Last Name Depitre

The surname Depitre is of French origin. It is derived from a given name, either "Déodat" or "Didier," both of which are Old High German names. The name Déodat is composed of the elements "deus" meaning "god" and "hāt" meaning "high," while Didier comes from "Dietrich," a compound Germanic name consisting of "diut" (people) and "ric" (ruler). Over time, these names were often shortened or altered in various ways to form the surname Depitre.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Depitre

The meaning and origin of the last name Depitre

The surname Depitre is primarily of French origin, derived from the Old French word "de Pietre," which translates to "of the stones" or "from the stone." This name was originally given as a topographical name to someone who lived near a notable outcrop or rock formation, or perhaps to someone who worked with stone in some capacity. Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to dialectical differences and other factors, such as Depeter, DePietro, and De Pietris, among others. The surname Depitre is now widely distributed among French-speaking communities worldwide, although it is most commonly found in France itself.

Geographical distribution of the last name Depitre

The surname Depitre is primarily found in France, with a significant concentration in the regions of Normandy and Picardy. It is also present in other parts of France such as Brittany, Auvergne, Rhône-Alpes, and Alsace-Lorraine. Outside of France, Depitre is found in Canada, particularly in Quebec, and in countries with significant French Canadian populations, like the United States. The name also appears in Belgium and Switzerland due to historical ties between these countries and France. It is less common but can be found in other parts of the world, particularly among diaspora communities of French or Belgian descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Depitre

The surname Depitre has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Depierre, De Pietro, Depeistere, De Pitres, and DePietri. These variations may stem from regional dialects, changes in family immigration records, or simple spelling errors. Another variation is Deporter, which while phonetically similar, has a different meaning and origin, as it is derived from the French word for "deporter," meaning to expel or transport someone. It's also important to note that some individuals may have altered their surnames intentionally or unintentionally during migration. These variations highlight the diverse history and global dispersion of people bearing the Depitre name.

Famous people with the last name Depitre

Notable individuals with the surname Depietro include:

1. Frank DeCicco (also known as Frankie DeVito), an American voice actor and impressionist best recognized for his work on The Sopranos, King of Queens, and Family Guy.

2. Dino De Laurentiis, a prominent Italian film producer who has worked on a variety of successful films such as Conan the Barbarian, Dune, and King Kong (1976).

3. Loretta Depietro, an American artist known for her vibrant and intricate mosaic artwork featuring animals and mythical creatures. Her works can be found in various public spaces, including airports and parks.

4. Joe Depaolo, a retired Major League Baseball pitcher who played for several teams throughout his career, most notably the New York Yankees. He was part of their World Series-winning team in 1962.

5. David DePietto, an American actor best known for his role as Dr. Jack Stewart on the soap opera One Life to Live from 1983 to 1984 and later as Dr. Greg Evans on Another World from 1987 to 1990.

Genealogical research on the last name Depitre

The surname Depitre is of French origin, derived from the occupational name "picteur" meaning painter. It emerged as a hereditary surname during the Middle Ages, particularly among artisans who worked with paints and pigments. Over time, various regional spellings developed, such as Dupetit, Petit, and Depete, all of which are considered variants of Depitre.

The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 12th century in France. One of the most prominent families bearing this surname was the noble family of Depitre de Montigny, who were influential in the Duchy of Normandy during the late Middle Ages. The Depitres emigrated from France to various parts of Europe and the Americas throughout history, with significant numbers settling in Quebec, Canada, and Louisiana, USA, due to French colonial expansion.

Today, the surname Depitre is most common in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States. It belongs to a larger group of French surnames, which are among the most numerous in Europe due to France's historical political dominance and cultural influence.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "depitre"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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