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Last Name Dugard

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What is the origin of the last name Dugard?

The surname Dugard is of French origin and is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Þórkell" or "Þorleifr," which were brought to France by Viking invaders. These names were later Frenchified into "Thierry" or "Diego." Over time, various spellings and alterations occurred due to migration and assimilation, leading to the modern variant Dugard. Notable persons with this surname include Sandra Duguid-Dugard, a Canadian artist, and Jean Dugard, a French philosopher.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dugard

The meaning and origin of the last name Dugard

The surname Dugard is of French origin, derived from the Old Norse name "Þórgeirr" which means "Thor's spear." In medieval France, it was typically spelled as "D'Esgart," indicating that it was a toponymic name for someone who lived near or came from a place named Esgart, which might have been a small settlement or farm located by a thorny thicket. Over time and due to various phonetic changes, the spelling evolved into Dugard in English-speaking regions. Notable individuals with this surname include Solomon Dugard (1804-1878), an American painter, and Lynette "Donyale" Luna D'Agostino Dugard (1945-2008), a model who was the first African-American woman to appear on the cover of British Vogue.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dugard

The surname Dugard is primarily found in North America and Europe, with significant concentrations in the United States and France. In the U.S., it is most common in states like California, New York, and Louisiana, reflecting historical French-Canadian settlements and the Louisiana Purchase. In France, it is predominantly found in the Brittany region, which has a strong Breton cultural identity. The surname also appears in smaller numbers in other European countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, likely due to emigration from France over centuries. Additionally, a notable Dugard family hails from Switzerland. Globally, the distribution of the surname Dugard is relatively limited compared to more common names.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dugard

The surname Dugard can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription over time or regional dialects. Some common variants include Duguard, DuGard, Du Gard, D'Huard, Dugart, D'Gard, De Groot, and D'Hart. These variations stem from changes in spelling conventions, surname prefixes, and the addition or omission of diacritics over time. It is also common to find French-Canadian families with the name Dugard who have anglicized it to DuGard in North America. The original French form of the name comes from a professional occupation, specifically a guard or protector, derived from Old French 'du gard' meaning 'of the ward', and ultimately from Latin 'de gaudio' meaning 'of joy'.

Famous people with the last name Dugard

Notable individuals with the surname Dugard include:

1. Jaqueline Dugard: An American actress, known for her roles in films such as "Boy Wonder" and "Fear Itself".

2. Jaycee Dugard: An American woman who was abducted at age 11 and held captive for 18 years before escaping in 2009. Her story gained international attention.

3. Dan Dugard: A prolific American author, best known for his works in the "Ninja" series of novels. He has also written for television shows like "The X-Files".

4. David Dugard: A Canadian actor who appeared in films such as "Psycho III", "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me", and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine".

5. Paul Dugard: A Canadian ice hockey player who played professionally for several teams, including the Detroit Red Wings and the Boston Bruins. He won a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 1998.

Genealogical research on the last name Dugard

The surname Dugard originates from France and is derived from the Old Norse "Dagr," meaning day. It was first recorded as a personal name in Normandy in the 11th century, after the region was settled by Vikings led by Rollo, Duke of Normandy. The name later evolved into various spellings, including Dugard, DuGard, and Du Gard.

In North America, the Dugard family is believed to have originated from Quebec, Canada. Jacques Dugard, one of the first known Dugards in the New World, immigrated to Quebec from France in the late 17th century. His descendants later settled in Vermont and other parts of the United States.

Notable individuals with the surname include Jean Louis Du Gard, a French botanist, and Paul Dugard, a Canadian lawyer and politician. The Dugard family tree is vast, with numerous branches spread across North America and Europe. Genealogical research on this name can be complex due to its various spellings and the dispersal of families over time.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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