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Last Name Dewalt

What is the origin of the last name Dewalt?

The last name Dewalt is of Dutch origin. It is derived from the personal name Waldo, which is a short form of the name Walther, meaning "ruler of the army." Over time, the name Waldo evolved into Dewald and eventually Dewalt. This surname is most commonly found in the Netherlands and surrounding regions.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Dewalt

The meaning and origin of the last name Dewalt

The surname Dewalt is of German origin, derived from the personal name "Diovald", which combines the elements "dew", meaning "people" or "nation", and "wald", meaning "ruler" or "power". Dewalt is therefore a surname of patronymic origin, indicating descent from an ancestor named Diovald. The name may have evolved over time through various spelling variations, such as Dewald or Devalt. The Dewalt surname is primarily found in Germany and parts of Eastern Europe, where it is believed to have originated. Over time, individuals with the surname Dewalt have likely migrated to other regions, leading to its presence in different parts of the world today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dewalt

The last name Dewalt has a relatively limited geographical distribution, with the highest concentration found in the United States. According to data from the US Census Bureau, Dewalt is most prevalent in states such as Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Dewalt in countries such as Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. Overall, Dewalt is a less common surname compared to others, and its distribution tends to be more localized within specific regions rather than spread out across a wide area. The origins of the Dewalt surname can be traced back to Germany, where it is believed to have originated as a variant of the name "Dewald," meaning "God's power" or "ruler of the people."

Variants and spellings of the last name Dewalt

The last name Dewalt can be spelled in various ways, including DeWalt, Dewalt, Duwalt, Dewault, Dewoldt, and DeWault. These variations may arise due to different family branches, regional pronunciation differences, or transcription errors. Regardless of the spelling, the origin of the surname Dewalt can be traced back to Germany, where it is believed to be a derivative of the personal name "Dietwald," which means "people rule" or "ruler of the people." Over time, the name may have undergone changes in spelling as it was passed down through generations and as individuals migrated to different countries. Today, individuals with any of these variations of the last name Dewalt can be found around the world, continuing to carry on their family's heritage and legacy.

Famous people with the last name Dewalt

One famous person with the last name DeWalt is Matt DeWalt, a former professional baseball player who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the early 2000s. Another well-known DeWalt is Ray DeWalt, the founder of the American power tool manufacturer, DeWalt. Ray DeWalt revolutionized the power tool industry with his innovative designs and high-quality products. Additionally, Sarah DeWalt is a renowned artist known for her abstract paintings and mixed media sculptures. These DeWalt individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left a lasting impact on their industries. Whether it be through sports, business, or art, the DeWalt name is synonymous with excellence and innovation.

Genealogical research on the last name Dewalt

The last name Dewalt is of German origin, derived from the personal name "Dietwald," meaning "people's ruler." Variants of the name include Dewold, Duwalt, and Davault. Genealogical research on the Dewalt surname shows a history of families primarily from Germany, with some branches migrating to the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries. Members of the Dewalt family have been found in various regions of the United States, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Illinois. The Dewalt name has been passed down through the generations, with descendants continuing to honor their heritage and preserve their family history. Genealogical research on the Dewalt surname can uncover connections to other branches of the family tree and provide insight into the origins and migration patterns of the Dewalt family over time.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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