around 858 people with the name Joly in the United States.
In Canada, Joly is not extremely widespread, but the name is found more prevalently in Quebec, as a result of French immigration throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Within Quebec, the name is most highly concentrated in Montreal and Gatineau, as well as in the Lac-Saint-Jean region. As of 2019, it is estimated that there are only about 1,100 people in the world with the last name Joly.
In Australia, Joly is an even rarer surname. According to the 2018 census, out of the entire population (24.6 million), which includes off-shore islands and external territories, only 121 Australians share the last name. The name is found in very small concentrations of people around the country, with the majority sharing the same ancestral line.
Variations of the surname Joly
The surname Joly is an old French and Anglo-Norman surname which has been used in various forms over the centuries. It has its origin in the French personal name 'Joly' which was derived from the Greek word 'anabolos' meaning 'to make something beautiful'.
The most common variant spellings of Joly are Jolly, Jolie, Jollie, and Jolley. Other less commonly used variants include Jolay, Jollye, Joley, and Jolye.
Several French and English surnames can also be derived from the Joly surname. These include Jolliffe, Jollie, Jolyfe, Jile, Jallett, Jola, Jolland, and Joyle. In Ireland the surname can also be seen written as Juliand.
In Britain, the Joly surname is mainly associated with the counties of Kent, Sussex, Devon, and Somerset. In France, the name can be seen in the departments of Seine-et-Marne, Haute-Marne, and Loiret.
The family crest of the Joly surname is a white seavy bottom on a red shield. It symbolizes freedom and bravery, and is a reminder of the family's old French and Norman heritage. In addition to the family crest, the coat-of-arms for the Joly family includes a black lion rampant and a deer faced against a white background.
Famous people with the name Joly
- Jean Joly (Canadian politician and judge)
- Isobelle Joly (French actress)
- Anne-Marie Joly (French singer)
- Alfred Joly (French painter)
- Philippe Joly (French politician)
- Laurent Joly (French tennis player)
- Gideon Joly (British lawyer and politician)
- Nicolas Joly (French winemaker and author)
- Julien Joly (French poet and philologist)
- Julien Joly (French entrepreneur)
- Damien Joly (French footballer)
- Pascal Joly (French footballer)
- Benoît Joly (French footballer)
- Fabrice Joly (French footballer)
- Pierre Joly (French sculptor)
- Jean-Claude Joly (French singer and songwriter)
- Gerald Joly (French doctor and former politician)
- Guy Joly (French actor and director)
- Jean-Alain Joly (French diplomat)
- Gabriel Joly (French politician)
- Bernard Joly (French politician)