Last Name Dute

The surname Dute has origins that can be traced back to France. It is derived from the Old French word "du te," meaning "of the house" or "from the house." This name was often used as a local surname for someone who originally came from a specific settlement, and over time, it became a hereditary surname. In some cases, it may also be a nickname for someone who lived in a house shaped like a tee or T. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and variations, and further research might reveal different explanations for the origin of the name Dute in certain family lines.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dute

The meaning and origin of the last name Dute

The surname Dute is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "du" which means "from" or "of." It was originally used as a prefix to indicate noble status, much like the English suffix "-de," and was often combined with a place-name, such as Du Bois (meaning "from the forest"). Over time, as French families migrated and settled in other regions, the name evolved into various spellings, including Dute. Today, it is predominantly found among French-speaking communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dute

The surname Dute is predominantly found in India, particularly in the states of West Bengal and Assam. It is also present in smaller numbers in neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan due to historical migration patterns. In the United States, individuals with the last name Dute are primarily concentrated in states like New York, California, and Texas, which have large South Asian populations. Additionally, Canada has a notable presence of the surname, particularly in provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia, reflecting the diaspora from India to these regions. The distribution pattern suggests that the Dute name is primarily of Indian origin, with significant dispersal within the Indian subcontinent and to other parts of the world through migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dute

The surname Dute has multiple variations and spellings due to different phonetic interpretations, regional dialects, and historical influences. Some common variants include Duete, Doote, Duteau, Duté, and Düte. These variations may arise from slight changes in pronunciation or the addition of diacritical marks over time. Additionally, some families may have Anglicized their name upon immigration to English-speaking countries, resulting in alterations such as Dooite or Doot. It's essential to note that these variations may cause confusion when researching family history or genealogy.

Famous people with the last name Dute

Notable individuals with the surname Dute include:

1. Ed Dute (born 1937), an American jazz guitarist and composer who played with musicians such as Stan Getz, Mose Allison, and Chet Baker.

2. Sushmita Dutta (born 1986), a Bangladeshi actress who has worked in both television and films, and is best known for her role in the drama series "Ghare Baire" (2014).

3. Indra Kumar Dute (1925-2014), a Nepalese politician who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal.

4. Nilu Dutta, an Indian actress who has worked in Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi films. Her notable works include "Akasher Ajeyo" (2019) and "Ghare Baire" (2014).

5. Sanjib Dutta (born 1968), an Indian politician and member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) who has served in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's parliament.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as music, acting, politics, and law in their respective countries.

Genealogical research on the last name Dute

The surname Dute is believed to have originated from the French-speaking regions of Europe, specifically Belgium and Northern France. Its variations include Duet, Doote, and Doete. The name is derived from the occupational name "duetier" or "luthier," which refers to a lutenist or lute maker.

In Belgium, the name Dute was prevalent in the provinces of Hainaut, Liege, and Namur during the 16th century, with many migrants moving to neighboring countries like Germany and Switzerland. The family is known to have contributed significantly to various occupations such as agriculture, craftsmanship, and later, trades like weaving and cooperage.

In America, the name Dute was first recorded in Pennsylvania in the early 18th century with French-speaking immigrants settling primarily in the Mid-Atlantic states. Notable bearers of the name include John Dute, who fought in the American Revolutionary War, and James Dute, a farmer from New York in the 19th century. The Dute family's genealogical records are rich with historical accounts that reflect their contributions to various communities in North America over several centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dute"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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