Last Name Defoor

The surname "Defoor" is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "defois", meaning "after". It was often used to denote someone who lived on land that was acquired after other holdings. In France, it can be found in the regions of Picardy and Champagne. Over time, the spelling has evolved and variants such as Defaux, De Fois, De Foix, etc., have emerged due to regional dialects and scribal errors during record keeping.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Defoor

The surname Defoor is of French origin, derived from the Old French phrase "de four" which translates to "of the forge" or "blacksmith". It was often given as an occupational name to someone who worked at a forge, such as a blacksmith or someone involved in ironworking. The name's popularity expanded beyond France to neighboring regions like Belgium and Switzerland due to historical migration patterns. In English-speaking countries, the spelling may have undergone slight variations, with Defoor being one of them. Over time, individuals bearing this surname may have moved away from the original occupation, but the name has persisted as a part of their family history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Defoor

The surname Defoor is primarily concentrated in Belgium and France, with significant populations also found in the United States, particularly in the states of Georgia and Florida, due to historical migrations from these European countries. In Belgium, it is most common in the Wallonia region, specifically in the provinces of Liège, Namur, and Hainaut. In France, it can be found throughout the country but is more prevalent in regions bordering Belgium such as Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. The name also has a presence in Switzerland, Luxembourg, and some other European countries with historical ties to Belgium or France. Its appearance in the United States is mainly due to Belgian and French immigrants during the 19th and early 20th centuries. While it is less common outside of these regions, the Defoor name can be found in various countries as a result of global migration patterns over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Defoor

The surname Defoor possesses several variants and spellings due to differences in pronunciation, transcribing errors, and regional dialects. Some of these versions include DeFoor, de For, DeFor, deFore, DeForre, and Deforre. Over time, additional variations may have arisen as a result of immigration and assimilation into different cultures. It is important to note that the correct spelling for any name can depend on its origin and historical context. The surname Defoor is of French origin, derived from the word "de four," meaning "of the oven." In genealogical research, it is advisable to explore all possible variations when tracing family history.

Famous people with the last name Defoor

The Defoor surname is primarily associated with notable figures from various fields, including arts, sports, and politics. One of the most renowned individuals is Jeffrey Defoor, an American sculptor known for his large-scale public art installations, such as the "Spirit of Detroit" monument in Michigan. In the world of professional wrestling, Ron Simmons, also known as "Farmer" Billy Red Lyons and later "The One Man Gang" and "The Big Nasty," is a former World Wrestling Federation (WWF) champion who is one of only two African-American world champions in WWF history. Additionally, there's William Defoor Jr., a decorated U.S. Air Force officer who served as the 16th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from 2008 to 2010. Lastly, Kim Defoor, an American entrepreneur, is the co-founder and former CEO of Magpul Industries Corp., a Colorado-based firearms accessory manufacturer. These individuals highlight the diverse accomplishments and impact of those bearing the Defoor surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Defoor

The surname Defoor, originating from France, is primarily found in the regions of Flanders and Wallonia. The name, derived from the Old French "defore" meaning "defender," was often given to individuals who lived near or worked at a forest's edge, acting as its guardians.

In Belgium, the Defoor family can be traced back to the 13th century, with records showing a Gilles Defoor living in Brabant during this period. The family migrated to the Netherlands and later to England, where they are known as De Forest or De Foor. Some branches of the family later settled in America, particularly in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Louisiana.

Notable figures with the name include Michel de Forest (16th century), a knight and Lord of Grimminghem in Flanders; and Henry Defoor (18th-19th centuries), a prominent figure in American Revolutionary War history from South Carolina. The lineage continues to be traced globally, with numerous branches found across Europe, North America, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Defoor"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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