Last Name Detraz

The surname Detraz is of Italian origin. It is a habitation name from various places called Detrato, Detrazzo, or Detrazzo, which are found in the provinces of Piacenza and Parma. The name likely derives from the Italian word "detra", meaning slope or incline, and refers to someone who lived near such a place. However, it's important to note that surnames frequently had variations in spelling throughout history due to factors such as illiteracy, linguistic changes, and migration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Detraz

The meaning and origin of the last name Detraz

The surname Detraz has Italian origins and is derived from the occupational name "detrato" or "dettato," which means "one who collects debts." It is also possible that it is a nickname for someone who was frugal or thrifty, as "detra" in some Italian dialects can mean "reduction" or "cutback." The name first appeared in various parts of Italy during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions such as Lombardy and Piedmont. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved due to factors such as regional variations, migration, and assimilation into other cultures. Today, the surname Detraz is most commonly found in Italy, Switzerland, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Detraz

The surname Detraz is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in the northern regions such as Piedmont and Lombardy. It originates from the medieval village of Detto, located near Alessandria in Piedmont. Over time, individuals with the surname Detraz migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas. In Switzerland, the name is also found, particularly in the Ticino region which shares a border with Italy's Lombardy. In North America, the name can be traced in significant numbers in Canada and the United States, with Ontario, Quebec, and Pennsylvania being among the states or provinces where Detraz families have established settlements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Detraz

The surname Detraz has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Here are some common spelling variations:

1. De Trass - This is an early French variant of the Italian surname De Trasi or De Tratto, which means "of the cross" or "made by a carpenter."
2. DiTrasio - An Italian-American variation of the original Italian surname, meaning "son of the carpenter."
3. De Tracy - A possible Anglicized form of the French surname De Trass, which could also be a variant of the English name de Tracey, which is derived from various places called Tracy in England and France.
4. De Trafford - This English name may have originated as a nickname for someone from Trafford, an area near Manchester, England. It can also be a Norman French form of the same name.
5. D'etraz - A variation where the apostrophe is used to indicate the missing 'de' in the original French surname De Trass.
6. De Traxel - An alternative spelling that may have originated as a corruption or misspelling of the original Italian surname.
7. Detaiz - A phonetic spelling variation, which may be more common among non-native speakers or those with limited exposure to standard English orthography.
8. De Tratz - Another possible spelling variant of the French surname De Trass, characterized by a slightly different pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Detraz

Notable individuals with the surname Detraz include:

1. Charles Detraz (born 1948), Swiss politician who served as President of the Swiss Confederation in 2008.

2. Jean-Louis Detraz (1936–2005), a Swiss astronomer known for his work on comets and asteroids. He discovered several minor planets, including 2217 P-L-Chapman.

3. John Detraz (born 1948), an American actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the role of Lieutenant Paul Leland in the original Star Trek series.

4. Marcel Detraz (1860–1922), a Swiss artist known for his paintings and etchings of landscapes and figures, as well as his work as a lithographer and teacher at the Geneva School of Fine Arts.

5. Pierre Detraz (born 1943), a Swiss economist who served as President of the Swiss National Bank from 2000 to 2007.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, astronomy, acting, and economics.

Genealogical research on the last name Detraz

The surname Detraz is of Italian origin and is primarily found in northern Italy, particularly in the regions of Ticino, Piedmont, and Lombardy. The name is derived from the occupational term "dottore" or "dottrice," meaning doctor, teacher, or scholar, and is believed to have been a nickname given to someone who was educated or knowledgeable. The earliest known records of the Detraz family date back to the 13th century in Italy, with notable families from Ticino such as the Detraz di Gavirate and Detraz di Lugano. The family also migrated to Switzerland and other European countries throughout the Middle Ages, with many settling in France, Germany, and England during the Renaissance period. In North America, the surname Detraz was brought by Italian immigrants who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily from the provinces of Ticino and Piedmont. Today, there are significant populations of Detraz descendants in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "detraz"
• 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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