Last Name Dufant

The surname Dufant is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "duf" meaning dove, and the suffix "-ant," which often indicates occupation or status. In this case, it may have originally denoted a maker or seller of doves, although its exact meaning may vary depending on specific regional variations in France. Like many surnames, Dufant would have been adopted as a hereditary name by descendants living in the same locality and thus sharing a common occupation or residence.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dufant

The meaning and origin of the last name Dufant

The surname Dufant is of French origin, derived from the Old French term "du fan" which translates to "of the fan." This name was originally given as a locative surname, indicating that an individual lived near or by a place called "le fan," a term used to denote a flat piece of land cleared of trees or a marshy area. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have evolved, with variations such as Dufant, Du Fan, and DuFant appearing in different regions and among different families. The name is relatively uncommon today but is found predominantly among French-speaking populations in France and its diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dufant

The surname Dufant is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Normandy and Picardy. It originates from the Middle Ages, derived from the Old French "du faut," meaning "of the fault" or "from the place where a fault or boundary was marked." Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to factors like spelling errors, regional dialects, and surname adaptations. Some of these variations include Dufaunt, DuFaunt, Dufaut, and DuFount. While the majority of individuals bearing this surname reside in France, there are also Dufant families in other French-speaking countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and some parts of the United States, particularly Louisiana, where the name was brought by French colonists.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dufant

The surname Dufant has several variations and alternate spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation over time. Some of these include DuFant, DuFantt, DuFante, Dufent, and DuFan. These variations may have originated from slight phonetic adjustments or typing errors over the years. Additionally, some individuals might choose to anglicize or modernize the spelling of their names, leading to variations like DeFant, DuFan(t), or Dufantt-Smith. It is essential to note that these spellings may have different frequencies depending on geographical location and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Dufant

Notable individuals with the surname Dufant include:

1. Henri-Leon Dufant (1846-1923), a French architect and urban planner, best known for his role in the development of the Bois de Boulogne park in Paris.

2. Jean-Baptiste Eugène Dufant (1780-1865), a French general who served during the Napoleonic Wars, notably leading the defense of Danzig against a Prussian siege in 1807.

3. Alexandre Dufant (born 1965), a French musician and composer, known for his work in contemporary classical music and film scores.

4. Pierre Dufant (fl. 15th century), a French philosopher and theologian who was a close associate of Nicolas of Cusa.

5. Claude-Philippe Dufart de Dufant (1760-1835), a French general during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars, best known for his defense of Mainz in 1793.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as architecture, military, music, philosophy, and theology.

Genealogical research on the last name Dufant

The Dufant surname is of French origin and is derived from the Old French "du faut" meaning "of the fault." It was originally used as a nickname for someone considered to be reliable or trustworthy, as one who did not make mistakes or "faults."

The earliest recorded occurrence of the Dufant surname can be traced back to the 13th century in France. The family has been documented throughout various regions of the country, with notable concentrations in Normandy and Languedoc-Roussillon.

During the 16th through 18th centuries, many members of the Dufant family immigrated to neighboring countries, including Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy, as well as distant lands such as the United States, Canada, and South America. In the New World, the surname has been spelled variously as DuFant, Dufant, D'Fant, and DeFant due to the vagaries of transcription during migration.

Notable individuals with the Dufant surname include Louis-Alexandre Dufant (1768–1832), a French general who served in Napoleon Bonaparte's army; and Edmond Louis Charles Dufant (1800–1865), a French architect known for his work on the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "dufant"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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