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Last Name Dafonte

What is the origin of the last name Dafonte?

The surname "Dafonte" is a variant of the Spanish surname "Da Font," meaning "of the font" or "from the fountain." This surname originates from Spain and Portugal. In some regions of Spain, such as Galicia, it's common for people to adopt occupational names based on the profession of their ancestors. The "Font" in this case could refer to a person who worked with fonts or fountains, perhaps a stone mason who constructed fountains. Over time and due to various factors like migration, it has evolved into the modern spelling of Dafonte.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dafonte

The meaning and origin of the last name Dafonte

The surname Dafonte is of Spanish origin, derived from the medieval personal name "Dávila" or "Dávalos." It's believed to have been originally bestowed upon a person who was notable for his physical strength and courage, as both names are derived from the Arabic word "dabal," meaning strong. The 'Da' prefix in Spanish surnames indicates noble ancestry or high birth. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings including Dafonte, Dávila, Dávalos, and other similar variations. Its popularity spread across Spain and its colonies, particularly in South America. Today, it remains a distinctive and unique name, reflecting a rich history and a connection to the Iberian Peninsula.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dafonte

The surname Dafonte has its origins primarily in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Asturias, reflecting a concentration in the northwestern part of the country. While not as widespread as some other Spanish last names, it can still be found throughout various parts of Spain, albeit less frequently. In addition to Spain, the name Dafonte is also present in countries with significant Spanish-speaking populations, such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and the United States, particularly in regions where people from the abovementioned Spanish regions have immigrated. It's important to note that the distribution of this surname can vary significantly even within these countries due to factors like migration patterns and genealogical data availability.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dafonte

The surname Dafonte has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some of the most common variants include Da Fonta, Da Fonseca, De Fontenay, de Fountain, De Fonte, da Fonte, and D'Afonte. These variations may stem from regional dialects, transcription errors, or assimilation into local cultures over time. For example, the Spanish surname "Da Fonta" is a variant of the Italian "De Fontana," while "Da Fonseca" is more common among Portuguese speakers. In French-speaking regions, you might find the name as "de Fontenay," and in English-speaking regions, it could be spelled as "De Fountain." The surname Dafonte also appears in different forms, such as "D'Afonte" or simply "Fonte," which is more common among some African populations. These variations demonstrate the rich cultural history and migrations associated with the surname Dafonte.

Famous people with the last name Dafonte

Notable individuals with the surname Dafonte include:

1. **Sebastián de la Fuente** – A Spanish-Peruvian actor and model who gained prominence for his role as Eduardo Suarez in "The Oath" (2018). He has also appeared in "The Shallows" (2016) and "The Walking Dead" (2016).

2. **Maria Dafonte** – A Brazilian actress who is known for her roles in "Malhação: Viva a Diferença" (2008-2009), "Joia Rara" (2012) and "Cordel Encantado" (2014).

3. **Juan Carlos Dafonte** – A Mexican composer and music producer who has worked with various Latin American artists, including Belinda, Lola Daronch, and Noel Schajris. He won a Latin Grammy for Best Contemporary Pop Album by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2017.

4. **Leonardo Dafonte** – An Argentine actor known for his roles in "Historias de un clan" (2015), "Soy Luna" (2016-2018) and "Entrar y salir por la cocina" (2020).

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Dafonte

The surname Dafonte originates from Spain, specifically the region of Galicia, where it is believed to have been first used by the Da Fonté family. The name translates to "of the fountain" or "from the fountain," indicating a geographical location marked by a notable water source. The family's roots can be traced back to the Medieval Ages, with early recorded instances in parish records dating from the 15th century. Over time, the spelling of the name has undergone variations due to phonetic changes and regional dialects, such as Dafonte, Da Fonté, or Dafóte. The family migrated from Galicia during various periods of history, including the Spanish colonization of the Americas in the 16th century, and the subsequent diaspora throughout Europe and America. Today, the Dafonte surname is predominantly found in Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and the United States. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about this family's history and dispersal across continents over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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