Last Name Daillencourt

The surname Daillencourt is of French origin. It is derived from a place name meaning "Courtyard of Dail(e)" and is found predominantly in the Normandy region of France. Variations of this name include Daillencort, Dallencourt, and other regional spellings due to changes in pronunciation and recording methods over time. The surname was brought to England by Norman invaders during the Conquest in 1066, and has since been found in various English-speaking countries, particularly in Canada where many French settlers migrated in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Daillencourt

The meaning and origin of the last name Daillencourt

The surname Daillencourt is of French origin, specifically from Normandy, a region in northern France. It is derived from a place name, indicating that an early ancestor of bearers of this name lived near or owned property in the village of Dallencourt, which is located in the modern-day Calvados department. The name Dallencourt is composed of two Old French elements: "dal" meaning "valley" or "dale," and "court," meaning "court" or "farm." Over time, various spelling variations of the surname have arisen due to differences in transcription and translation, such as Daillancourt, Dailencourt, Daillencourt, and others. The name became popular among the French-speaking population during the Middle Ages when surnames were adopted to distinguish individuals within communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Daillencourt

The surname Daillencourt is predominantly of French-Canadian origin, with a significant concentration in Quebec, Canada. According to various databases, it ranks among the top 20,000 most common surnames in Canada, and within Quebec, it is more prevalent compared to other provinces. It's also found in parts of the United States, particularly in states with large French-Canadian populations such as Louisiana and Michigan, due to historical migration patterns. The name may also appear sporadically in France, reflecting its origins from that region. However, it is less common outside of these areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Daillencourt

The surname Daillencourt has several variations and alternate spellings due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and name evolution over time. Some common versions include Dallencourt, Daillencourt, Dailloncourt, Dalencourt, and Dailencourt. These variations primarily result from minor changes in spelling and pronunciation, influenced by factors such as the region or country of origin, individual preferences, and historical recording methods. It is important to note that while these variations share a common root, they may have distinct origins or meanings depending on their specific etymology. The original French name likely stems from "de l'encour," meaning "of the heart."

Famous people with the last name Daillencourt

Notable individuals with the surname Daillencourt include:

1. Michel Daillencourt (1927-2014), a French philologist and medievalist, known for his research on Old French literature and his contributions to the development of the study of Old French at the Sorbonne.

2. Pierre Daillencourt (born 1939), a Canadian lawyer who was appointed as the first Chief Justice of the Quebec Court of Appeal in 1987, serving for over two decades until his retirement in 2008.

3. Louis Daillencourt (1947-2016), a Quebec politician who served as a member of the National Assembly of Quebec from 1994 to 2003, representing the electoral district of Montmagny-L'Islet-Kamouraska-Rivière-du-Loup.

4. Jean Daillencourt (1935-2017), a Canadian musician and composer who was a prominent figure in the development of French language popular music in Quebec, known for his work as a songwriter, arranger, and producer.

Genealogical research on the last name Daillencourt

The Daillencourt surname originates from France, specifically Normandy, and is derived from the Old French "de l'Eglise Cour" meaning "from the church court." This lineage can be traced back to the Hauteville dynasty, a Norman family that played a significant role in the conquest of Sicily and the Crusades during the Middle Ages. One prominent figure with this surname was Robert de Limeis (or Daillencourt), who was a knight in King Henry II's court and participated in the Third Crusade. The family later spread to England, Belgium, and North America, where they established settlements during colonial times. In Canada, the name is notably found in Quebec, with early records indicating settlers in the region as early as the 17th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "daillencourt"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 30 July 2025

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