Dupon History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
France

Etymology of Dupon

What does the name Dupon mean?

The French name Dupon first arose during the Medieval period in the Languedoc region. It is derived from when the family first lived in Languedoc. The name Dupon is derived from the Old French word "pont", which means "bridge". "Du pont" directly translates to English as "from the bridge", indicating that the original bearer lived near a prominent bridge. 1

Early Origins of the Dupon family

The surname Dupon was first found in Languedoc where the family held a family seat in ancient times.

This ancient family is recorded in the old archives as early as the 12th century. N. Dupont, born in 1490, is recorded as the father of Thomas and Robert Dupont. Their descendants held the positions of Royal Notary to the Marquisate and Magistrate of Fiennes for a century. Nicolas Dupont was the King's steward and in 1640 he received his letters patent confirming his nobility.

Members of this noble family took part in the wars of their times where they fought courageously for their King and country. As a reward for their services, many members were titled Knights of Malta and Captains. This family were actively involved in the events of the French Revolution and the resultant political and cultural changes.

Gilles Dupont, born in 1636, son of Guillaume and Marguerite (née Feraut), travelled from France to Canada in the 17th century. He settled at Cap-de-la-Madeleine and married Françoise Michelotte, born in 1655, daughter of Michel and Marguerite (née Maistre), on 10th August 1670. 2

Early History of the Dupon family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dupon research. Another 266 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1791, 1808, 1810, 1812, 1830 and 1831 are included under the topic Early Dupon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dupon Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of French surnames; in part, as spelling, and the spelling names was not yet standardized during the early development of the written French language. Later, there was much branching and movement of families, and spellings would change according to region. Variations of the name Dupon include Dupont, du Pont, Duppont, Duppon, Dupon, Dupons, Duppons, Duppond, Dupond, DuPon, DuPont, Dupen, Du Pen, du Pen, du Pons, du Pond and many more.

Early Notables of the Dupon family

Notable amongst the family name at this time was

Pierre Dupont, Captain and Count of the Empire

Dupon Ranking

In France, the name Dupon is the 2,972^nd most popular surname with an estimated 2,000 - 2,500 people with that name. 3

Dupon migration to the United States +

In 1643, 109 years after the first landings by Cartier, there were only about 300 people in Quebec. Migration was slow. The fur trade attracted migrants, both noble and commoner. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year the French Acadian presence in the Maritimes had reached 500. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The family name Dupon has made many distinguished contributions in France and New France to the world of science, culture, religion, and education. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Dupon were

Dupon Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Michael DuPon, who settled in Virginia in 1621 with his wife and 2 children

Sources +

Dauzat, Albert, Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionaire Étymologique des Noms et Prénoms de France. Paris: Librairie Larousse, 1987. Print.
Olivier, Reginald L. Your Ancient Canadian Family Ties. Logan: The Everton Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 368, 1972. Print
http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/