Surname Didion - Meaning and Origin

Didion: What does the surname Didion mean?

The last name Didion is of French origin and is derived from the name “Diedon.” This name is derived from the French words meaning “devil” and “stone” respectively, a reference to the Devil's Stone, which is a geological formation located in Normandy.

The surname Didion is a very common last name among descendants of the Norman people, who are traced back to the medieval era of Europe. It is believed to have originated from a combination of two primary dialects, namely the Saxon language and the Norse language. The name was first used as a personal name, and eventually began to become common among large groups of people.

The surname Didion is a great example of the rich history and culture of the French people. It reflects hundreds of years of culture, heritage, and tradition. The jagged rock of the Devil's Stone is a neat reminder of the hard-working and determined attitude of the people belonging to this name. Those who bear this last name are sure to remember their deep-rooted history and take pride in their own heritage.

Didion: Where does the name Didion come from?

The last name Didion is of French origin. It is derived from the personal name Didier, which in turn originates from the Latin name "Desiderius," meaning "desired." The name spread across Europe through St. Didier of Cahors and St. Didier of Vienne, both prominent figures in the sixth-century Christian Church. In the Middle Ages, it became a popular first name in France and gradually evolved into a surname.

The surname Didion is not extremely common, but it is most frequently found today in the United States, specifically in the Midwest region. It can also be encountered in Canada, France, and other parts of Europe. However, its worldwide presence is relatively sparse. One of the most famous people with the last name Didion is the iconic American writer and essayist Joan Didion.

Variations of the surname Didion

The surname Didion is of French origin and it is not very common. Because this surname originated in a region where Old French was spoken, it is derived from the old French word "Didier." However, there aren't many known variants for this surname. Depending upon phonetic spelling and regional accents, spellings like Dideon, Diddion, or Dydion could possibly exist, but they are not common.

Surnames that may be of the same origin, based on root words, include Diderot, Didier, and Didiot. Diderot, a literary and philosophical surname, stemming from the same root of "Didier". Didier is a common French given name and surname which means "desired" or "desired one" in French. Didiot could be a derivative of Didion as well or a nickname. However, surname origins can be complex due to regional, historical, and familial influences, thus it's advised to delve into ancestral records for specific and accurate information.

Existing prominent personalities with Didion surname include the acclaimed American writer Joan Didion. Thus, the imparted visibility of the surname predominantly lies in literary arts.

Famous people with the name Didion

• Joan Didion: An American writer renowned for her novels and literary journalism. Her notable works include "Play It as It Lays", "The White Album", and "The Year of Magical Thinking". She has received several awards, including the National Book Award for Nonfiction and the National Humanities Medal.
• John Gregory Dunne: Though not bearing the surname Didion, Dunne was Didion's husband and a well-known figure associated with her. He was a prominent author and screenwriter, known for his journalistic commentary and critique of Hollywood.
• Quintana Roo Dunne: Didion's only child, Quintana was a known figure in literary circles due to her parents. Though she didn't gain widespread fame in her lifetime, her tragic death was notably documented in Didion's award-winning book "The Year of Magical Thinking".
• Griffin Dunne: Didion's nephew and an established actor, film producer, and director. While his surname is not Didion, he's closely associated with it. He directed a Netflix documentary about Joan Didion released in 2017. There is less information available about other individuals with the surname Didion, suggesting that Joan Didion is the most famous figure with this surname.

Other surnames

Didiot