Last Name Dufer

The surname Dufer is of French origin. It is derived from a variety of given names that were common in France during the Middle Ages, such as Dufeu, Dufay, and Dupont, which all mean "from the mill" or "from the new village." However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved over time due to various factors, including geographical changes, spelling variations, and migrations. Therefore, it is possible for the surname Dufer to have originated from a different source in certain cases.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dufer

The meaning and origin of the last name Dufer

The surname Dufer is of French origin, derived from a given name that meant "blacksmith" or "forger." The name, originally Dufay (meaning "of the smith"), was likely taken as an occupational name by someone who worked as a blacksmith. Over time, the name evolved to its current form, Dufer. The use of occupational names like Dufer was common during the Middle Ages in Europe, where such names often served as identifiers in communities where many people had the same given name. The name is still fairly uncommon outside of France and French-speaking regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dufer

The last name Dufer is primarily found in France, as it originates from this region. It is most prevalent in the northern and eastern parts, particularly in regions such as Picardy, Lorraine, and Alsace. However, due to migration, the name has also spread to other countries with significant French-speaking populations, including Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland. In these locations, it is commonly found among the Francophone communities. Additionally, smaller numbers of individuals carrying the surname Dufer can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in countries with a history of colonization by France, such as North Africa, Vietnam, and Lebanon.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dufer

The surname Dufer has several variations and spellings due to transcription errors over time and regional differences in pronunciation. Some of these variants include Dufehr, Duhfer, Duhfear, Duhef, Duhfour, Duffar, Dufayr, Dufair, and Dufeir. These variations may appear in different countries and regions, reflecting their origins and migration history. It's essential to note that these variants might not have the same frequency, with some being more common than others. Researching one's genealogy or family history can help identify which variant is specific to an individual's lineage.

Famous people with the last name Dufer

Notable individuals with the surname Dufer include:

1. Georges Dufer (1878-1968), a French painter and sculptor known for his works that combined Surrealist and Expressionist styles.
2. Pierre Dufer (born 1932), a French mathematician who has made significant contributions to mathematical analysis, differential equations, and numerical analysis.
3. André Dufer (1885-1964), a Swiss athlete who competed in the modern pentathlon at the 1908 Summer Olympics.
4. Jean Dufer (born 1927), a French statistician and sociologist known for his work on the analysis of social structures.
5. Marc Dufer (born 1963), a Swiss film director, screenwriter, and actor who is best known for his critically acclaimed films such as "La Fée" and "L'Heure zéro."

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields including art, mathematics, sports, and social sciences. Their works continue to be recognized and appreciated globally.

Genealogical research on the last name Dufer

The surname Dufer is primarily of French origin, derived from the Old French "du fief" meaning "of the fief" or "from the estate." It is among the names that became hereditary during the Middle Ages when the practice of granting lands in feudal tenure was common. The name has various spellings such as Dufay, Du Faix, Dufresne, and Dufour, reflecting its regional variations across France.

During the Great Migration era (17th century), French families, including those bearing the Dufer surname, began to settle in the American colonies, notably in Louisiana, where the name remains prevalent today. The DuFer family is also found in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization there.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Dufer descendants emigrated from France and its North American colonies to other parts of the world, including the United States, South America, and Australia. Today, the Dufer name can be found in various countries, with a significant concentration in France, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dufer"
• 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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