Last Name Dupire

The surname Dupire has French origins. It is derived from a place name, meaning "house by the pear tree" (du péir). In France, many surnames were originally toponyms, or names derived from places where people lived. In this case, the name likely originated from a location that had a pear tree, and was used to distinguish members of the same family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dupire

The meaning and origin of the last name Dupire

The surname Dupire is of French origin, derived from the Old French phrase "du Pere," which translates to "of the father" or "son of the priest." It was originally used as a way to identify one's lineage and profession, as priests were respected and influential figures in medieval France. Over time, the spelling has evolved due to various phonetic and orthographic changes. The name is now common among people of French ancestry around the world, particularly in Quebec, Canada, where it is ranked among the most prevalent surnames.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dupire

The surname Dupire is primarily found in France, particularly in the regions of Burgundy, Franche-Comté, and Alsace-Champagne, where it has been documented since the Middle Ages. Its presence in these areas suggests that the name originated from there, likely derived from a geographical location or a local occupation. The name has also been found in significant numbers in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization and subsequent immigration. Smaller populations can be found in other French-speaking countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Haiti, as well as in regions with large French expatriate communities, such as the United States and France's former colonies in Africa and Southeast Asia. While Dupire is primarily a French surname, its distribution reflects the historical influence of France and its colonies around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dupire

The surname Dupire has various spelling alternatives, including DuPire, Dupyre, DuPyre, and D'Upire. These differences in spelling can be attributed to regional dialects, historical periods, or personal preference. The name is of French origin and is derived from the words "du pere," meaning "of the father." It may also have variations based on specific regions in France such as DuPire de la Chaise, DuPire de Courville, and DuPire de Jarnioux. These regional variations often include additional elements like place names or titles. It is important to note that all these spellings share the same root, representing a family of common descent.

Famous people with the last name Dupire

Notable individuals with the surname Dupire include:

1. Jean-Francois Dupire, a French mathematician known for his work in mathematical finance and physics. He is best recognized for his work on Black-Scholes equations and related models.

2. Philippe Dupire, another French mathematician who also made significant contributions to the field of mathematical finance. His work includes studies on option pricing and hedging strategies.

3. Marie-Laure Dupire, a Canadian geophysicist specializing in climate dynamics. She has worked at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies and is known for her research on climate models.

4. Pierre Dupire, a French filmmaker who directed the critically acclaimed short films "The Red Violin" (1998) and "La passion de Jeanne d'Arc" (1995). His work has been recognized with numerous awards.

5. Jacques Dupire, a French sailor who set multiple world records for solo sailing voyages, including the fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in 2006. He is also an author and environmental activist.

Genealogical research on the last name Dupire

The surname Dupire originates from France and is a variant of the original "Du Pere," meaning "son of the father." First recorded in Normandy during the late Middle Ages, it was introduced to England by the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, it spread across regions, with notable appearances in Brittany and other provinces.

The Dupire family's genealogical records indicate that they were often involved in agricultural pursuits, as well as the trades common to their respective regions, such as weaving, blacksmithing, and winemaking. Notable historical figures with the surname include Jacques Duperier (1598-1670), a French Jesuit missionary who worked in China; and Anne-Pierre Duparc (1742-1793), a Breton naval officer who served under Admiral de Grasse during the American Revolutionary War.

In modern times, the family has dispersed globally, with significant populations found in France, Canada, the United States, and various parts of South America. Genealogical research continues to uncover new details about this fascinating lineage, contributing to our understanding of French history and its diaspora.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dupire"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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