Last Name Duseyau

The surname Duséyau is of French origin. It is derived from a location named Duseaux, which can be found in various regions of France such as Orne and Seine-Maritime. The surname originated as a habitational name for someone who lived in one of the villages or areas named Duseaux. As with many European surnames, the name was originally passed down from father to son and eventually became hereditary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Duseyau

The meaning and origin of the last name Duseyau

The surname DuSeyau is believed to be of French origin, derived from various place names found in Normandy and Brittany regions of France. The name can be traced back to several locations such as Dusseaux, Dusey, and other similar variations. In Old French, the term "duse" or "duse" means "duck", possibly indicating that an early ancestor was a duck hunter or lived near a body of water where ducks were common. Over time, the spelling evolved due to differences in regional pronunciation and recording methods. It's important to note that surnames did not become common in Europe until the Middle Ages, around the 10th to 14th centuries, when governments began keeping records of their citizens for administrative and tax purposes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Duseyau

The surname Duséyau is primarily concentrated in French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, where it is one of the most common surnames originating from the province. It is also found in smaller numbers in France, specifically in Brittany, a region known for its Celtic influence and distinct cultural identity. The name may be derived from various places in Brittany or from occupations related to the milling industry in both regions. Its distribution outside these areas is relatively scarce, but it can occasionally be found in other French-speaking countries due to migration patterns, especially to France itself and other former French colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Duseyau

The surname Duseyau has several variations and spellings. Some common spelling variations include Duceyau, Dusayau, Duseau, Dusey, Dusseau, Dusseaux, and Dussey. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, transcription errors, or regional dialects over time. The name is of French origin, with Duseyau possibly derived from the Old French "D'Usse", meaning "from Usse". This region, Usse, is located in modern-day France near the Loire Valley.

Famous people with the last name Duseyau

Notable individuals with the surname Dusseau include:

1. André Dusseau (1924-2016), a French politician who served as a member of the National Assembly from 1988 to 1993.
2. Pierre Dusseau (born 1947), a Canadian ice hockey player who won a gold medal with Canada at the 1972 Winter Olympics.
3. René Dusseau (1904-1965), a French Resistance fighter during World War II, and recipient of the Croix de Guerre and the Médaille de la Résistance.
4. Suzanne Dusseau (born 1948), a Canadian actress best known for her roles in TV series such as Street Legal, The Beachcombers, and Anne of Green Gables.
5. Yannick Dusseau (born 1967), a French writer and journalist who has written several novels and essays on political and social themes.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, including politics, sports, resistance, acting, and literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Duseyau

The surname Duséyau is predominantly found in France, particularly in the region of Brittany. It originated as a toponymic name, derived from various places named Dusé or Duseau, which are located in different parts of Brittany. The earliest known record of this name dates back to the 13th century, with Guillaume de Dusse appearing in records from Nantes in 1254.

Throughout the centuries, variations in the spelling of the name have occurred due to changes in transcription and translation processes. Some common variants include Dusée, Duseau, Duséo, and Dusay. The name has also been found in Canada, where many Breton immigrants settled in the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable individuals with the surname include Michel-Ange Duséjour (1846-1903), a French composer and violinist, and Pierre Duseau (1928-2005), a French writer and journalist.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "duseyau"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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