Origin & Meaning of the Defoe Surname
What does the last name Defoe mean?
The surname Defoe carries the meaning "Of or from." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,848 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Defoe ranks as the #15,771 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Defoe come from?
The Defoe surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Defoe name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Defoe trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Defoe |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of or from |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #15,771 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,848 |
| Per 100K People | 0.63 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Defoe
According to the US Census, the Defoe surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,848 Americans with the Defoe last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.86% |
| Black | 10.71% |
| Hispanic | 2.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 15.04% |
| Two or More Races | 3.25% |
Popularity of Defoe Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Defoe surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Defoe surname increased by 120 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Defoe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Defoe
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