Surname DeCoursey - Meaning and Origin

DeCoursey: What does the surname DeCoursey mean?

The surname DeCoursey is of French origin and can be traced back to the Normandy region of France. The name is derived from the old French term "courci," which may refer to a someone from the town of Courcy, or a short person. After the Norman Conquest, it was brought by the Normans to England and Ireland where it became Anglicized. Over time, many different spelling variations of the surname have appeared, including De Courcey, De Coursy, De Coursey, DeCourcy, and others. Its meaning and origin highlight the influence of migration, geography, and physical characteristics on the formation of last names.

DeCoursey: Where does the name DeCoursey come from?

The DeCoursey surname is of Norman French origin, where it is derived from de Courcy, a place in Normandy. The family is thought to have first settled in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066, and later established strong roots in Ireland following the Anglo-Norman invasion in the 12th century. The Irish branch of the family became one of the most prominent Anglo-Norman families in Ireland, settling primarily in County Cork. The alternate spelling "de Courcy" is still more common in France.

Today, the DeCoursey surname, as well as its variants DeCourcy and De Courcey, is most commonly found in the United States, predominantly in the state of Kentucky. However, it remains relatively rare, suggesting that many DeCourseys may have further Anglicized their names over the centuries. Despite their longstanding presence in Ireland, these surnames are not common there today due to historical factors including migration and name changes. It is likely though, that there are a significant number of people in Ireland and elsewhere who can trace their ancestry back to the DeCoursey family.

Variations of the surname DeCoursey

The surname DeCoursey has several variations in spelling and forms which are believed to be derived from the same origin. These variations often result from the anglicization of the name over time, changes in regional pronunciation, or simply clerical errors. The surname DeCoursey is of French origin, originally from the Old French 'Courcy,' which is a place name in Normandy. The name made its way to Ireland with the arrival of the Normans in the 12th century.

Some spellings and variations of DeCoursey include: De Courcy, Decourcy, Decourcey, De Courcey, De Courci, DeCourcey, DeCourcy, and DeCoursey. In some cases, the "De" may also be dropped, leading to variations such as Coursey or Courcy. The 'De' in the name indicates 'of' or 'from,' so DeCoursey signifies someone 'of or from Coursey'.

Regardless of the spelling variation, all these names refer to the same family lineage. They are often used interchangeably within the same family or even the same individual's life records, making genealogical research a challenge.

Famous people with the name DeCoursey

• Jeffrey DeCoursey: American bassist, songwriter, and producer. Played for bands such as The Used, Ludo, and Linkin Park.
• Lisa DeCoursey: American comic book artist who has worked with Marvel Comics and other independent comic book publishers.
• Kenneth DeCoursey: Award-winning American playwright and screenwriter notable for writing plays such as "Witless Protection" and "The War of the Roses".
• William DeCoursey: Former director of the Colorado School of Mines and founder of the Colorado Technology Association.
• Arthur DeCoursey: Neurosurgeon who has worked with University of Washington, University of California, San Francisco, and University of Colorado.
• Heath DeCoursey: Professional US Southwestern PGA golf instructor and founder of All About Golf, a golf instruction school.
• Mark DeCoursey: Distinguished US Air Force Colonel and former vice president of Airlines for America, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association.
• Lorraine DeCoursey: Actor, producer, and blogger who is known for her award nominated performances in films like The War of the Roses and Much Ado About Nothing.
• Rob DeCoursey: Award-winning photographer and filmmaker who has worked on several documentary projects.
• Aaron DeCoursey: Cartoonist and musician best known for creating the comic strip Flipside, which ran from 1988-1993.

Other surnames

DeCourse