Origin & Meaning of the Deforest Surname
What does the last name Deforest mean?
The surname Deforest 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 2,707 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Deforest ranks as the #11,597 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Deforest come from?
The Deforest 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 Deforest name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Deforest 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 | Deforest |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of or from |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,597 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,707 |
| Per 100K People | 0.92 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Deforest
According to the US Census, the Deforest surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,707 Americans with the Deforest last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.8% |
| Black | 1.07% |
| Hispanic | 2.99% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.74% |
| Native American | 0.59% |
| Two or More Races | 1.81% |
Popularity of Deforest Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Deforest surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Deforest surname increased by 43 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Deforest Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Deforest ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Deforest Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Deforest Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Deforest
- ✓ The Deforest coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Deforest families live today
- ✓ Notable Deforest bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Deforest
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Deforest.
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 Deforest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deforest
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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