The meaning of the word "Ploudalmézeau", which derives from the Breton Gwitalmézé, could be expressed as follows: a "territory or parish in front of plains":
plou: parish,
dal: in front of,
mezon: plain or countryside.

The small village of Gwitalmézé goz (i.e. the "old Ploudalmézeau" in Breton, south of the current centre, on the road leading to Lanrivoaré) may have once been the centre of the town (see the chronology). The current centre is now situated at a crossroad.

Although Ploudalmézeau is situated 25 Km from Brest in the North, its population has constantly grown and the town has proved hospitable to newcomers, who find this a pleasant place to live.