Last Name Dery

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dery

The meaning and origin of the last name Dery

The surname Dery is of Hungarian origin, derived from various places named Dér or Déró in Hungary. It's a toponymic surname, meaning it was originally given as a result of residence near a place called Dér or Déri (meaning barren in Hungarian). The name can also be found in the form "Deryi," which indicates someone from such a place. Over time, as Hungarian immigrants spread across Europe and the Americas, variations of the surname Dery emerged due to differences in transliteration and pronunciation in various languages. Today, it's a relatively uncommon surname but can be found throughout the world, particularly among communities with Hungarian heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dery

The surname Dery has a notable presence across various regions, primarily concentrated in West Africa, particularly in countries like Senegal and Ivory Coast, due to its origin from the Wolof ethnic group in Senegal. Additionally, it is also common among the Fulani people who are distributed widely throughout West Africa. Beyond Africa, the name Dery can be found in small numbers in countries with significant African diaspora populations, such as France and the United States. In these places, it often serves as a variant or anglicized version of the original African name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dery

The surname Dery has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variants include: Derry, Dairee, Deary, Dayre, Deere, Dairey, Deyrie, Dairi, Daeri, Derie, Dayri, Deiri, Deerye, Deri, and Dyery. These variations may arise from factors such as phonetic changes in pronunciation, errors in transcription by scribes or clerks, or simply differences in regional dialects and spelling conventions. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a name can often be traced back to its origin, whether it's a patronymic (derived from a father's name), geographical (related to a specific place), occupational (reflecting the original job or profession of an ancestor), or other derivation.

Famous people with the last name Dery

Notable individuals with the surname Dery include:

1. Paul Dery (born 1964), a Canadian politician who has represented the riding of Chambly-Borduas in Quebec's National Assembly since 2018, serving under the Liberal Party.

2. Mark Dery (born 1959), an American cultural critic and essayist, known for his works on popular culture, science fiction, and media studies. His most notable book is "Escape Velocity: Cyberculture at the End of the Century."

3. Hillel Dery (1908-1960), a Polish-born Israeli artist who was a pioneer in the development of Israeli art during the 1940s and 1950s. His works often depicted social issues and political themes, particularly focusing on the Holocaust.

4. Yves Dery (1927-2023), a Canadian journalist and broadcaster who worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) for more than 50 years. He was known for his news programs, documentaries, and interview shows.

Genealogical research on the last name Dery

The Dery surname is of French origin and is derived from the medieval given name Thierry or Desiré. The name first appeared in Normandy during the Middle Ages and later spread to England with the Norman Conquest in 1066. In England, the family was primarily found in Yorkshire and Lancashire. From there, some members of the Dery family immigrated to North America, settling in the United States and Canada in the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable individuals with the surname Dery include Maurice Richard, a Canadian ice hockey player, and Danielle Dery, a Quebec politician. In terms of genealogical records, the earliest available for the Dery family are found in parish registers in France dating back to the 1500s. The most recent census data shows that the highest concentration of Derys reside in Canada, specifically in Quebec and Ontario.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dery"
• 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