Last Name Delattre

The surname "Delattre" is of French origin. It translates to "of the lawyer" or "of the attorney" in English. It likely derives from an occupational name for someone who was a legal professional or assistant to one, or perhaps from a place name referring to such a location. Over time, this surname spread across regions inhabited by French speakers, including France itself as well as territories that were once under French control, such as Belgium, Canada, and parts of Africa.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Delattre

The meaning and origin of the last name Delattre

The surname Delattre is of French origin, derived from the Old French language. It translates to "of the late (or dead) grove" or "from the clear grove". This name would have been given to someone who lived near a grove that was no longer inhabited or had recently died. The first element, "de," means "of" or "from" in French. The second element, "l'attre," is derived from either "latre" (late) or "atre" (clear). Over time, the spelling of this name has evolved, with variations such as Delatour, Delatreau, and DeLatre also found in different regions and among diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Delattre

The surname Delattre is predominantly of French origin and has a significant presence within France, particularly in regions such as Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, and Grand Est. Outside of France, the distribution of this surname shows notable concentrations in Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. In North America, Delattre is most common in Quebec, Canada, due to historical French colonization. The presence of Delattre families can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Australia, where they primarily reside in New South Wales and Victoria, and in certain pockets of the United Kingdom, notably in London and Kent. Overall, while the majority of Delattres reside in France, a substantial diaspora exists across Europe, North America, Oceania, and the UK.

Variants and spellings of the last name Delattre

The surname Delattre has several variations and spellings, all stemming from the French origin which means "of Latour" or "from the tower". Some common alterations include De Lattre, DeLattre, De La Treme, De La Traye, and De Latray. Other less frequent versions may include Delatré, Deletré, Delaître, Delatre, and Delatray. These variations can occur due to differences in spelling conventions over time or regional dialects. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a name can depend on individual preference or historical context.

Famous people with the last name Delattre

Notable individuals bearing the surname Delattre include Philippe Delattre, a renowned French diplomat who served as the Ambassador of France to the United States from 2014 to 2019 and previously held various positions within the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the world of sports, Laurent Delattre is known for his achievements in the sport of fencing, having won a gold medal at the 1987 World Fencing Championships and competing in three consecutive Olympic Games. Additionally, Jacques Delattre was a celebrated Belgian historian specializing in medieval studies, who published numerous works on topics such as the Crusades and feudal Europe.

Genealogical research on the last name Delattre

The surname Delattre is of French origin, derived from the Old French 'delatre' meaning 'potter's lad', indicating someone who worked as an assistant to a potter. The earliest recorded occurrence of this name was in Normandy during the Middle Ages. Over time, families bearing the Delattre name migrated across France and into other European countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, some Delattres emigrated to North America, primarily settling in Quebec, Canada, and later in the United States. Notable bearers of the name include French Revolution figure Georges-Jacques Danton, who was known for his role as a leader during the French Revolution, and American politician Maurice Delattre, who served as a congressman from Louisiana in the 20th century. Today, the Delattre family can be found worldwide, with significant populations in France, Canada, the United States, and other countries where French colonization or immigration has occurred.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Delattre"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends