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Duvall Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Duvall Surname

The Duvall surname, alternatively spelled as DuVall, originates from France and translates to "of the valley" in English. It is a variant of the Norman surname "Devall," which is documented in both English and French contexts. The name's etymology traces back to the French town of Déville, Seine-Inferieure, providing a geographical anchor for its meaning. Over time, the surname has evolved with various spellings, including Davolls, Deavall, DeVile, and Deville, highlighting its adaptability across different regions and linguistic nuances.

The Duvall surname saw its initial spread from France, where it was well-established by the early 13th century. As families migrated and social boundaries expanded, the surname began to proliferate, reaching England and beyond. The Domesday Book documented the spelling "Devall," marking its presence in England. Over the centuries, the Duvall family tree expanded further, with branches establishing in diverse areas, including the New World during the colonial period, enriching the cultural tapestry of the surname.

YourRoots data provides a compelling narrative of the Duvall genealogy, affirming the surname's deep roots in France and its subsequent expansion. The dataset highlights the emergence of various family branches in the late medieval period, reflecting the Duvall family's adaptability and growth. As these families moved to the United States by the 17th century, the surname's prevalence increased, creating a rich genealogical legacy that continues to intrigue researchers today.

For those interested in tracing the Duvall family tree, YourRoots offers an invaluable resource, confirming the historical and geographical spread of the surname. By aligning historical records with modern findings, YourRoots enriches our understanding of Duvall genealogy, providing a detailed roadmap for family-tree researchers seeking to explore their ancestry.

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Origin of the Duvall Family: Where does the Duvall surname come from?

The Duvall surname has its earliest known appearance in France during the early 13th century, marking the beginnings of a rich genealogical history. This connection to France serves as a critical starting point for family trees, linking descendants to a European legacy that would evolve over centuries. As families began to take root, the Duvall name became associated with various regions and localities, setting the stage for its spread and expansion.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Duvall

In its formative centuries, the Duvall family predominantly flourished in France, where multiple branches of the family began to emerge. During the late 13th century, the surname saw growth, particularly in key regions, as families established their presence and expanded their lineage. This foundational period was characterized by the establishment of family ties and the formation of family trees that would set the course for future generations.

As the Duvall family progressed into the late medieval period, they continued to develop their lineage, branching out into various regions and communities. Each generation contributed to the family tree, creating a tapestry of connections that would later facilitate migration and further expansion. This early history laid the groundwork for the Duvalls as they adapted to changing times and circumstances.

Tracing the Duvall Family Tree Through the Centuries

The Duvall surname began to expand beyond France in the early modern period, with significant movements noted in the New World during the colonial era. By the 17th century, many Duvall families had migrated to areas that would become the United States, establishing themselves in various states and communities. This migration not only increased the surname's prevalence but also diversified the family tree, as new branches emerged in a different cultural context.

As centuries progressed, the Duvall family continued to flourish in the United States, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, when the name saw a notable increase in frequency. The Duvalls adapted to their new environments, marrying into other families and creating new branches that enriched their genealogical legacy. This period of growth solidified the Duvall surname as a prominent lineage in American history, connecting descendants across generations.

Where to Find Duvall Genealogy Records Today

In the modern centuries, the Duvall surname can be found prominently across various regions, particularly in the United States, where families have established roots over generations. The 20th and 21st centuries have seen continued interest in genealogy, with many individuals exploring their Duvall heritage and connections. For those seeking to connect with their family tree, the YourRoots database offers a wealth of D

Famous People with Duvall (and Their Family Tree)

Robert Duvall

Robert Duvall

Robert Selden Duvall, born January 5, 1931, in San Diego, California, is a celebrated American actor renowned for his seven-decade career. Duvall has earned prestigious accolades, including an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, four Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. His notable film roles include appearances in "To Kill a Mockingbird," "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now," and "Tender Mercies," for which he won an Oscar. Duvall's television achievements are marked by his Emmy wins for "Broken Trail" and nominations for "Lonesome Dove" and "Stalin."

