Last Name Dusa

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dusa

The meaning and origin of the last name Dusa

The surname Dusa is of Italian origin, derived from a variety of sources. One possible derivation is from the medieval given name "Dusio" or "Duso," which was a diminutive form of the name Domenico. Another theory suggests that it might have originated from a geographical location, as there are places in Italy named Dusa, particularly in Tuscany and Sardinia. The surname may also be related to the Old Italian word "duso," meaning 'proud' or 'haughty.' Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to various phonetic changes and migrations, leading to variations such as Dusi, Duzzi, and Deusa. The surname Dusa is most common in Italy but can also be found among Italian immigrants in other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dusa

The last name Dusa has its origins primarily in Croatia, where it is relatively common due to historical and cultural reasons. However, its presence is also notable in other Slavic countries like Slovakia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanks to migration patterns over the centuries. A smaller number of individuals with the surname Dusa can also be found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, as a result of immigration from Croatia and other Eastern European countries during the 20th century. In some instances, the name may also appear in other parts of the world due to the diaspora or adoption by non-Slavic individuals. The geographical distribution of the last name Dusa primarily reflects historical migration patterns and cultural ties among Slavic nations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dusa

The surname Dusa has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Here are some of the most common versions:

1. Dusá (Czech)
2. Duso or Dušo (Slovak)
3. Duseau, Dusseau, or Dusseaux (French)
4. Duscha or Duschka (German)
5. Dusa or Dusha (Russian and Ukrainian)
6. Dussa or Duza (Polish)
7. Dousa (Portuguese)
8. Duso or Dušo (Slovenian)
9. Dussek, Duszek, or Duschek (Czech and German)
10. Dusky or Dušek (Czech and Slovak)

These variations can be due to differences in regional pronunciation, translation errors, or changes over time. The spelling may also vary based on factors such as immigration history and assimilation into different cultures.

Famous people with the last name Dusa

The Dusa surname is less common and does not have as many globally renowned figures compared to some other names. However, there are a few notable individuals with this last name.

Juan Ramon Jimenez, also known as Juan Ramon Gonzalez Dusa, was a Spanish poet who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1956. His work spanned over six decades and included novels, essays, and over 30 collections of poetry.

In the world of music, there is Liza Duska, an American singer-songwriter and actress. She rose to fame as a finalist on the tenth season of American Idol and has since released multiple albums and performed in various television shows and films.

Lastly, in the realm of sports, there is Alex Dusa, a professional footballer who currently plays for FC Viitorul Constanța in Romania. He started his career with the Romanian national team U-21 and has also played for several other clubs throughout Europe.

Genealogical research on the last name Dusa

The Dusa surname is believed to have origins in Slovenia and Croatia, derived from the personal name "Dusan" or "Dushan," which means "soul" or "spirit" in Slavic languages. The name's earliest known documentation can be traced back to the 13th century in the Balkans. Throughout history, the Dusa family has spread across various regions due to migrations and settlements. In Italy, for instance, the Dusa family is found primarily in Genoa, where they arrived during the Middle Ages as part of the Republic of Genoa's expansion. The family also migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas throughout the centuries, contributing to diverse cultural and societal landscapes. Notable figures with the Dusa surname include Antonio Dusas, a renowned Italian composer from Genoa in the 18th century, and Frank Dusa, an American football player who played for the National Football League (NFL) in the mid-20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dusa"
• 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 : 24 July 2025