Show ContentsDevillier History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Villier was originally a name given to a person that planted, or primarily worked with, a plant called "vrilles", or in English, "tendril" 1.

Early Origins of the Devillier family

The surname Devillier was first found in Normandy (French: Normandie), the former Duchy of Normandy, where this noted family has been traced from ancient times.

Several members contributed greatly to the arts and literature of France. Pierre de Villiers (1648-1728) was a preacher and a poet whose most famous project "L'art de prêcher" was published in 1682. Cosme de Villiers (1683-1758), a friar, was a noted scholar. Pierre Villiers (1760-1849) was a dramatic author.

The family grew and branched to other regions in France, where a good number of Lords came from families through marriage.

Early History of the Devillier family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Devillier research. Another 35 words (2 lines of text) covering the year 1146 is included under the topic Early Devillier History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Devillier Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Villiers, Villier, Viliers, Vilier, Viliais, Villiais, Villiez, Viliez, Villié, Vilié, Villiée, Viliée and many more.

Early Notables of the Devillier family

More information is included under the topic Early Devillier Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Devillier migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Devillier Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • ? Devillier, aged 37, originally from Paris, who arrived in New York in 1893 aboard the ship "La Gascogne" from Havre, France 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Devillier (post 1700) +

  • Col. John M DeVillier, American Commander of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
  • Justin Devillier, American chef; named Chef to Watch by The Times-Picayune in 2008
  • Phillip Ryan DeVillier (b. 1976), American politician, Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives (2016-)


The Devillier Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: La main a l'oeuvre
Motto Translation: The hand work


  1. Dionne, N.-E., Origine Des Familles Canadiennes-Français. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1969. Print.
  2. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


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