Last Name Darras

The surname "Darras" is believed to have French origins. It is derived from a nickname for someone with dark hair or skin, as it comes from the Old French word "darre," which means "dark." This surname was also used metaphorically to describe a person as being "dark" in some other sense, such as having a morose or gloomy disposition. It is possible that this name may have been brought to other countries by French settlers or migrants. However, it's always good to remember that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings, so it's important to consider the specific family history for a more accurate understanding of its origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Darras

The meaning and origin of the last name Darras

The surname Darras is of French origin, stemming primarily from the Old French term "d'Arras," which translates to "from Arras." Arras is a city located in northern France, known for its historic significance and prominent cloth industry during the Middle Ages. The name was initially a geographical indicator, denoting that an individual or their ancestors were natives of Arras. Over time, as people migrated or settled elsewhere, the name Darras became a common surname among families with origins in this region. Today, the surname Darras can be found across various countries, particularly in France and its diaspora, reflecting the historical migration patterns of French-speaking populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Darras

The last name Darras has its origins predominantly in France, specifically the region of Burgundy and neighboring areas such as Franche-Comté and Savoie. Historically, the Darras family was established in the town of Saint-Claude, in the Jura department. Over time, the surname spread to other parts of France, including Paris and the surrounding regions. In recent times, the name has also been found in some Canadian provinces due to French-speaking immigration during the 17th century. The Darras name can also be found among expatriate communities in various countries around the world, including the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, and other French-speaking regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Darras

The surname Darras has several variations and spellings, including D'Arras, Darraz, Daras, De Arras, Da Arras, d'Arra, da Rras, darrass, darazz, das, de arras, da arras, daaras, daraas, daa ras, dah ras, and dharas. These variations may originate from different regions or time periods, reflecting the cultural and linguistic influences that have shaped this name over time. While some of these spellings are more common in certain regions, such as France or Greece, the surname Darras is found globally among diverse populations.

Famous people with the last name Darras

Notable individuals sharing the surname Darras include:

1. Paul Darras - An American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name "Paul Roma," who is best recognized for his time with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He was part of tag teams such as the Killer Bees and The Powers of Pain during the 1980s.

2. Eric Darras - A French professional basketball player, he started his career in France's second division before moving to the top-tier LNB Pro A with ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne. He represented France internationally and competed in the EuroBasket 2015.

3. Gérard Darras - A renowned French anthropologist, he is a specialist on the cultures of Africa's Atlantic coast. He has conducted extensive research on the Fula people in Guinea-Bissau and has written several books on African anthropology.

4. Alain Darras - A French film director, screenwriter, and actor who co-wrote and directed the critically acclaimed film "Ensemble, c'est tout" (Together, That's All) in 2013. He is known for his work on both fictional and documentary films.

Genealogical research on the last name Darras

The surname Darras is of French origin, specifically from the historic region of Dauphiné, now part of modern-day France. The name is thought to be derived from a local place or geographical feature, potentially related to "d'Arasse," a location in the present-day Drôme department. Throughout history, various branches and spellings of the family have appeared, such as Daras, Darrace, Darrax, and others. One notable bearer of this name was Jean-Baptiste Charles Darras (1753-1802), a French general who served during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. In North America, the Darras family can be traced to early settlers in Pennsylvania during the 18th century. As with many surnames, the precise origins of the Darras family may remain somewhat elusive due to historical recording practices and name variations over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Darras"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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