Surname Duval - Meaning and Origin

Tracing Back Through Time: Unearthing The Rich History and Cultural Origins of the Surname Duval Through An iGENEA DNA Test

Discovering the ancestry and origin of my surname Duval through the iGENEA DNA test has been an enlightening journey, taking me back through time from the valleys of France, through the Norman conquest of England, and tracing the migration pattern of my ancestors across the globe toward the present day. The test has revealed not only the historical and cultural richness of the name but also the interconnectedness of shared ancestry beyond borders.

M. Duval

Duval: What does the surname Duval mean?

The last name Duval is of French origin and translates to "of the valley" in English. It is derived from the combination of the French words 'du' meaning 'of' and 'val' meaning 'valley'. The name is believed to have originated as a geographical surname used by people who lived in or near a valley. Geographical surnames were often given based on an individual's residence or the place they originated from. These types of surnames were first used during the Middle Ages as a practical means of identifying people. Therefore, the surname Duval would have been used to distinguish individuals living in or near a valley from those living in other locations. It remains a common surname in France and is also found in various regions worldwide due to French emigration.

Duval: Where does the name Duval come from?

The surname Duval originates from France and is derived from the French words 'Du' meaning 'of' and 'val' meaning 'valley', hence the meaning 'of the valley'. The name is a topographic surname given to someone who lived in or near a valley.

The name was birthed in Normandy, a region in Northwestern France, during the Middle Ages, popular among the Norman aristocracy. It was brought to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066 and later spread to other parts of Britain. Post the colonization era, the surname was also taken to other parts of the world including North America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa.

Today, the last name Duval is most common in France, followed by the United States and Canada. In France, it is most prevalent in the regions of Île-de-France and Normandy. The surname has several variants including DuVal, Duvall, DeVal, and others. Notable people with this surname include French philosopher and political scientist Alexis de Duval, American actor Robert Duvall, and several historical figures from the French nobility.

Variations of the surname Duval

The surname Duval has French origins and is relatively common in France, the United States, and English-speaking countries like Canada and the UK. Some variations of the Duval surname include the spelling variants DuVal, Duvalle, Duvall, DuVall, Duvaal, Duvaill, Du Vall, and Duveall.

The "Du" prefix is derived from the Old French word for 'from,' indicating a geographical origin. The 'val' part means 'valley', suggesting that the original bearers of the name lived near a valley. It is also possible that the name could have been bestowed on those who hailed from a place called Duval in Normandy.

There are many other surnames of the same origin including Duis, Dulis, and Duva. French surnames with a similar geographic root also include Dubois (from the forest), Dupont (from the bridge), and Durand (enduring).

It’s important to note that surname variations can often be a result of different phonetic spellings over time and may not necessarily indicate different origins or branches of a family. In continents like North America, names have often been anglicized or altered upon immigration.

Famous people with the name Duval

• David Duval: An American pro golfer and former World No. 1.
• Brandy Duval: A Canadian former pro ice hockey player.
• Léon Duval: Former Roman Catholic Archbishop of Monaco.
• Jérôme Duval-Hamel: A French politician.
• Marguerite Duval: A French film actress.
• Chris Duval: An Australian comedian and actor.
• Max Duval: A Haitian painter.
• Robert Duval: An American historian.
• Philippe Duval: A French ornithologist.
• Claude Duval: A notorious French highwayman in England.
• Paul Duval: A Canadian art critic and writer.
• Henriette Duval: A French actress.
• Pierre-Yves Duval: A French footballer.
• Alain Duval: A French poet.
• Marie Duval: A British cartoonist.
• Théophile Duval: A French dermatologist.
• Eugene du Pont: An American businessman.
• Hugues Duval: A French aviator.
• Jean-Jacques Duval: A French glass artist.
• Linda Duval: A Canadian athlete in rhythmic gymnastics.

Other surnames

Duvall