Last Name Druz

The surname Druz is believed to have origins in several countries, including Slavic-speaking regions such as Russia and Ukraine, and also in parts of Western Europe. In Eastern Europe, it may be a variant or derivative of the Russian surname Drus (Друз), which originally denoted someone from or related to Druzna (Druzhna), an old Slavic town located near modern-day Kiev, Ukraine. The name Druzna is associated with druzhina, meaning "militia" in Old East Slavic, which could suggest that the original bearers of this surname were warriors or belonged to a military unit. In Western Europe, the surname Druz might have been derived from the Latin word 'drusus,' meaning 'firm' or 'steadfast.' It is also possible that it is a diminutive form of Druid, though there is no definitive evidence to support this connection. It's essential to note that surnames can be challenging to trace due to factors such as regional dialects, spelling variations, and the practice of adopting names from other languages or cultures over time. Thus, the exact origin of the surname Druz may vary depending on specific lineages and geographical locations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Druz

The meaning and origin of the last name Druz

The surname Druz is of Czech and Slovak origin, derived from the personal name Drahomír or Dráchovice, both of Slavic etymology. Drahomír, meaning "peace at home," was a popular male name in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) and Moravia during the Middle Ages. The surname Druz emerged as a patronymic, indicating son or descendant of Drahomír. In Slovakia, it is also derived from the place name Dráchovice, located in present-day Vysoký Chlumec district, which was inhabited by people bearing the name Drahomír and later became a surname. The Druz surname has been recorded in various spellings such as Draz, Druzak, and Drus, reflecting the linguistic and orthographic changes over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Druz

The surname Druz is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Russia and Ukraine. It originates from Slavic roots and can be traced back to various regions within these countries. In Russia, the name is most prevalent in the western part, including areas like Smolensk Oblast and Tver Oblast. In Ukraine, it is commonly found in the northern and eastern regions, such as Chernihiv Oblast and Kharkiv Oblast. The Druz surname also has a presence in other Slavic countries like Belarus, where it is particularly common in the Minsk region. Additionally, smaller populations of individuals with the Druz surname can be found in other parts of the world, including North America and Western Europe, often due to migration during the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Druz

The surname Druz has various spellings and variations across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Drus, Droz, Druse, and Droze. These variations may be due to transliteration errors, regional dialects, or historical changes in spelling conventions. Additionally, the name can also be found as a first name in some cultures, such as the feminine form of Drucilla. Regardless of the spelling, the name Druz is believed to have originated from Slavic roots and means "bear" in Old Russian.

Famous people with the last name Druz

The Druz surname is relatively uncommon, and notable figures bearing this name are primarily associated with sports and entertainment industries. One of the most renowned individuals is Marion Druz, an American professional tennis player who reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 1968. In the world of music, there is John Druz, a guitarist who played with various acts including Alice Cooper, Roxy Music, and Lou Reed. Additionally, there's Michael Druz, a Canadian ice hockey player who spent several seasons playing for NHL teams such as the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Minnesota North Stars. Lastly, mention should be made of actress Elisabeth Druzbanski, known for her roles in TV series like "The Good Wife" and "The Blacklist." These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and are notable bearers of the Druz surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Druz

The Druz surname originates from various regions, reflecting its diverse historical background. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is found in the Czech Republic and Poland, where it is believed to be derived from the Slavic personal name "Dražko" or "Držislav". Another theory suggests a possible Jewish origin, with the name being a variation of Drusi, a Hebrew surname meaning "from Drusia", a town in Palestine. The Druz family is also documented in the Ottoman Empire, where some members converted to Islam and adopted the name as a surname. In modern times, the Druz surname can be found across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, with notable concentrations in Poland, Czech Republic, Israel, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "druz"
• 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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