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Last Name Dufraigne

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What is the origin of the last name Dufraigne?

The surname Dufraigne is a French patronymic name derived from the given name "Francois." The name Francois is a variant of the more common English name Francis, which is derived from the Latin name Franciscus, meaning "Frenchman" or "free one." The addition of the prefix "du," which means "of" in French, results in the surname Dufraigne, indicating that it originally belonged to someone named Francois. This surname can be found primarily among people of French descent.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dufraigne

The meaning and origin of the last name Dufraigne

The surname Dufraigne is of French origin, derived from the Old French words "du" (meaning "from" or "of") and "fraine" (which can be interpreted as "safeguard," "protection," or a variant of "Franc," meaning "French"). Historically, it was often used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a fortified place or a protective barrier, or a habitational name for someone from one of the many places in France named Fraine. Over time, variations of the spelling have arisen due to factors such as regional dialects and changes in recording practices.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dufraigne

The surname Dufraigne is primarily found in France, particularly in the Wallonia region, specifically the provinces of Hainaut and Namur. Its origin can be traced back to the medieval period when it was a local name for someone from the village of Frasnes-lez-Anvaing in Hainaut. Over time, descendants of this family have migrated and settled in various parts of France as well as other countries such as Belgium, Canada, and the United States. In these regions, the surname has become somewhat dispersed, but it remains predominantly French-speaking. In Quebec, Canada, for instance, Dufraigne is one of the most common surnames of French origin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dufraigne

The surname Dufraigne has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Here are some of them:

* Dufraingne
* Du Fraine
* Dufraine
* Duphraigne
* Duphraingne
* De Fraigne
* De Frain
* De Fraine
* D'Efraigne
* Des Fraines
* Des Fraines

These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, transliteration from other languages, and changes over time. It is common for surnames to have multiple spellings, especially given the historical evolution of language and naming practices. If you are researching your family history, it's important to keep in mind that variations in spelling may be present.

Famous people with the last name Dufraigne

Notable individuals with the surname Dufraigne include:

1. Georges Dufraigne (born 1947), a Belgian politician who served as Minister of Finance from 2008 to 2011.
2. Louis-Philippe Dufraigne (born 1963), a Canadian violinist and music pedagogue, currently serving as the concertmaster of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa.
3. Jean-Baptiste Dufraigne (1748–1820), a Belgian mathematician known for his contributions to number theory.
4. Maurice Dufraigne (born 1950), a French politician who served as Mayor of Aulnay-sous-Bois from 2001 until his resignation in 2014 following a corruption scandal.
5. Michel Dufraigne (born 1946), a Belgian film director, screenwriter, and actor best known for his films "The Mussolini of the Frites" (1973) and "La Dame de Paris" (1982).

Genealogical research on the last name Dufraigne

The surname Dufraigne originates from France and is a variant of Duphagnet, meaning "new mill" or "recent mill." The name emerged during the Middle Ages as a topographic name for someone who lived near a mill, either newly built or recently restored.

The Dufraignes can be traced back to the region of Picardy in northern France, with the earliest records dating back to the 13th century. Notable members include Jean Duphagnet, who was knighted by King Charles VII of France in 1452, and subsequently changed his name to Dufraigne.

The family also played a significant role in the French Revolution, with Philippe-Ernest Dufraigne serving as a deputy during the National Convention from 1793 to 1795. The name later spread to Belgium and other European countries due to migration and marriages between noble families.

In terms of genealogical research, extensive records can be found in French archives, including church baptism, marriage, and death records, as well as land ownership documents and military service records. These resources provide valuable insights into the history and lineage of the Dufraigne family.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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