Colville Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Colville come from? What does the surname Colville mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Colville and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Colville Origin: What does the last name Colville mean?
The surname Colville has Norman English origins and first appeared in records from Scotland in the early 12th century. It remained closely associated with Scotland and England from the 12th to the 18th centuries. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Colville surname grew significantly in Scotland, England, and the United States, indicating a global spread over the centuries. The surname remains prominent in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Colville surname in the United Kingdom since the early 10th century. The name steadily expanded between the 10th and 15th centuries, appearing in countries such as France. By the 16th and 17th centuries, it had spread extensively worldwide, establishing itself strongly in the United States. Today, YourRoots records reveal the Colville surname in various countries, showcasing its remarkable global reach and rich history.
Colville Last Name History: Where did the last name Colville come from?
Origin of Colville Surname: Where does the last name Colville originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Colville first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Colville spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Colville: What does the Colville surname history look like in the early days?
The Colville surname remained closely associated with Scotland and England from the 12th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Colville family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Colville surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Colville surname grew significantly in Scotland, England, and the United States. The Colville surname remains prominent in these regions. It appears in many countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Colville last name heritage and Colville surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Colville Surame?
Jock Colville
Sir John Rupert Colville (Jan 28, 1915 – Nov 19, 1987) was a British civil servant best known for his diaries providing insight into Winston Churchill's wartime Premiership. Coming from a politically active family, he served as Assistant Private Secretary to three Prime Ministers. Colville's diaries, held at the Churchill Archives Centre, reveal his close relationship with Churchill and offer a glimpse into the political and personal life of the influential leader. His contributions to documenting history during a crucial period have left a lasting impact on understanding the inner workings of the British government during World War II.
Alex Colville
David Alexander Colville (August 24, 1920 – July 16, 2013) was a Canadian painter and printmaker known for his Magic Realism style. He served as an Official Second World War artist, depicting the horrors of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Colville influenced a generation of realist painters and was honored with appointments to the Order of Canada. His work often featured his wife, Rhoda Colville, as a model, capturing everyday moments with a touch of mystery. Colville's legacy lives on at the Colville House museum, dedicated to preserving his life and art.
Charles Colville
General Sir Charles Colville (7 Aug 1770 – 27 Mar 1843) was a distinguished British Army officer known for his service during the Napoleonic Wars. He played key roles in various battles and campaigns, including in Egypt, Martinique, and the Iberian Peninsula. Colville's military achievements led to him being promoted to higher ranks and receiving prestigious honors like the Knight Commander of the Bath (K.C.B.). Beyond his military career, Colville was also a family man, marrying Jane Mure and having four children. His legacy as a skilled strategist and leader in the British Army continues to be remembered and honored today.
Neil Colville
Neil McNeil Colville (August 4, 1914 – December 26, 1987) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player known for his time with the New York Rangers in the NHL. Alongside his brother Mac, he won the Stanley Cup in 1940 and later became the Rangers' youngest coach. Colville was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1967 and is remembered for his versatility on the ice, excelling as both a forward and defenseman. After retiring, he became a key investor in Northern Television Systems and played a crucial role in its development. His legacy lives on through a memorial bench in Gary Point Park, British Columbia.
Stanley Colville
Admiral Sir Stanley Cecil James Colville (21 Feb 1861 – 9 Apr 1939) was a distinguished Royal Navy officer with a prestigious lineage. Serving in various high-ranking positions, he commanded fleets across the globe, including during the Anglo-Zulu War and the Anglo-Egyptian War. Colville's notable career culminated in significant roles such as Vice-Admiral Commanding, Orkneys and Shetlands, and Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth. His contributions to naval strategy and leadership were recognized with multiple prestigious honors, including Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George. Colville's legacy as a naval tactician and leader endures in British naval history.
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