Dubois
The origin of the surname Dubois
Dubois means “of the wood or forest” (du bois).
What kind of surname is Dubois?
As a toponymic (locational) surname, the surname Dubois originally described where its bearer lived or came from — a village, region, landscape feature or landmark. When people moved from one place to another, neighbours often identified the newcomer by their place of origin, and that association became a lasting family name. Some toponymic surnames name a specific town or county; others describe the local terrain, such as a hill, wood, field, ford or bridge beside which a family lived. These names are a kind of map of migration and settlement, recording where earlier generations put down roots.
How French surnames work
French surnames grew from patronymics, occupations (Boucher, “butcher”), locational names (often with “de”, “du” or “des”), and descriptive nicknames. Norman French carried many into England after 1066, and centuries of French pronunciation smoothed their forms. Regional languages such as Breton and Occitan added further distinctive names.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Dubois mean?
The surname Dubois means Of the wood. Dubois means “of the wood or forest” (du bois).
Where does the surname Dubois come from?
Dubois is a surname of French origin.
What kind of surname is Dubois?
Dubois is a toponymic surname, originally describing where the bearer lived or came from.
How common is the surname Dubois in the United States?
Dubois ranks #1,459 among U.S. surnames (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 22,455 people.