Surname Duffour - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Duffour: What does the surname Duffour mean?
The last name Duffour is of French origin and is derived from two separate words and phrases- ‘du’ (of) and ‘four’ (oven). The surname refers to the occupation of one of its earliest bearers who likely made or sold ovens. As a common occupational name, Duffour was used to identify people with a certain trade and help recognition a particular individual from a larger community.
Later the surname spread from France to many other countries of the world. For example, Duffour family members came to North America from France in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were some of the first French Canadian settlers in many parts of North America including Southern Ontario, Louisiana, and Maine.
The Duffours have been associated with various trade, business, and military service since their arrival in North America. They had an impact on the building of Canada providing the nation's iron ore, natural gas, cotton, and sources of energy. Many later generations of the Duffour’s took to academic pursuits. They are noted scientists, politicians, writers, actors, diplomats, religious leaders, and military leaders.
This surname transcends its original occupational roots and now often stands for courage, greatness, and strength. It remains a proud, noble last name carried by a variety of individuals, families, and communities across the world.
Order DNA origin analysisDuffour: Where does the name Duffour come from?
The last name Duffour is most notably found in West Africa throughout francophone countries such as Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The name is likely of French origin and is mostly associated with Roman Catholicism. In addition to these West African countries, the name has also been found in the Caribbean, primarily on the island of Saint Lucia, and is possibly associated with French families who migrated from the continent, as well as African slaves brought to the island from the West African countries.
In the United States, the name Duffour can be found but is much less frequent. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, there were only 20 families with the last name recorded in the United States, with 28 people bearing the name. This number has likely increased in the last decade as people from West Africa began to explore migration to the United States and other developed countries.
The Duffour name is still most commonly found in West Africa, as many French colonists who settled in countries during the colonial period are likely to have left this name behind with their descendants. However, the name is beginning to appear in other countries as well due to migration, making it easier to find families with this last name around the world.
Variations of the surname Duffour
The surname Duffour has its origins is French and English and various spelling variants depending on the language. Some of the variants and spelling variations include Duffeur, Duffeud, Dufour and Duffour. In French, the surname is spelled Dufour and pronounced doo-foor.
In France, the surname was first found in Poitou, and other areas in Normandy. The derivative of the name is believed to be derived from "du four," which means "the oven." The surname was likely a job based name used to identify someone who worked at a bakery or other establishments where food is prepared and cooked in ovens.
In English, the surname could be spelled Duffour, Duffeur, Duffeud, or Dufford. This spelling is more commonly found in England and Scotland, with the oldest being traced to the County of Caithness in Scotland in the late 13th century.
The variants of the surname Duffour often have different spelling variations associated with different languages and regions. In some cases, the surname has been Anglicized to Duford, Duffard, and Dufferd, as well as several other spellings.
In some cases, the Duffour name has also been associated with a few other surnames including Duffer, Duffey, Dufford, Duffee, Duffees, Duffey, Duffie, Dough, Doughtery, and Doffey. All of this surnames have a similar origin and likely run in the same family.
Famous people with the name Duffour
- Gervais Amankwah-Duffour: Gervais is a Ghanaian former footballer who played as a striker. He was a member of the Ghana national football team and captained the side in 1998.
- Yassine El Ghanassy: Yassine El Ghanassy is a footballer of Guinean descent who plays as a winger for OH Leuven in the Belgian First Division B.
- Prince Kofi Amoabeng: Prince is a Ghanaian businessman and entrepreneur. He is the founder of UBA Group, one of the largest banking and financial services group in Africa. He was honored by Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa with a lifetime Achievement Award.
- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: Jo-Wilfried is a professional tennis player from France ranked No. 15 in the world by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). He reached the final of the 2008 Australian Open and the semifinal of the 2011 French Open.
- Anthony Duffour: Anthony Duffour is a former French professional swimmer. He competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and became European champion in 1996 in the 200 m medley.
- William Duffour: William Duffour is a Cameroonian football player who has represented his country on several occasions. He currently plays for US Boulogne in the French Championnat National.
- Derek Duffour: Derek Duffour is an American actor best known for his role as Sheriff Hank Huxley on the FX Network comedy series Wilfred. He also starred in the 2010 comedy-drama titled Good Luck Chuck and in the 2012 film Order of Chaos.