The surname Defago is primarily of Swiss-Italian origin, specifically from the Canton of Graubünden (Grisons) in Switzerland, where Italian and Romansh are spoken alongside German. The name is likely derived from a place or a person named "De Faggio," meaning "of the beech tree" in Italian, referring to a specific location with many beech trees. The family may have originated from Deflago, a village in the Val Bregaglia region of Graubünden, or other locations with similar names. However, it's essential to note that genealogical research is needed for definitive confirmation of the name's origins and lineage for individual families.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Defago
The meaning and origin of the last name Defago
The surname Defago is of Swiss origin, specifically from the Canton of Graubünden, where it is most commonly found. It is derived from the Germanic personal name "Theodulf" or its variant "Diethelm", which means "people's wolf" or "day-helmet". The suffix "-ago" or "-agar" in Swiss surnames often indicates a person who lived on agricultural land, such as a farm or field. In this case, Defago could mean someone who lived on "Theodulf's farm" or "Diethelm's farm". Over time, the spelling has evolved and regional variations exist, such as Thöfelsdorfer (in the Avers region) or Teufelshardt (in the Prättigau region), both of which are historically related to Defago.
Geographical distribution of the last name Defago
The last name Defago is primarily distributed across three main regions: Switzerland, Italy, and France. In Switzerland, it's most concentrated in the cantons of Graubünden and Ticino, where it is one of the more common surnames. Historically, many Defagos lived in the Engadin Valley, a region known for its Italian influence. Across the border in Italy, it's prevalent in the Lombardy and Piedmont regions, particularly around the towns of Como and Verbania. In France, it's primarily found in the Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions, with a smaller presence in the Hautes-Alpes department. The name may be linked to the Latin term 'de fageto,' meaning 'from the beechwood,' reflecting the historical association of the family with forested areas.
Variants and spellings of the last name Defago
The surname Defago has several variations and spellings. Some of the most common include DeFago, De Fago, De'Fago, Da Fago, D'Efago, and Di Fago. These differences in spelling typically arise from regional dialects or phonetic transcriptions over time. It is important to note that the correct spelling can depend on historical records or family traditions. The name Defago is of Italian origin, specifically from Lombardy, a region in northern Italy. It is derived from the word "faggio," meaning beech tree, suggesting an association with either a geographic location near a beech tree or an occupational connection to these trees. Variations and spellings may also arise due to immigration patterns, as families adapted their names to fit the phonetics of the language they were adopting.
Famous people with the last name Defago
Stefan and Lukas Defago are notable figures in the world of alpine skiing. Born in Davos, Switzerland, they represented their country at international competitions. Stefan Defago, born in 1973, is a former World Cup alpine ski racer who specialized in the giant slalom event. He won three World Championship medals and two Olympic medals during his career. Lukas Defago, born in 1980, followed in his brother's footsteps and also competed in giant slalom events on the World Cup circuit. He achieved a career-best ranking of fourth in the giant slalom standings in 2007. Both brothers showcased exceptional skills and contributed significantly to Switzerland's skiing legacy.
Genealogical research on the last name Defago
The surname Defago originates from Switzerland, primarily in the canton of Graubünden, where it is believed to have been first used by members of the local population in the Middle Ages. Variations of the name include De Fago and D'Efago. One of the earliest known bearers was Hans Defago, who lived in the village of Zuoz during the 16th century. The name is thought to be derived from the Old High German term "Tafach" or "Dach," meaning roof or ridge, and "Fah," meaning fire or hearth, suggesting a reference to a place where fires were kept warm. Throughout history, Defago family members have made significant contributions to their community, with many serving in local government roles and military positions. Notable Defagos include Jean-Jacques Defago, a Swiss cross-country skier who won a silver medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics. The Defago lineage remains strong today, with members dispersed across Switzerland and other parts of the world.
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