Last Name Ducon

The surname "Ducon" is French and is derived from the Old Occitan word "duc", meaning "duke". Over time, it has been modified to its current form in French. It was often given as a surname to individuals who held titles of nobility or were descended from nobles. This surname can also be found in some regions of Spain, where the Normans introduced this name during their occupation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ducon

The meaning and origin of the last name Ducon

The surname Ducon is a French patronymic name, derived from the given name "Ducon," which itself is a diminutive form of the male given name "Duco" or "Duc." In medieval times, it was common for children to be given nicknames based on physical traits, their parents' occupations, or personal characteristics. The term "Duco" or "Duc" originates from the Latin "ducis," meaning leader or guide.

Over time, as families moved and settled in different regions, variations of the name Ducon emerged. These include Duchon, Duecn, Dochon, Duhoun, and others. The surname is most prevalent in France but can also be found in other French-speaking countries, such as Quebec, Canada, and parts of Africa due to historical colonization.

As with many surnames, the exact origin of "Ducon" may not always be easily traced due to factors such as changes in spelling over time, migrations, and records loss. However, it is clear that the name carries a rich history rooted in French nobility and the feudal system of the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ducon

The last name Ducon is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Normandy, Brittany, and the Rhône-Alpes. It also has significant presence in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization and migration. Smaller concentrations can be found in various parts of Europe, including Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, where families with the surname Ducon may have originated prior to moving to France. In addition, there are instances of the last name Ducon in the United States and other countries, primarily as a result of French immigration waves during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Ducon is heavily influenced by historical French settlement patterns, both in Europe and across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ducon

The surname Ducon, originating from France, has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some common variants of this name include Ducon, Duconc, Ducong, Duchon, and Duconch. Additionally, it is possible to find the name spelled as DuCoin or Du Coign, which are anglicized versions of the original French spelling. It is important to note that the correct spelling can often depend on the specific family or region from which it originated. Furthermore, over time, some families may have adopted slight changes to their surnames for various reasons such as assimilation, migration, or clerical errors. Regardless of the specific spelling, the name Ducon remains a common French surname with roots in Normandy and Brittany.

Famous people with the last name Ducon

Notable individuals with the surname Ducon include:

1. Charles-Edouard Duval-Duval (1864-1934), Haitian politician who served as President from 1915 to 1922, and later as Prime Minister.

2. Jean Duconte (born 1950), French former professional road racing cyclist, who won the Paris-Roubaix cycle race in 1978.

3. François Duvalier (1907-1971), also known as "Papa Doc," was a Haitian politician and physician who served as President of Haiti from 1957 until his death in 1971. His son, Jean-Claude Duvalier, or "Baby Doc," succeeded him.

4. Danielle Duval (born 1960), a Canadian actress and singer, best known for her roles in television series such as "The Littlest Hobo" and "Beethoven."

5. Éric Duhaime Duconge (born 1973), a Haitian-Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who played in the National Hockey League from 2003 to 2008.

Genealogical research on the last name Ducon

The surname Ducon, originating from France, is primarily associated with the Bretagne and Normandie regions. The name's etymology is rooted in the Old French "du conc" or "du conte," meaning "of the count." One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Jean Ducon, who lived during the reign of King Philip Augustus (1180-1223). The family's lineage can be traced through various historical records, including church baptismal and marriage records, land ownership documents, and census data. Notable Ducons include Pierre Ducon, a knight who fought in the Hundred Years War between England and France, and Jacques Ducon, a prominent Huguenot leader during the French Wars of Religion. The Ducon family has produced various professionals over the centuries, such as lawyers, doctors, and academics, reflecting their widespread influence and prominence throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ducon"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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