Last Name Deschamps

The surname Deschamps is of French origin. It comes from the Old French word "deschamp," which means "of the field" or "from the field." This surname was likely given as a topographic name to someone who lived near a field or open area, or it could have been an occupational name for a worker in a field, such as a farmer or agricultural laborer. The surname Deschamps is relatively common in France and French-speaking regions, as well as among French Canadians.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Deschamps

The meaning and origin of the last name Deschamps

The surname Deschamps originates from France and is derived from the Old French "des champs," which translates to "of the fields" or "from the fields." It was often given as a locative name, indicating that an individual lived near a field or open area. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passed down through generations. The name is prevalent in French-speaking regions, particularly in France and Quebec, Canada. Notable individuals with the Deschamps surname include professional tennis player Marion Bartoli, and French scientist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, known for his work in biology and evolutionary theory.

Geographical distribution of the last name Deschamps

The surname Deschamps is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly France and its surrounding countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec, Canada. It originates from the Old French term "des champs," meaning "of the fields." Outside of these areas, it can also be found in various parts of the world due to French colonization and migration, including Haiti, Louisiana (USA), and several African countries with a significant French influence. In France, it is most common in regions like Picardy, Normandy, and Franche-Comté, though it is widespread across the country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Deschamps

The surname Deschamps is of French origin and has several variations and spellings. Here are some examples:

* Deschamps (most common)
* De Schamps
* Deschamp
* Deschapmes
* DeChamps
* Deschamps
* Deschambeault
* Deschamps-Lafarge
* Descamps

These variations may arise from minor differences in spelling due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional alterations during immigration processes. However, they all share the same root, stemming from the French words "des champs," meaning "of the fields."

Famous people with the last name Deschamps

Notable individuals with the surname Deschamps include:

1. Didier Deschamps (born 1968) - A former French footballer who played as a midfielder, and is currently the manager of the France national football team. He led the team to win the FIFA World Cup in 1998 as a player and again in 2018 as a coach.

2. Émile Deschamps (1788-1855) - A French poet, librettist, and literary critic of the Romantic period. He was a member of the Académie française and is considered one of the founders of modern French literature.

3. Jean-Charles Deschamps (born 1952) - A Swiss lawyer and politician who served as President of Switzerland from 2018 to 2019. He was a member of the Federal Council, Switzerland's seven-member national executive body, from December 2009 until his retirement in December 2018.

4. Jean Deschamps (1865-1937) - A French politician who served as Mayor of Marseille between 1924 and 1930, and as a member of the Senate of France from 1927 until his death in 1937.

5. Yves Deschamps (born 1954) - A Canadian actor and writer, known for his work in French-language theatre, television, and film. He has won numerous awards, including the Prix Gascon Thomas for lifetime achievement in Quebec theatre.

Genealogical research on the last name Deschamps

The Deschamps surname originates from France and is derived from the Old French term "des champ" meaning "of the fields." This name was often given to those who lived near open or cultivated lands. The Deschamps family has a significant history in both France and other European countries, with notable members appearing throughout the Middle Ages.

In France, the Deschamps family produced several prominent poets during the 14th century, such as Guillaume de Machaut and Eustache Deschamps. In England, Sir John Deschamps was a key figure in the Hundred Years' War between England and France, serving as the Marshal of Calais from 1356 to 1380.

The Deschamps family also played important roles in Scotland and Ireland, with members serving as knights, bishops, and nobles. The surname eventually spread throughout Europe due to migration and conquests during the Middle Ages. Today, the Deschamps name remains common across France and other European countries, as well as in North America and other parts of the world, where descendants of early European settlers have resided for generations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Deschamps"
• 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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