Last Name Daubert

The surname Daubert has German origins. It is derived from a topographical name for someone who lived by a deep pool or pond, as "Tapfert" is the Middle High German word for 'deep'. Alternatively, it could be an occupational name for a worker in wood (German: "Dorfbaumter"), referring to someone who worked on the wooden posts that surrounded a village or protected its fields. This name was also found among the French Huguenots and is found widely distributed throughout Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, and the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Daubert

The meaning and origin of the last name Daubert

The surname Daubert is of French origin, derived from a topographical name for someone who lived by a workshop or shed used for dyeing wool, known as a 'dauber' in Old French. Over time, this occupational name was likely adopted as a hereditary surname. The surname Daubert has been found primarily in the northern region of France and has since spread to other parts of the world due to migration and colonization. In English-speaking countries, it is often spelled and pronounced slightly differently depending on regional variations, such as Dowbert or Dobart. Notable figures bearing this surname include Jean Daubert, a French historian, and Ronald Daubert, an American statistician who played a significant role in the development of evidentiary standards for expert testimony.

Geographical distribution of the last name Daubert

The surname Daubert is primarily found in France, where it originates from the region of Alsace. It has also spread to neighboring German-speaking regions due to historical migration patterns. In recent times, individuals with the surname Daubert can be found in various diaspora communities across Europe, North America, and Australia, reflecting the global movement of French immigrants and their descendants over centuries. The highest concentrations of people bearing the name Daubert are typically found in France, Germany, the United States (particularly in Louisiana, where it was introduced by early European settlers), Canada, and Switzerland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Daubert

The surname Daubert has various spellings and variations, reflecting its origins and evolution over time. Some of the most common spelling variations include: Daubart, Daubertz, Dauberth, D'Aubert, Dauberton, DuBert, Duberteau, Doubart, Doubert, Deaubert, De Aubert, De Auberton, and De Doubert. These variations may arise due to differences in transcription, regional dialects, or the influence of other languages. Additionally, some families may have altered their surname over time as a result of migration, naturalization, or assimilation into different cultures. The Daubert name is of French origin and is derived from either "de l'Auberte," meaning "of the monastery," or "l'Aubert," meaning "the elder." This surname was originally associated with clerics who lived in monasteries, reflecting its religious origins.

Famous people with the last name Daubert

The Daubert family has produced several notable figures across various fields. Most famously, William S. Daubert is an American jurist who served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1986 until his retirement in 2013. He is best known for his role in shaping the Federal Rules of Evidence, particularly Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, a landmark 1993 Supreme Court case that established guidelines for determining the admissibility of scientific evidence. In addition to Judge Daubert, another well-known individual with the same last name is Jean Daubert, an American chemist who made significant contributions to the fields of analytical and organic chemistry. She was a professor at the University of California, Berkeley and is best known for her work on high-resolution mass spectrometry and the development of the fast atom bombardment ionization technique.

Genealogical research on the last name Daubert

The Daubert surname originates from Germany, specifically the regions of Bavaria and Wurttemberg. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "Dapper" or "Tapfer," meaning "brave" or "bold." Initially, the name was likely used to identify a brave or bold individual who held the occupation of a falconer or bird trainer, as "Daubin" or "Tapfere Dube" was a term for falcons in Old High German. Over time, the spelling evolved into Daubert. Notable individuals bearing this name include Jacques Philippe Marie Binet-Daubenton, a French naturalist and a member of the French Academy; and Jean Daubert, an American chemist who contributed significantly to the field of spectroscopy. The Daubert surname can be found throughout Europe, but is particularly prevalent in France and Germany.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Daubert"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends