Last Name Delmas

The surname Delmas is believed to have originated from France. It is derived from a place name, specifically "Delmais" in Normandy, which means "from the dense wood" in Old French. The name was originally a topographic surname referring to someone who lived near a thickly wooded area. Over time, it became a hereditary surname as families moved and settled in various regions of France and beyond, leading to its wide distribution today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Delmas

The meaning and origin of the last name Delmas

The surname Delmas is of French origin, derived from a place name indicating a 'valley' or 'low-lying land'. It is derived from the Old French 'demesne', meaning 'domain', and 'le mas', meaning 'the house'. Initially, it was likely used as a nickname for someone who lived in such a valley or domain. The surname Delmas first appeared in Normandy, France, during the High Middle Ages, where the Normans were known for their conquest of England in 1066 and their subsequent influence on English history and culture. Over time, families bearing the name Delmas migrated to other regions of Europe and eventually to North America. Today, the name is common in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Delmas

The surname Delmas is primarily concentrated in France and its French-speaking regions, particularly in the southwestern part of the country. It originated from the village of Delmas, near Toulouse in Haute-Garonne department, where it was first recorded in the 13th century. Over time, the name spread throughout France as families moved or migrated to different areas. Today, a significant number of individuals with the last name Delmas can still be found in France. Additionally, due to French colonization and migration, the surname also appears in countries such as Canada, specifically Quebec, where it was brought by early settlers, and Haiti, which has a large population of people of French descent. The name is less common but can also be found in other countries with French influences, such as Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States, mostly among descendants of immigrants from France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Delmas

The surname Delmas has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and family preference over time. Some common versions include Delmas, Delemas, Dela Mas, Delmasse, Delmass, Delmais, Delmace, and Delmassey. These variations may originate from regional dialects, errors in recording or transcribing names, or intentional alterations to improve pronunciation or fit local phonetic norms. The name Delmas is of French origin and means "from the meadow" or "of the meadow," derived from the Old French words 'deme' (meadow) and 'mas' (house).

Famous people with the last name Delmas

Prominent individuals with the surname Delmas include:

1. Yves Delmas (born 1943), a French former football player who won the Ballon d'Or and played for both the France national team and Paris Saint-Germain.
2. Jacques-Louis Delmas (1805–1876), a French politician, member of the Legislative Assembly and the Senate during the Second Empire and Third Republic.
3. André Delmas (born 1947), a French poet and playwright known for his works such as "Le Théâtre des Hallucinations" and "L'Été en Hiver."
4. Charles-Gustave Delmas (1862–1930), a French physician, dermatologist, and venereologist who coined the term 'Delmas sign.'
5. Jean-Marc Delmas (born 1947), a French wine producer and member of the influential Burgundy family, known for his Grands-Echézeaux vineyard in Vosne-Romanée.
6. Marie-Élise Delmas (1884–1952), a French classical pianist who performed with some of the most prominent conductors and orchestras of her time, including those led by Gabriel Fauré and Camille Saint-Saëns.

Genealogical research on the last name Delmas

The surname Delmas is of French origin and is derived from various places named Delmas in France, most notably in the department of Haute-Garonne. It is believed to have been first used as a surname in the Middle Ages, possibly by someone who lived near one of these places. The name spread throughout France and later to other countries due to migrations and family dispersals over centuries. In Canada, the surname Delmas can be traced back to Jacques Delmas, who arrived in Quebec in 1634 as a servant of the Jesuit missionary Pierre Biard. In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in Louisiana, where it was brought by French colonists in the 18th century. Notable individuals with the surname Delmas include Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine, a Canadian statesman and political leader, and Gérard Delmas, a French musician and composer.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Delmas"
• 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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