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Last Name Dufresne

What is the origin of the last name Dufresne?

The surname Dufresne is of French origin. It translates to "of the fresh laurel" in English. This name was often given to someone who lived near a fresh laurel tree or whose family crest featured this type of tree. Like many surnames, its use was popularized during the High Middle Ages as a way to identify individuals within communities and distinguish one family from another.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Dufresne

The meaning and origin of the last name Dufresne

The surname Dufresne is of French origin and translates to "of the fresh laurel" in English. It derives from the Old French phrase 'de fresne' or 'du fresne', meaning 'from the fresh (green) laurel'. This name was originally a geographical one, referring to someone who lived near a fresh laurel tree or in an area where such trees were abundant. The surname Dufresne first appeared in Normandy, France during the Middle Ages and was later brought to England by the Normans following their conquest in 1066 AD. Over time, various branches of the family emigrated from France to other countries, including Belgium, Canada, and the United States, spreading the Dufresne name across the globe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dufresne

The surname Dufresne has a significant presence primarily in French-speaking regions, particularly France and Quebec, Canada. It is derived from the Old French term "fraisin" meaning fresh or green, indicating its origin as a topographic name for someone who lived near a grove of fresh willow trees. The name also appears in Louisiana, USA, due to French influence during colonization. Dufresne can also be found in small numbers in various other French-speaking countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Haiti, demonstrating the historical spread of this surname across the French cultural sphere.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dufresne

The surname Dufresne has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include DuFresne, Dufresna, Dufreine, Duphresne, and D'Aphresne. These variations may arise from the use of different diacritical marks or slight changes in spelling over time due to historical reasons such as scribal errors, regional dialects, and assimilation into other cultures. Additionally, some families may have adapted their surnames to blend with local linguistic norms upon immigration or settlement in a new region, leading to additional variants of the name Dufresne.

Famous people with the last name Dufresne

Notable individuals with the surname Dufresne include:

1. Chuck Dufresne (born 1942), an American poet who has published seven collections of poetry and is a recipient of fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Ingram Merrill Foundation.

2. Jean-Claude Dufresne (1937-1985), a French musician who was a prominent member of the rock group Johnny Hallyday's band La Grande Jambe from 1964 to 1973, playing bass guitar and serving as the group's musical director.

3. David Dufresne (born 1962), a French author, journalist, and filmmaker who is known for his work on environmental issues and has written several books, including "L'Apocalypse selon Exxon" (2004).

4. Christophe Dufresne (born 1973), a French actor who gained recognition for his role in the film "Les Choristes" (2004) and has since appeared in numerous films, television series, and theater productions.

5. J.D. Dufresne (born 1984), an American professional baseball player who played for various teams in Major League Baseball as a catcher from 2006 to 2017.

6. Laurent Dufresne (born 1965), a French actor and comedian who is a member of the comedy troupe Les Chorus and has appeared in numerous films, television series, and theater productions.

Genealogical research on the last name Dufresne

The surname Dufresne, originating from France, is derived from the Old French "fresne," meaning 'freshwater spring' or 'fir tree.' The name was primarily found in Normandy and Brittany, regions where the family likely originated. Early records show the Dufresne family migrating to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066, with some members later settling in Scotland and Ireland.

In the New World, the Dufresnes were among the first French colonists who settled in Quebec, Canada, in the 17th century. Some branches of the family also migrated to Louisiana, United States, where they played significant roles in the early history of the region. Notable figures with the surname include Pierre-Esprit Radisson and Joseph-Armand Bombardier, both prominent explorers and inventors.

Throughout history, variations of the name have appeared due to translation errors and regional dialects, including Dufresneau, Dupont, Dufraine, and Dufrene. Today, the Dufresne family can be found worldwide, with a high concentration in French-speaking countries and North America.

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 : 23 July 2025

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