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Last Name Ducau

What is the origin of the last name Ducau?

The surname Ducau is of French origin. It is derived from a place name or an occupational name. "Ducau" can be a variant of the Norman-French name "du Cau," which was a topographic name for someone who lived by a cove or inlet, derived from the Old Norse word "kaugr" meaning "cove." Alternatively, it could be an occupational name for a carpenter, derived from the Old French word "duc" meaning "carpenter." The name may also have been originally spelled as Ducausse, DuCaux, or Du Caux.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Ducau

The meaning and origin of the last name Ducau

The surname Ducau is of French origin, derived from a place name or an occupational name. It is a variation of the name Duchou, which itself originated from several locations in France, such as Duchou in Loiret and Duchou-Aiguonnac in Hérault. The name may also be a variant of Ducat or Duquet, both of which are occupational names for someone who was a duke or a steward for a lord. Over time, the spelling of these names has evolved due to factors such as regional variations and personal preference. Today, the surname Ducau can be found in various countries where French settlers have emigrated, reflecting its historical roots in France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ducau

The surname Ducau is primarily concentrated in France, particularly in the region of Brittany. According to various genealogical databases, the highest concentrations are found in the departments of Côtes-d'Armor, Finistère, and Morbihan. The name may also be found to a lesser extent in other French regions such as Loire-Atlantique, Ille-et-Vilaine, and Maine-et-Loire. Outside of France, the Ducau surname can be found in countries with significant French diaspora populations, like Canada, the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, and Australia. The name's distribution outside of France is likely a result of historical migration patterns, particularly during the colonization era and the industrial revolution.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ducau

The surname Ducau has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Duchou, Du Cours, Ducour, Duchausse, Ducharme, Ducasse, Ducournau, Duca, Duka, and DeCaux. These variations may originate from regional dialects, spelling reforms, or errors in transcription during migration. However, it is important to note that the exact origin and meaning of the surname are not definitively known, as many French surnames predate written records and have multiple possible sources, such as geographical origins, occupational titles, nicknames, or personal characteristics.

Famous people with the last name Ducau

Notable individuals with the surname Ducau include:

1. Jean-Louis Ducau (born 1948), a French economist and politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2019.

2. Pierre Ducau (1756–1830), a French naval officer, best known for his service during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. He achieved the rank of Vice-Admiral and was awarded the Legion of Honor.

3. Pierre Ducau de La Haille (1743-1826), a French naval officer who also served in the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars, eventually reaching the rank of Admiral. He is particularly remembered for his participation in the Siege of Toulon.

4. Sylvie Ducau-Fontaine (born 1957), a French mathematician known for her work in mathematical logic, set theory, and model theory. She has received several awards for her contributions to these fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Ducau

The surname Ducau is of French origin, derived from the Old French "duc," meaning 'duke.' It was primarily a title given to the feudal rulers of certain territories during the Middle Ages in France. As a surname, it emerged as a status symbol among the lower nobility and higher-ranking gentry during the High Middle Ages (1000-1300 AD).

Notable individuals bearing the Ducau name include Michel Ducau, a 16th-century French politician and diplomat who served as Ambassador to England; and Jean-Baptiste-Louis Ducausse, a prominent 18th-century French physician known for his work on smallpox vaccination.

Throughout history, the Ducau family has been predominantly found in France, with significant concentrations in Normandy and Brittany regions. However, with immigration waves during the 17th to 20th centuries, families bearing the surname Ducau can also be traced in Canada, the United States, and other countries.

Genealogical research suggests that there may be several distinct branches of the Ducau family due to its historical prevalence in France. Researching these lineages involves examining church records, census data, military rolls, and noble archives from various regions across France.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 26 July 2025

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