Last Name Dulac

The surname Dulac is of French origin. It's derived from a place name, specifically a location called "Duley" near Montreuil-sur-Mer in Pas-de-Calais, France. The name itself is thought to be derived from the Gallo-Roman word "dulis," meaning sweet or pleasant. Over time, it has been anglicized as Doolan, Dooley, or Dulac among others, depending on regional variations and historical influences.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dulac

The meaning and origin of the last name Dulac

The surname Dulac is of French origin, derived from the Old French words "du Lac," meaning "of the lake." It was often given to individuals who lived near or by a body of water, such as a lake. Over time, the spelling has evolved and can now be found as Dulac, DuLac, Du lac, or Dulaque in various regions around the world, particularly in France and its former colonies. The name became more widespread during the Middle Ages when people began to adopt surnames as a means of identification, especially during migration and trade. Notable individuals bearing the surname Dulac include Marie-Antoine Carême (1784-1833), a French chef who was one of the most influential cooks in history, and Édouard-Charles Fabre (1824-1907), a French entomologist and evolutionary biologist.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dulac

The surname Dulac is predominantly found in France, particularly in the Brittany region, where it originated from the medieval villages of Dol and Doulé. Its distribution extends throughout France, with significant concentrations also observed in the Île-de-France and Normandy regions. Beyond France, the Dulac surname has a notable presence in Canada, particularly in Quebec, due to French colonization and immigration. Additionally, descendants of French immigrants bearing the name Dulac can be found in various countries in North America, including the United States and Mexico. In these overseas locations, the distribution tends to be concentrated in urban areas with significant French-Canadian populations or communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dulac

The surname Dulac can appear with various spellings and variations worldwide due to differences in translation, pronunciation, and historical record accuracy. Some common versions include Du Lac, D'Ulac, Dulaque, du Lac, d'Hulac, Dulaek, Deulac, and Deu-Lac. These variations often arise from the original Norman French "de la Hague," which translates to "of the Hague." The Hague is a region in France, now modern-day Normandy, where many of these families originated. Other similar sounding names like Du Lake, Dulack, and Dula may also be found but are not direct descendants or variations of Dulac. It's essential to note that genealogical research can help individuals trace their family history and discover the correct spelling and origins of their surname.

Famous people with the last name Dulac

Notable individuals with the surname Dulac include:

* Louis Dulac (1878-1924), a French film director and actor who worked during the silent era, directing films such as "The Wanderer" and "Night of Love."
* Madeleine Dulac (1885-1973), a French actress known for her work in both film and theater. She appeared in more than 40 films throughout her career.
* Marcel Dulac (1902-1988), a French film director and screenwriter who worked primarily during the 1920s and 1930s, directing films such as "The Mystery of the Yellow Room" and "Monsieur Lecoq."
* André Dulac (1857-1940), a French botanist who specialized in tropical flora. He was a professor at the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris and authored several books on his research.
* Gérard Dulac (1928-2018), a French television director and producer who worked on numerous popular series, including "Les Enfants du Loup" and "Capitaine Croquette."

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, ranging from film and theater to botany and television.

Genealogical research on the last name Dulac

The surname Dulac is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "dulac," meaning "sweet tooth" or "sweet lake." The earliest known record of the name can be traced back to medieval France, around the 13th century. One notable early bearer of the name was Jean Dulac, a knight who served under King Philip IV of France during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The name spread throughout France and its territories as French settlers migrated to other parts of Europe, particularly during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). The Dulac family was also among those who emigrated to Canada in the 17th century, following the British conquest of New France. Today, the Dulac name is most commonly found in France, Quebec, and Louisiana. Variants of the name include DuLac, DeLac, Delac, Delaque, and others. Genealogical records suggest that the Dulac family has a rich history with contributions to various fields, including military, politics, and arts.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dulac"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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