The surname Dumar is of French origin and derives from various sources. One possible origin is a diminutive form of the given name "Duncan," which itself comes from the Scottish Gaelic "dun" meaning "fortress." Another possibility is that it is a variant of the name Duhamel, which has Norman origins. The Normans were a group of Northmen who settled in France and England in the 11th century, bringing their own names with them. It's also possible that Dumar is a topographic surname, meaning it was given to people who lived near a hill or fortress, as "dun" can also mean "hill" in various Celtic languages.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Dumar
The meaning and origin of the last name Dumar
The surname Dumar is derived from a French occupational name for a drummer, which originated from the Old French word "tombeur," meaning "drum." This name was likely given to individuals who played the drum professionally or as part of a military unit. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have resulted in multiple forms of the surname, including Dumare, D'Amar, and DeMar. The surname Dumar is most commonly found in France but has also been introduced to other countries through immigration waves over the centuries.
Geographical distribution of the last name Dumar
The surname Dumar is predominantly found in France and has roots in the Picardy region, particularly in the departments of Aisne and Somme. It also occurs with some frequency in Belgium, especially in the Wallonia region, due to historical migration patterns between France and its neighboring countries. In North America, the surname Dumar is predominantly found among French Canadian descendants, particularly in Quebec. Smaller populations can be found in other parts of Canada and the United States, primarily in regions with significant French-Canadian settlements. The name may also appear in other European countries where French immigrants have settled, such as Switzerland and Germany.
Variants and spellings of the last name Dumar
The surname Dumar has various spellings and variations across different regions and languages. Here are some common versions:
* Dominic (French origin), Dommar (Scandinavian origin)
* Demar (English shortened version)
* DuMeur (French, pronounced similarly to Dumar)
* Du Mare (French, meaning "of the marsh")
* DeMarco (Italian, meaning "of the marble works")
* DeMar or de Mar (Spanish and Portuguese, possibly a variant of Demar)
* Demarr (African American English spelling variation)
* Doomar (Russian, possibly a misspelling or anglicized version of Dumar)
* Doumar (Arabic, possibly a misspelling or anglicized version of Dumar)
It's important to note that these variations may have different meanings and origins depending on the language and region. Additionally, some people may prefer to spell their name in a way that is unique to them or that reflects personal preference.
Famous people with the last name Dumar
Among the notable individuals with the surname Dumar are:
1. George Dumar (born 1938), an American politician who served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1975 to 2003.
2. Charlie Dumas Dumar (1884-1960), a Canadian ice hockey player who competed in the intercollegiate championships while attending Harvard University and later coached the Harvard team.
3. Grant Hill's brother, Jason Dumas Dumar (born 1972), an American former professional basketball player who played for several teams in the NBA, including Detroit Pistons, where he was a teammate of Grant Hill.
4. Paul Dumar, a Canadian ice hockey coach and general manager who worked with the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL.
5. Maurice Dumar (1930-2007), a French film director and screenwriter known for films like "Le Cerveau" (1969) and "L'Arme à gauche" (1972).
Genealogical research on the last name Dumar
The surname Dumar originates from France and is a variant of the original French name D'Aumare or D'Amour, which means "of Aumare" or "of Love." The name D'Aumare was primarily found in the Normandy region, while D'Amour was more common in the eastern regions. Over time, the spelling evolved and shortened to Dumar or Dumore.
The Dumars migrated during the Middle Ages, with some settling in Flanders and eventually spreading across Europe. The name is particularly prominent in Belgium, where it became a surname in the 16th century. Some early notable bearers of the name include the Dumar family from Tournai, who were known for their involvement in trade and politics during the Middle Ages.
In the modern era, the Dumars are found primarily in North America, with significant populations in the United States and Canada. The most famous bearer is likely George Dumar, a professional basketball player who played for the Detroit Pistons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) during the 1980s and 1990s.
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