Last Name Duques

The surname "duques" is of French origin and it means "duke." It was originally a title given to high-ranking nobles in feudal France. Over time, it became a hereditary surname among the descendants of these nobles. In other European countries like Spain and Portugal, similar titles were "duque" and "duque de," respectively.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Duques

The meaning and origin of the last name Duques

The surname Duques is of French origin, derived from the Old Occitan word "duc" which means "duke." It was typically a hereditary title given to the rulers of certain provinces in France during the Middle Ages. Over time, the title evolved into a surname, with individuals adopting it as a part of their identity. The name Duques signifies noble or high-ranking ancestry in its French origins and has been carried by numerous families across Europe over centuries. Notable people bearing this surname include French actor Jacques Duquesne and Canadian politician Jean Duceppe, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Duques

The surname Duques is predominantly found in countries with historical ties to France, particularly Belgium and France itself. It originates from the Old French word "duc," meaning "duke." In Belgium, it's most common in the Wallonia region, where the Dukes of Brabant once ruled. In France, it's distributed across various regions but is more frequent in the north and west. The surname has also been carried by immigrants to other parts of the world, notably North and South America, due to French colonization and subsequent migration waves. In the Americas, it can be found among the populations of countries like Canada, the United States, and Brazil. It's worth noting that the distribution of Duques is not exclusive to these regions; the name may appear in other parts of the world as well due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges.

Variants and spellings of the last name Duques

The surname Duques has several variations and spellings, including Dukes, DuQuesne, Duquette, D'Aquino, and Dequincey. The most common spelling is Duques, which originates from the French word "duc," meaning duke. Other variations may have evolved due to phonetic changes or regional dialects. DuQuesne, for instance, is a Canadian-French variation of the name, while Dukes and Duquette are English adaptations. D'Aquino is an Italian surname with a similar sounding origin, and Dequincey is another English variant. These variations reflect the diverse histories and migrations of families bearing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Duques

Notable individuals with the surname Duques include:

1. Henry Duques (1833-1916), an American lawyer and politician who served as the United States Attorney General from 1889 to 1893, under President Benjamin Harrison.

2. Jean-François Duquesnoy (1594-1649), a Flemish sculptor regarded as one of the greatest artists of his time and considered as the founder of modern sculpture.

3. William T. Duquesne (1850-1898), an American naval officer who served during the Spanish–American War and is best known for the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimack during the Battle of Santiago de Cuba.

4. Joseph Duquesnoy (1699-1763), a Flemish painter, draughtsman, and printmaker, son of Jean-François Duquesnoy.

5. Pierre-Joseph Duquesne (1702-1764), a French naval officer who commanded the French fleet during the Seven Years' War. He is best known for his contributions to the development of French naval power and shipbuilding.

Genealogical research on the last name Duques

The surname Duques is of French origin, derived from the Old French "duc," meaning "duke." It was originally a title given to high-ranking nobles, indicating their royal or aristocratic status. The name has since evolved into a hereditary surname in various regions, particularly in France and its colonies.

In North America, the Duques family can be traced back to Pierre du Quès, who settled in Quebec, Canada, in 1640. His descendants, known as the Duques Family Association, have a well-documented history. The surname also appears in Louisiana, where it was brought by French colonists. Notable figures with this name include Louis Antoine de Bougainville, a French naval officer and explorer, and Marie-Joseph-Louis-Ghislain Duquesnay, a French-Canadian composer and priest.

In Spain, the surname Duque is also common and originates from the title 'duke.' The most prominent of these lines being the Dukes of Alba, one of the oldest and wealthiest families in Europe.

Overall, the Duques/Duque lineage showcases a rich history of nobility and influence across France, Canada, and Spain.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "duques"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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