What is the origin of the last name Duplan?

The surname "duPlan" is of French origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically locations called "du Plain," which mean "of the plain" in French. This type of surname was often given to someone who lived near such a location or came from there. Over time, these placename-derived names became hereditary and were passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Duplan

The meaning and origin of the last name Duplan

The surname Duplan is of French origin, specifically from regions such as Normandy and Languedoc, where it was originally spelled as "Du Pla" or "De Plano". It's a noble surname that derived from various historical and geographical locations in France, such as "du plat" meaning "from the plain" or "de plan" meaning "of the plane", reflecting the geographical features of the area where the original bearer lived. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation led to the emergence of different spellings like Duplan, Dupal, Dupla, etc. The name became more widespread during the Middle Ages as a result of French colonization and migration. It was often associated with members of the clergy or nobility due to the region's feudal system, but it can also be found among commoners in the later periods.

Geographical distribution of the last name Duplan

The surname Duplan is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Haut-Rhin, Bas-Rhin, and Moselle, which are situated in the eastern part of the country. It is also present in some other French departments with significant Alsatian population, including Meurthe-et-Moselle, Vosges, and Rhône. The Duplans originated from the Duchy of Alsace, a historical region that straddles modern France and Germany. The family name can also be found in neighboring countries like Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Germany, as well as in North America, where it is primarily concentrated in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization. In the United States, Duplans are more commonly found in states with a significant French-speaking population, such as Louisiana and parts of the Northeast.

Variants and spellings of the last name Duplan

The surname Duplan has several variations and spelling alternatives. These include Dupla (French), Duplán (Spanish), Duplain (English), Duplaine (French, English), Duplaín (Spanish, Portuguese), Dupлан (Dutch), Duphalan (Scandinavian), Duplaineau, and Duplaneaux (French-Canadian). The spelling can also be affected by regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or personal preferences. It is essential to consider these variations when conducting genealogical research or other investigations involving this name.

Famous people with the last name Duplan

Notable individuals with the surname Duplantier include:

1. J.J. Duplantier - A professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was selected by the team in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft.

2. Jean-Pierre Duplantier - A French architect and urban planner, known for his work on the Louvre Pyramid and Cité de la Musique in Paris, as well as the National Library of France.

3. Jérémie Duplingaud - A French film actor and model, best recognized for his roles in the films "Polisse" and "Le Grand Bain."

4. Marc Duplantier - A Canadian film and television actor, known for his roles in the series "Cardinal," "Motive," and "19-2."

5. Mireille Enos - An American actress with French roots through her father. She is best known for her roles in the TV shows "The Killing" and "World War Z." Although her birth name is Mireille Enos, she is sometimes credited as Mireille Duplassis-Enos due to her ancestry.

Genealogical research on the last name Duplan

The surname Duplan originates from France and is primarily found in the regions of Normandy and Brittany. It is a toponymic name derived from various places named "Duplain" or similar variations, meaning "high plain" in French. The first recorded appearance of the name was in the 13th century with Guillaume Duplan, who resided in Normandy during King Louis IX's reign. Over time, families bearing this surname migrated to other regions within France and eventually to countries such as Canada, the United States, and Haiti, due to colonization and political events. Notable individuals with the surname Duplan include Pierre Duplan, a Haitian politician and diplomat, and Charles Duplan, a French mathematician and engineer.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names