Last Name Deal

The surname "Deal" is of Old English origin and is derived from a place name meaning "deer clearing." There are several places named Deal in England, including a town in Kent on the coast of the North Sea. As a result, the surname Deal was likely originally given to someone who lived near one of these locations or who came from there. Over time, the surname has been found in many parts of England and eventually spread to other countries as well due to migration and settlement.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Deal

The meaning and origin of the last name Deal

The surname Deal is of English origin, derived from several possible sources. One theory suggests it is a topographic name for someone who lived by a narrow valley or defile, as 'dele' means 'valley' or 'dale' in Old English. Another theory proposes that it could be an occupational name for a dealer in wool or cloth, with the Old Norse word 'deill' meaning 'part' or 'share', and used in Middle English to refer to a piece of cloth. Additionally, Deal may also have been a nickname for a skillful or shrewd person, as the Old Norse word 'deill' can mean 'cunning' or 'clever'. Over time, various spellings have arisen due to dialectical differences and name simplification, such as Deale, Dealls, and D'Ale.

Geographical distribution of the last name Deal

The surname Deal has a significant presence in several regions worldwide, though it is most concentrated in English-speaking countries due to its Anglo-Saxon origins. In the United States, it is most common in states like Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina, reflecting historical British migration patterns. In England, it is particularly prevalent in the counties of Kent and Sussex. The surname also has a strong presence in Canada, especially in Ontario and Quebec, as well as Australia, where it is frequently found in New South Wales and Victoria. Smaller but notable populations can be found in countries with historical British influence, such as Ireland, Scotland, and New Zealand. In Europe, the name can also be found in countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, likely due to the influence of English-speaking cultures over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Deal

The surname Deal has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variations include Dea(l), D'Eal, Deahl, Deale, Dealle, Deell, Deel, Deyle, and Deyle. These variations can arise due to factors such as transcription errors, regional dialects, or changes in surname usage over time. For example, the addition of an apostrophe (as in D'Eal) is a common convention for indicating the absence of a prefix or name element in certain surnames. In some cases, variations may also reflect attempts to Anglicize foreign names during periods of immigration or colonization, such as changing the French De la Chaise to Deal. These variations highlight the dynamic and complex history of family names.

Famous people with the last name Deal

Notable individuals with the surname Deal include:

1. Patricia Dunn Deal (born 1947), an American politician and diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to the Holy See from 2009 to 2013.
2. Burt L. Deal (1885-1961), an American businessman and founder of the dealership chain Burt Deal's Used Cars, one of the first such chains in the United States.
3. Bobby Lee Deal (born 1940), an American professional baseball player who played for several Major League Baseball teams from 1961 to 1975.
4. John W. Deal (1832-1903), a Union Army general during the American Civil War, who was brevetted as a major general for his service in the Battle of Lookout Mountain and the Battle of Missionary Ridge.
5. Terrell Owens (born 1973), an American former professional football player who played in the National Football League for several teams from 1996 to 2010, with the last name Deal being his middle name. He is known for his exceptional athletic skills and controversial personality on and off the field.

Genealogical research on the last name Deal

The surname Deal originates from Old English and Norman roots. It is derived from various origins including "de Halia" meaning 'of the hollow valley', 'de Oila' meaning 'of the river Yoyle or Ivel', and 'Deal' a place name from Anglo-Saxon Dælingas, meaning 'valley of the dwellings'. The surname Deal is most commonly found in England, particularly in Kent, where the town of Deal exists. Notable individuals with the last name Deal include Robert Lansing Deal, an American diplomat and politician who served as U.S. Secretary of State from 1925 to 1928; John Deal, a British Army officer during the Napoleonic Wars who reached the rank of Major-General; and Deal W. Hudson, an American Catholic conservative author and commentator. The Deal family has had a significant presence in America since the 17th century, with many branches found throughout the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Deal"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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