Last Name Defosse

The surname Defosse is of French origin. It derives from the Old French word "defose" which means "deforestation." This surname was often given to people who lived near deforested areas or were associated with forestry work. Over time, the spelling evolved into its current form as Defosse. It's important to note that surnames began to be widely adopted in Europe during the Middle Ages, and they were frequently related to a person's occupation, place of origin, or distinguishing physical characteristic.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Defosse

The surname Defosse originates from France and is derived from the Old French term "defossé," which means "dug out" or "excavated." It was originally a topographic name for someone who lived near a dug-out pit, possibly an excavation used for fishing or mining. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname. In its current form, Defosse is found predominantly in France and Belgian French-speaking regions. Variants of the name include De Fossé, DeFosse, Defosses, among others. Like many French surnames, it was brought to other parts of the world by French colonists and immigrants, extending its presence globally.

Geographical distribution of the last name Defosse

The surname Defosse is predominantly found in France, particularly in the northern regions such as Picardy and Hauts-de-France, where it originated. Historically, the name may be associated with the town of Faucon, located in the Oise department of Picardy. However, due to migration, Defosse is now also found in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. In Belgium, it is most common in Wallonia, while in Canada, it can be found predominantly in Quebec, particularly in urban areas like Montreal. The name has also appeared sporadically in other parts of the world as a result of French immigration, such as the United States and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Defosse

The surname Defosse has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations over time. Some common variants include DeFosse, DeFoosse, De Foosse, D'Efose, De Fosse, De Foese, De Fosseaux, and De Foix, among others. These variations can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in France, Belgium, and countries with a French-speaking population. However, it is essential to note that these variations might have different pronunciations and origins based on individual family histories. Researching the specific lineage can provide more accurate information regarding the original spelling and pronunciation of the name Defosse.

Famous people with the last name Defosse

Notable individuals with the surname DeFosse include:

1. John DeFosse (born 1963), American ice hockey player who played for the Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League (NHL).
2. William H. DeFosse (1870-1954), American civil engineer and educator known for his contributions to the development of the water resources engineering profession. He was a professor at Cornell University and served as president of both the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the International Association of Hydraulic Research.
3. Jacques de Fosseus (died c. 1270), also known as Jacques de Vitry, was a French bishop and crusader who wrote extensively about the Crusades and the Middle East. He served as Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from 1228 until his death.
4. Michel DeGraff (born 1967), Haitian linguist with the surname DeFosse, specializes in creole languages and has made significant contributions to the study of Haitian Creole and its relationship to French. He is a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
5. John DeFosse (born 1956), American businessman who founded and served as CEO of Kinko's, the global copy center chain, from 1984 until its acquisition by FedEx in 2004. He currently serves on the board of directors for several companies.
6. François de Foix-Candale (c. 1536-1581), also known as Francisco de Foix, was a French nobleman and military leader who fought against the Ottoman Empire in the Mediterranean during the late 16th century. He is best known for his role in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.

Genealogical research on the last name Defosse

The surname Defosse is believed to have originated from France, specifically the region of Picardy. The name is derived from the Old French "defoce" or "defoix," meaning "cut off" or "broken." This name was often given to someone who lived near a broken or cut-off place.

One of the earliest records of the Defosse family in France dates back to the 13th century. Jean de Fosses, born around 1270, is one of the earliest known ancestors. The family later migrated to Belgium and the Netherlands, with notable branches established in cities such as Ghent, Antwerp, and Brussels.

In the 17th century, some Defosse families emigrated to the American colonies, primarily settling in Pennsylvania and New York. Among them was Jacques Defosse, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1683. His descendants later spread across the United States, with significant populations found in Louisiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Today, the surname Defosse is widely distributed globally, with a high concentration in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United States, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Defosse"
• 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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