Surname Dufour - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering my ancestral connection to the ancient Gauls through an iGENEA DNA test has considerably broadened my self-understanding, changing my view on my heritage from purely French to a Celtic and nomadic one.
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read moreDufour: What does the surname Dufour mean?
The surname Dufour is an old French surname, commonly found in the Catholic parts of Europe. It is derived from the old French dufour (or doufour), which means aelsewhere specifically, the term was used to refer to a person who lived between two towns or villages.
The Dufour family lineage traces back to the 17th century in France as an occupational surname for those living between two dwellings or opposing parties. In addition to its geographic connotation, Dufour is also linked to its meaning as a gentile or noble family.
Within the name Dufour are several variants, including Deaufours, Desfour, DuFours and Duffours, all of which are derived from the French language.
The name is abundant today and parts of it can be found in nearly all countries where a French influence is present. While the origin of the Dufour surname is in France, many immigrants have kept it as their birth or married name after migration.
Many famous people have held the name of Dufour, including Michel Dufour, a French film actor; ColonelPierre Dufour, a journalist; and Frédéric Dufour, an architect. Furthermore, variants of the name can also be found in sport, such as in slalom skiing; in music, such as in heavy metal and jazz; and in literature, such as in Romantics.
The surname Dufour is derived from a local or geographical origin, as well as embodying the significant significance of a noble family heritage. It is globally renowned and has many prestigious and well-known holders.
Order DNA origin analysisDufour: Where does the name Dufour come from?
The last name Dufour is a French surname, originating in the Middle Ages. It is believed to have been derived from the Latin "du-fours," meaning two forges. The name is most common in Europe, particularly France, where it is ranked among the top 250 surnames. It is also found in Switzerland, Belgium, and Sao Tome and Principe. The frequency of the surname outside of Europe is typically lower, though it is still found in various countries. In the United States, Dufour is the 18,778th most common surname. It is most concentrated in Massachusetts, followed by Florida, Connecticut, and Louisiana.
The Dufour name has been a strong presence in history throughout the centuries, originating with Norman aristocrats in France. Many of them were knights, nobles, and warriors. In modern times, there are numerous notable figures with the Dufour name. Among them are Canadian Olympic medalist Mathieu Dufour, Dominican Major League Baseball player Delmon Dufour, as well as numerous award-winning French authors and scientists.
Overall, the last name Dufour is most common in Europe and particularly in France. It is also very prevalent in specific states in the United States. It has a long and rich historical lineage with many distinguished individuals bearing the name.
Variations of the surname Dufour
The surname Dufour is a variant of the French surname Dufour, derived from the Old French word for ‘woollens’. Possible spellings of the surname Dufour include: Four, D'Four, Fourte, Fouret, Fourre, Fourrier, Fourreau, Fourment, Fouret, Fourché, Fourier, Fourré, Fourmenton, Fourcadier, Fourcette, Fourmentier, Dufours, Dufourt, Dufrapier, Dufayette and Dufrage.
The surname Dufour has spread all over the world and variations of this name can be found in numerous countries. In the United States, there are variants of the Dufour name such as Dufur, Duffur, Dufore and Dufresne. Other Americanised spellings of the Dufour surname include Duffort and Duffour.
In Great Britain, variant spellings of Dufour include Four, Fourre and Fourier. In Canada, the surname Dufour is commonly found also with variants of spellings such as DuFours, Dufourre, Dufort, Dufolie and Fourier.
Common variant surnames associated with Dufour include Fournier, Fourie, Fourier, Four, Fouret, Du Four, Fourreau, Fourie and Fourment. Countries in which variants of the surname Dufour are found include France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
Famous people with the name Dufour
- François Dufour: Swiss politician who served as the fourth President of the Swiss Confederation, from 2003 to 2007.
- Jean-Claude Dufour: French actor who appeared in many films, best known for his roles in films such as Delicatessen, An American Werewolf in Paris, and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie.
- Christian Dufour: French anthropologist and author who has written or edited several books on French identity, as well as video essays on French culture.
- Pascal Dufour: French illustrator and cartoonist who has worked for comic books, newspapers, magazines, books and television.
- Bernard Dufour: French artist who has made sculptures from horror films and often explores the theme of monsters, both human and animal.
- Jean Dufour: French renaissance architect best known for having designed the first rusticado or decorative timber building in France.
- Jean-Gabriel Dufour: French painter who was a part of the Romantic Movement.
- Vincent Dufour: French landscape artist best known for his views of the Jura Mountains.
- Guy Dufour: Canadian blacksmith, sculptor, and musician.
- André Dufour: French writer, screenwriter and director of animation films.