Last Name Daise

The surname Daise (or Davis) is of Old English origin, derived from a personal name which was brought into England by the Normans after the Conquest in 1066. The Norman form of the name was Davys or David, which was later Anglicized to the modern forms Davies and Davis. The given name David comes from the Hebrew name דָּוִד (Dawid), meaning "beloved" or "devoted to God." This name became popular in the Middle Ages due to the famous biblical figure, King David. Over time, this name has been passed down through generations and adopted as a surname, with various spellings and pronunciations emerging across different regions.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Daise

The surname Daise is primarily of French origin, derived from the given name "Daisy." In Old French, "Daysis" or "Deisie," was used as a female given name, which is a variant of the name Marguerite (daisy being one of the flowers associated with that name). Over time, this name evolved into the modern-day surname Daise. The surname may also have originated in Scotland and Ireland, where it is believed to be derived from a Gaelic given name "Daisi," meaning "full of joy." The popularity of the surname Daise can be traced across France, England, Scotland, and Ireland, but it's most prominent among families with French ancestry. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon surname worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Daise

The surname Daise is predominantly found in France, particularly in the Brittany region where it is among the top 20 most common surnames. It also has significant presence in Normandy and Western France. Outside of France, the name is sporadically distributed across countries with significant French immigrant populations such as Canada, the United States, and Australia. In the U.S., the state of Louisiana, due to its historical connections with France, shows a higher concentration of people bearing this surname. It is also found in minor numbers in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Switzerland, potentially reflecting the historical movements of French-speaking populations. Overall, the distribution of the surname Daise largely reflects historical patterns of French colonization and immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Daise

The surname Daise has several variations and spelling alternatives, including Daize, Dayse, Daisey, Daysie, Dasie, Dasai, Daizi, and Daizy. These spellings can appear in both British English (Dais(e)) and American English (Daiz(e)). It's important to note that while the original spelling may be Dais(e), the variations often arise due to regional pronunciation differences, scribal errors during record-keeping, or individual preferences. In some instances, the addition of an 'y' or an 'ie' at the end of the name can signify a feminine interpretation, though this is not always the case. The etymology of the name Dais(e) can be traced back to Old French "Dalys" and Welsh "Dafis," both meaning "leader."

Famous people with the last name Daise

The Daisie family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is James Daisie (1899-1974), an influential American composer and conductor, best known for his works in film scores such as "Peter Pan" and "The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men." In the world of literature, Rose Macaulay Daisie (1890-1968) was a British novelist, essayist, and critic, who gained recognition for her works like "The World My Wilderness" and "Possessed." Another significant figure is George Daise (1872-1934), an American lawyer and politician who served as the Mayor of San Francisco from 1906 to 1908. Additionally, in the realm of sports, Brian Daisie, a British footballer, played for teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City during his career. These are some of the prominent figures bearing the surname Daise.

Genealogical research on the last name Daise

The surname Daise (or Dawis, Dawes) is believed to have originated from the Old French "daus" or "daw", meaning dark-complexioned, and was originally used as a nickname for someone with such characteristics. The name was first found in England, where it appears in various records dating back to the 13th century. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was William Daise, who lived in Yorkshire during the reign of King Edward I. Over time, families with the surname Daise migrated to other parts of Europe, including France and Ireland, where they assimilated into local cultures and societies. In the United States, records show that early settlers bearing the name arrived in the mid-17th century, primarily in Virginia and Pennsylvania, and later spread across the country as westward expansion occurred. Today, there are numerous Daise families living all over the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Daise"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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