Last Name Daval

Learn more about the origin of the last name Daval

The meaning and origin of the last name Daval

The surname Daval is of French origin, derived from the personal name David, which in Hebrew means "beloved" or "friend." It is believed that the surname Daval originated as a patronymic surname, indicating that the person was the son or descendant of someone named David. Patronyms were commonly used in earlier times to distinguish individuals within a community, especially in rural areas where surnames were not prevalent. The name David itself has biblical roots, as it was borne by the famous king of ancient Israel and a central figure in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. As a result, the name has been widely adopted throughout various cultures and countries. Over time, the surname Daval may have undergone variations in spelling due to regional accents, dialects, and transliteration from its original French form. Today, individuals with the surname Daval can be found in different parts of the world, carrying on the legacy of their ancient ancestors.

Geographical distribution of the last name Daval

The last name Daval has a relatively limited geographical distribution, with its highest occurrences primarily in France. It is most prevalent in the northeastern region of the country, particularly in the departments of Haute-Saône and Haute-Marne. These areas are situated in the historical region of Franche-Comté and the eastern part of the Grand Est region of France. Additionally, the surname can also be found in some parts of Switzerland, particularly in the cantons of Vaud and Neuchâtel. Outside of France and Switzerland, the distribution of the Daval surname becomes sparse. There are scattered instances of the name in other European countries, such as Belgium and Luxembourg. However, these occurrences are relatively infrequent. It is worth noting that due to migration and diaspora, individuals bearing this surname may have dispersed to various parts of the world, but overall, the concentration of the Daval last name remains predominantly within France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Daval

The last name Daval can have several variations and spellings based on different regions and historical contexts. Some common variations include Duval, Duvall, DeVaul, Devalor, and Da'Val. These variations may have originated from different pronunciation styles, phonetic changes, or linguistic adaptations in various languages. In some cases, the spelling can be influenced by transcriptions from non-English sources or recordings by census takers and immigration officials who may have misheard or misspelled the name. Furthermore, the name could have different spellings depending on the country of origin or cultural background. For instance, French and French-Canadian descendants may prefer the spelling Duval or Duvall, reflecting their heritage. Overall, these variations and spellings of the last name Daval exemplify the richness and diversity of the human experience, reflecting the interconnectedness of different cultures and languages throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Daval

There are no widely known individuals with the last name Daval in the realm of celebrity or fame. This particular last name does not have any notable figures associated with it who have garnered significant recognition or achieved prominence in fields such as entertainment, sports, politics, or any other notable sector. It is possible that those with the last name Daval may have achieved success and recognition within their specific local communities or professional circles, but they have not achieved a level of fame that is widely recognized on a national or international scale. Despite the lack of renowned figures with this particular surname, it is important to remember that fame and success can exist in various forms, and many individuals contribute immensely to their respective communities and industries without necessarily achieving global recognition.

Genealogical research on the last name Daval

The last name Daval is of French origin and has a rich genealogical history. The earliest known records of individuals with the surname Daval date back to the 16th century in France. Research indicates that the name Daval originated from the Old French word "daveau" or "d'aval," meaning 'downstream.' It is believed that the name was originally a geographical reference to individuals living near a river or stream. Over the centuries, the Daval family spread across various regions of France, including Burgundy and Franche-Comte. They were primarily involved in farming and agricultural activities. As time passed, some members of the family followed their pursuits outside of France, leading to the presence of Daval descendants in other parts of the world. Tracking the genealogy of the Daval family would involve exploring various historical records such as parish registers, census data, immigration records, and other relevant documents that shed light on their migration patterns and familial connections.