Robert Duvall was born to Mildred Virginia Duvall, an amateur actress related to Civil War General Robert E. Lee, and Rear Admiral William Howard Duvall. The Duvall family has roots tracing back to settler Mareen Duvall. Raised in a Christian Science household, Robert grew up primarily in Annapolis, Maryland. His father, a Navy officer, hoped Robert would attend the Naval Academy, but Robert pursued acting, eventually studying at Principia College and the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.

Shelley Duvall

Shelley Duvall

Shelley Alexis Duvall, an acclaimed American actress and producer, is renowned for her unique roles and collaborations with director Robert Altman. Her career highlights include a Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for "3 Women" (1977), prominent roles in "The Shining" (1980) and "Popeye" (1980), and her contribution to children's television with "Faerie Tale Theatre" (1982–1987). Duvall's performances in films like "Brewster McCloud" (1970) and "Roxanne" (1987) solidified her status in Hollywood, with four of her films preserved in the National Film Registry.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Shelley Duvall was the first child of Bobbie Ruth Crawford, a real estate broker, and Robert Richardson "Bobby" Duvall, a cattle auctioneer-turned-lawyer. Her family roots include younger brothers Scott, Shane, and Stewart. The family settled in Houston when Shelley was five, where her artistic and energetic nature earned her the nickname "Manic Mouse." Despite initially aspiring to be a scientist, her path led her to a celebrated acting career.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall is a renowned American actress, director, and screenwriter known for her diverse film and television roles. She gained prominence with her performances in "The Faculty" (1998), "But I'm a Cheerleader," and "Girl, Interrupted" (both 1999). DuVall's notable film credits include "21 Grams" (2003), "Zodiac" (2007), and "Argo" (2012), for which she received a SAG Award. On television, she has appeared in "Carnivàle," "Heroes," "Veep," and "The Handmaid's Tale." As a director, her works include "The Intervention" (2016) and "Happiest Season" (2020). Additionally, she co-created and voiced a character in the animated series "HouseBroken" (2021-2023).

William DuVall

William DuVall

William Bradley DuVall, born September 6, 1967, in Washington, D.C., is an American musician celebrated as the co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the iconic rock band Alice in Chains. Joining the band in 2006, DuVall has contributed to three albums: "Black Gives Way to Blue" (2009), "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" (2013), and "Rainier Fog" (2018). His career is marked by versatility, having co-founded Comes with the Fall and performing with the supergroup Giraffe Tongue Orchestra. DuVall's talent earned him an ASCAP Pop Music Award in 1996 for co-writing "I Know" for Dionne Farris and three Grammy nominations with Alice in Chains.

William DuVall's maternal grandmother was of Dutch and North African descent. At the age of fourteen, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, with his mother and stepfather due to the latter's job relocation. DuVall's early exposure to music came from his cousin's copy of Jimi Hendrix's "Band of Gypsys," sparking a lifelong passion for guitar and music.

Adam Duvall

Adam Duvall

Adam Lynn Duvall, born on September 4, 1988, is a prominent American professional baseball outfielder, known for his power-hitting abilities. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams including the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, and Boston Red Sox. Duvall was an All-Star in 2016 and participated in the Home Run Derby that same year. His career highlights include hitting 33 home runs with 103 RBIs in 2016 and achieving his first career grand slam in 2017. Duvall's journey began when he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 11th round of the 2010 MLB draft.

Adam Duvall was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, to parents Jeana and Alvin. He has a brother named Austin. His early life was marked by a serious injury in high school, which led to surgery and prevented him from playing baseball during his senior year. Despite this setback, Duvall pursued a career in baseball, playing at various colleges, including the University of Louisville, before being drafted into MLB.

Duvall Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Duvall" is of French origin, deriving from the Norman "Devall," and translates to "of the valley" in English. It is linked to the French town of Déville and has both English and French ties, with its earliest English record in the Domesday Book. The name has various spellings, including DuVall, DeVall, and DeVol, among others.

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Where to Find Genealogy Records for Duvall

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Duvall family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Duvall surname to learn more.

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