Last Name Dutertre

The surname Dutertre is of French origin. It is derived from a place name and is related to the Old French "Duché" meaning "duke's estate" or "fortress." The surname may have been given as a nickname to someone who lived near such an estate, or it may have been used as an occupational name for someone who worked at a duke's court. In some cases, the spelling of the surname may have been altered due to various factors such as migration and changes in spelling conventions over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dutertre

The meaning and origin of the last name Dutertre

The surname Dutertre is a French patronymic name derived from the given name "Durand," which means 'hard ruler' or 'enduring ruler.' It is originally a medieval personal name, which was later adopted as a hereditary surname during the High Middle Ages. The name Dutertre emerged in France and is found mainly in Brittany, Normandy, and other regions of northern France. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have arisen due to factors such as regional dialects, scribal errors, and migration patterns. Some of these variants include Duter, Dutour, Duteux, and Du Tertre. The surname Dutertre can be traced back to various historical records in France, suggesting a long and rich history for this notable family name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dutertre

The surname Dutertre is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly France and its overseas territories. It originates from the region of Brittany, where it is relatively common. In France, significant concentrations of the name can be found in departments such as Côtes-d'Armor, Finistère, and Morbihan. Beyond France, Dutertre is also a common surname among French-Canadians, particularly in Quebec, Canada, due to historical migrations from Brittany. The name is less frequent but can still be found in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and parts of Africa where there are significant French-speaking populations. Additionally, small communities bearing the Dutertre surname exist in other parts of the world, including the United States, where they often trace their ancestry back to Breton or Quebecois immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dutertre

The surname Dutertre has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Here are some common versions:

* Dutrée
* Duterrey
* Dutré
* Dutrée-Labarthe
* Dutray
* Du Tertre
* Dutarte
* D'Utart
* Dutartey
* Dutartre

These variations may have originated from different geographical regions or been influenced by local dialects. The name is of French origin and can be traced back to the region of Normandy, where it is believed to have derived from a location named "Dutertre" or a similar variation. It is also possible that some variations were created due to phonetic changes over time, migrations, or personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Dutertre

Notable individuals with the surname Dutertre include:

1. Pierre-Auguste Dutertre (1863-1943), a French violinist and composer known for his work in chamber music, particularly as a member of the Trio Wieniawsky.
2. Marc-André Dutertre (born 1957), a Canadian writer, journalist, and radio host who has written numerous books on subjects ranging from politics to history.
3. Jean-François Dutertre (born 1958), a French composer of contemporary classical music, whose works have been performed by ensembles worldwide.
4. Gilles Dutertre (born 1960), a French accordionist and composer who is considered one of the leading figures in contemporary jazz accordion playing.
5. Yves Dutertre (born 1973), a Canadian actor who has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and theater productions.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including music, literature, journalism, and acting, demonstrating the versatility and accomplishments of people bearing the surname Dutertre.

Genealogical research on the last name Dutertre

The surname Dutertre is of French origin, derived from a place name or a personal name of Norman origin. The name is found primarily in Brittany and Normandy regions of France, where it is believed to have originated from the village of Durtot in Calvados, or from the given name Durand (meaning "strong" or "fortune") with the diminutive suffix "-et" added. The family migrated to Canada during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly to Acadia and Quebec, where they played significant roles in the development of these regions. In the United States, the name Dutertre can be found in Louisiana, particularly New Orleans, due to French colonization. Notable figures with the surname include Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville, a French explorer who settled in Louisiana and founded New Orleans.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dutertre"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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