Surname Voyer - Meaning and Origin

Voyer: What does the surname Voyer mean?

The last name "Voyer" is derived from the French word "voyeur" which means "looker" or "watcher." This indicates that the original bearers of this surname likely had occupations associated with observation or surveillance – perhaps a guard, scout, or surveyor. The surname could also have possibly evolved from a nickname for someone who was known to be observant or perceptive. It's important to note that the modern English connotation of "voyeur" did not necessarily apply in this historical and etymological context.

Like many surnames, Voyer could also be geographically linked, possibly representing someone from a location known as Voyer, Voye, or something similar. The precise origins and meanings of many surnames can be difficult to pinpoint due to the passage of time and changes in language. In general, the Voyer surname is most commonly found in France, particularly in the regions of Pays de la Loire and Île-de-France, suggesting a strong French heritage.

Voyer: Where does the name Voyer come from?

The last name Voyer is most commonly found in Quebec, Canada today. It is believed to have originated in Normandy, France over 700 years ago, when it was spelled 'Le Voir'. It then spread to the St. Lawrence River Valley in the 16th century when Huguenots and other French settlers began arriving in the area. The name has been pronounced and written in various ways over the centuries, including 'Voyer', 'Voyeur', 'Voyelle', 'Voyault' and 'Voyeron', although the spelling 'Voyer' has become standardised in recent times.

In Quebec, the last name Voyer is most concentrated in and around the city of Montreal, within the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Regional County Municipality, as well as on Iles-de-la-Madeleine, an archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is also found in small numbers in other Canadian provinces, particularly Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, as well as in the northern part of the United States bordering Canada.

The name Voyer is a patronymic surname, derived from the name of the bearers' father or an ancestor with a similar given name. In this instance, it is thought to be derived from the Medieval French personal name 'Voye' or 'Le Voir', both of which are derived from the Old French word 'vedor', meaning 'seeker'.

Variations of the surname Voyer

The surname Voyer is a French surname that dates back to the Middle Ages. It has various variants, spellings, and surnames derived from it.

Variants of Voyer include Voier, Voyons, Voyeré, Vayer, Vayron, Vaier, Veyron, Voyer, and Veyer. The original spelling of the surname likely became “Voyer” or “Voier” around the 15th century, although other spellings may have been used before then.

Surnames derived from Voyer include Vaver, Vawer, Vaoren, Vatten, Vauez, Vazeyer, and Vibert. These surnames are all further evidence of the Voyer’s historical influence and spread.

The present day spellings of Voyer could also be Frenchified into Voier and Voyer, which is a variant of the original spelling, as well as VoyUm, Voillem, Voium, VoIm, and Voillemen. It could also be anglicized into Wayer, Vayer, Vior, Veye, and Vawer.

In conclusion, Voyer had a long-standing presence in France and was adapted to various spelling and surname versions throughout history. By the 15th century, the original spelling of the surname had become Voyer or Voier. Today, there are many instances of the surname’s different versions spanning multiple countries.

Famous people with the name Voyer

• Étienne Voyer d’Argenson (1593-1651): French statesman and son of French politician René Voyer d’Argenson.
• Michael John Voyer (born 1951): Canadian actor, television personality, and dancer.
• Marie-Anne Voyer d’Argenson (1699-1780): French writer and daughter of René Voyer d’Argenson.
• Charles Voyer (1710-1776): French portrait painter in a Rococo style.
• Pierre de Voyer, Marquis d'Argenson (1641-1722): French politician, secretary of State for War, and son of René Voyer d’Argenson.
• Jacques Voyer (1639-1715): French cartographer and hydrographer, and brother of René Voyer d’Argenson.
• Jean-François Voyer (1746-1825): French playwright, émigré, and member of the Académie Française.
• Eugène Voyer (1781-1873): French violinist who studied in Vienna and was member of the Philharmonique de Paris orchestra.
• François Voyer (1732-1807): French lawyer, author, and man of letters who wrote under the pseudonym Abbé de Villers.
• René Voyer d’Argenson (1651-1721): French politician and Lieutenant General of police who was widely famous for his liberal opinions.

Other surnames

Voyer d'Argenson