Surname DeMilles - Meaning and Origin

DeMilles: What does the surname DeMilles mean?

The surname DeMilles is of French origin, deriving from the Old French terms "de", meaning "of", and "mille", meaning "thousand". Essentially, it could be interpreted as "of thousands". This surname may have been occupational, given to a successful merchant or trader who dealt in large quantities, or it could be locational, originating from a place associated with the word "thousand". It's worth noting that "DeMilles" is associated with a prominent Canadian family which includes various noteworthy individuals such as the legendary American film director Cecil B. DeMille. However, the exact meaning of "DeMilles" can differ based on historical contexts and geographical locations. Without specific genealogical research and a deeper look into family history, it's hard to define the precise meaning of the surname. Always keep in mind that meanings of surnames can evolve over time and might not hold the same connotations they originally had.

DeMilles: Where does the name DeMilles come from?

The surname DeMilles is of French origin. It was first found in Maine, where the family was anciently seated in DeMilly, Normandy, before its members migrated to England following the Norman invasion in 1066. This surname was originally derived from the name of their ancestral home in Normandy.

Later, many branches of the family moved to other regions, including America. Today, DeMilles is not a common surname anywhere in the world. However, it is most recognizable in the United States mainly due to Cecil B. DeMille, an influential filmmaker from Hollywood's early days. Despite this, there aren't significant clusters of people with the DeMilles surname in the U.S. or elsewhere. Someone bearing this name would likely have ancestry in France, and more specifically, from the Maine region where the original DeMilly was located. It is important to note that variations of spelling exist, and often, DeMille is used instead of DeMilles.

Variations of the surname DeMilles

The surname DeMilles appears to be of French origin, indicating "from (de) Mille(s)". Sometimes surname origins could be from a place, a profession, a personal characteristic, or patronymic in nature.

Variants of the surname appear to include DeMille, DeMill, DeMils, D'Milles, or D'Mille. These are variations that generally occur because of the differences in phonetic transcription and transcription errors in historical documents, or regional dialect differences.

Considering the French origins, it's also possible that the surname traces back to the more common French surname Mille or DesMilles, even if "De Mille" would translate into "of thousands".

Another possible scenario is that DeMilles could have been anglicized from a different original spelling. For instance, a Dutch surname like De Meulenaer (which literally translates to “the miller”) could have been translated and modified into English, with several spelling variants appearing.

However, without more specific information about the family history and geographic origins of this name, it is difficult to definitively identify all possible variants and related surnames. It is always best to trace the surname through genealogical research to find the most accurate variations and origins.

Famous people with the name DeMilles

• Cecil B. DeMille: One of the most influential filmmakers in the history of American cinema. He directed epic films like "The Ten Commandments" and "The King of Kings".
• Agnes de Mille: An American dancer and choreographer known for her work on Broadway and in ballet. Her most famous works include the dream ballet for "Oklahoma!" and the dance sequences for "Carousel".
• William C. deMille: An American screenwriter and film director, and older brother of Cecil B. DeMille. He was a leading figure in the development of the screenplay as an art form.
• Richard de Mille: An American author and psychologist, and son of William C. deMille. He is known for his book “My Secret Mother, Lorna Moon”.
• Katherine DeMille: An actress and daughter of Cecil B. DeMille. She appeared in several films in the 1930s and 1940s.
• Constance Adams DeMille: An actress and film producer and the wife of Cecil B. DeMille.
• Cecilia de Mille Presley: Granddaughter of Cecil B. DeMille, she established the Cecil B. DeMille Foundation, to preserve her grandfather's legacy.
• Margaret de Mille: Daughter of William deMille and niece to Cecil B. DeMille, she was a noted author.

Other surnames

DeMille