Surname Durfee - Meaning and Origin

Durfee: What does the surname Durfee mean?

Durfee is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is believed to have originated from the ancient boundary river, the Dour, in Kent, England. The term "fee" typically refers to a feudal estate or land owned. Hence, the name Durfee could metaphorically mean "a boundary estate" or "land by the Dour river". It existed in the form "Doura" or "Doure" in Old English.

This surname has several variations including Durfey, Durphy, Dorph, Durfe and others. The first recorded spelling of the family name is apparently that of John de Douere, which dated back to 1327, in the "Subsidy Rolls of Sussex”, during the reign of King Edward III of England. As with many aging surnames, their spellings have evolved over centuries and they may well have been influenced by phonetic and regional dialects.

In summary, the surname Durfee is of geographical origin, linked to a specific area in England, and signifies ownership or presence near a certain boundary or river. This makes it a toponymic surname.

Durfee: Where does the name Durfee come from?

The last name Durfee is often attributed to French origins, specifically from Normandy. It's an example of a patronymic name, meaning it derives from the father's given name. Durfee is believed to come from the Old French personal names 'Durville' or 'Durward.' Some others believe it may have been an occupational name for a gatekeeper or doorkeeper, derived from the Old French 'durofre'. This surname was first brought to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066.

However, it is important to note that some sources suggest the name could have Breton roots as well. Bretons are a Celtic ethnic group located primarily in the region of Brittany in France.

As for its current prevalence, Durfee is generally found in the United States today. Those bearing this surname settled early in New England, particularly in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The name is less common and spread out in other English-speaking countries. As of the present day, the name is most common in Massachusetts and Rhode Island but can be found throughout the United States.

Variations of the surname Durfee

The surname Durfee, primarily traced back to England and France, appears to have different forms and spellings reflecting its usage across various cultures and ages. The likely variants of Durfee may include Durfey, Darfee, Darfey, D'Urfee, and Durphie, among others. It may have also been anglicized or translated into different languages, thus resulting in various forms or alterations.

Durfee is derived from D'Urfe, an ancestral name from an ancient noble family from Forez, a region in France. Hence, similar surnames like Durve, Dufree, Durfer might be considered extended variants of Durfee.

However, it should be noted that surnames undergo various changes over time due to factors such as immigration, regional accents, literacy levels, and phonetic spelling. Consequently, the exact relation between Durfee and its variants or other surnames might not always be straightforward and would likely require genealogical research to determine precise connections. Furthermore, the use of the same or similar surname does not guarantee genetic or familial relations, as different families might independently develop similar surnames.

Thus, meticulous and in-depth genealogical research is often required to establish accurate connections between surnames, variants, and origins.

Famous people with the name Durfee

• David Durfee: He was a notable American military leader and politician who served in both the Rhode Island General Assembly and the Vermont House of Representatives during the late 18th century and early 19th century.
• Rebecca Durfee: Although not traditionally famous, Rebecca Durfee gained recognition as the wife of Jesse Knight, a wealthy mining magnate and prominent Mormon pioneer.
• Gideon Durfee: Another historical figure, Gideon Durfee was an early Mormon leader who became known for his efforts in building up the community of Kirtland, Ohio.
• Benjamin Durfee: Known for his exploits as a notorious gambler during the San Francisco Gold Rush era, Benjamin Durfee's infamous reputation in the gambling world lands him on this list.
• Elmina Durfee: Elmina was the mother of Jesse Knight, making her an important figure in the history of the Mormon Church.
• Nathan Durfee: An American contemporary painter, Nathan Durfee has gained recognition for his whimsical narrative paintings.
• Tom Durfee: A well-known participant in the game show "Jeopardy!" Tom Durfee made a name for himself by becoming a five-time champion on the show.
• Matt Durfee: An American folk musician from the Northeast, Matt Durfee has been recognized for his intricate guitar work and honest lyrics.

Other surnames

Durfey