Last Name Daubigie

The surname Daubigie is believed to have originated from France. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the village of Doubs-sur-Meuse in Lorraine. Surnames often arose from nicknames, occupations, or locations. In this case, it seems that the Daubigies may have originated from the region of Doubs. However, it's important to note that surname origins can be complex and often require further research for definitive conclusions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Daubigie

The meaning and origin of the last name Daubigie

The surname Daubigie is a French patronymic name derived from the given name "Dauphin," which means "dolphin" in French. Originally, it was used as a title for the French heir to the throne, and later became a surname. The name Daubigie may have been formed by adding various suffixes such as "-ier" or "-y" to the given name Dauphin, indicating occupation or place of origin. Over time, variations of the name have arisen due to phonetic changes, spelling inconsistencies, and migration patterns. Today, Daubigie is a relatively rare surname primarily found in France but also in other countries with French heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Daubigie

The surname Daubigie is primarily found in France, with significant concentrations in the regions of Brittany and Franche-Comté. It originates from the town of D'Auge, located in Calvados, Normandy, but over time, it has been dispersed due to migration and settlement patterns. In France, it is most common in the departments of Ille-et-Vilaine, Côtes-d'Armor, and Doubs, reflecting historical population movements. Outside France, there are also notable numbers of Daubigies in Canada, particularly in Quebec, where French settlers immigrated during the 17th and 18th centuries. Additionally, there are small populations in countries such as the United States, Switzerland, and Belgium, primarily due to further migration from France and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Daubigie

The surname Daubigie has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some of these variants include: Daubige, De Aubige, D'Aubigie, de Aubigee, Dubigie, Daubegie, Du Bige, and Da Bigio (Italian variation). These variations may arise from slight changes in pronunciation or the inclusion/exclusion of prepositions such as "de" or "du". It's essential to note that these variants are all considered derivatives of the original name, which likely originated from the Old French words "daubie" (meaning "mold") and "gier" (meaning "hawk"), describing a person who lived near a place with molds or resembled a hawk.

Famous people with the last name Daubigie

Notable individuals with the surname Daubigney include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Daubigney (1790-1876), a French general who served during the Napoleonic Wars, and was subsequently appointed as Prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône department in 1830.
2. Louis Daubigney (1844-1915), a French astronomer who discovered several asteroids between 1867 and 1871 while working at the Marseille Observatory. He is also credited with discovering two comets.
3. Pierre Daubigney (1850-1924), a French geologist, palaeontologist, and explorer who made significant contributions to our understanding of the fossil record of France. He participated in several major expeditions, including those led by Gabriel de Mortillet and Albert Gaudry.
4. Émile Daubigney (1853-1936), a French philosopher known for his work on the history of philosophy and ethics. He was a professor at the University of Dijon and authored several influential books, including "La Morale de la conscience" (1907) and "Essai sur l'Histoire de la Philosophie Morale en France depuis les origines jusqu'à nos jours" (1925).
5. Paul Daubigney (1864-1936), a French painter, illustrator, and engraver who was particularly known for his work in the field of lithography. He exhibited at the Paris Salon on numerous occasions and was awarded several medals for his artwork.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, spanning astronomy, geology, philosophy, and art.

Genealogical research on the last name Daubigie

The surname Daubigie is believed to have originated from France, specifically the region of Franche-Comté and Savoie. Its earliest known record dates back to the 13th century, with the name being a variant of Duby or Du Bouquier, meaning "the dweller at the oak tree" in Old French. The Daubigies migrated to Switzerland during the Middle Ages, where they established prominent families in regions like Fribourg and Neuchâtel. In the 17th century, some members of the family moved to Scotland, settling in Edinburgh, and later to Ireland and England. Notable figures with the surname include the Swiss politician François-Xavier Daubigney and the Scottish architect John da Buigg. The global distribution of the name today reflects its historical migration patterns, with significant populations in France, Switzerland, Scotland, England, and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "daubigie"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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