Duke Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Duke come from? What does the surname Duke mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Duke and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Duck, Dock, Doke, Duch, Duckett, Dukes
Surname Duke Origin: What does the last name Duke mean?
The surname Duke has origins in both England and France, with its meaning rooted in leadership. Derived from the Latin word dux, meaning "leader," the surname was acquired by individuals who were seen as leaders in their communities. It could also be a shortened form of Marmaduke, an Irish name meaning 'servant of Maedoc.' The surname Duke has been present in records dating back to the late 12th century, with variations like Dukes translating to "Duke's son." The name has been associated with military leaders, knights, and sheriffs, and has a Gaelicized form in certain areas of Ireland.
YourRoots data shows that the Duke surname has a strong association with France from the 6th to the 12th century before appearing in England in the 11th century. By the 16th century, the surname had spread to England, and by the 17th century, the United States had surpassed England in Duke surname records. Today, the Duke surname can be found in various parts of the world, including the United States, France, England, Canada, Australia, and Germany. The surname Duke reflects a heritage of leadership and nobility, with a presence in different countries and regions throughout history.
Duke Last Name History: Where did the last name Duke come from?
Origin of Duke Surname: Where does the last name Duke originate from?
The Duke surname first appears in YourRoots data in France during the 6th century. Please remember, this data pertains only to the exact "Duke" spelling in the YourRoots database and does not account for other potential sources or variations of this surname.
History of the Last Name Duke: What does the Duke surname history look like in the early days?
The "Duke" surname maintained a strong association with France from the 6th through the 12th century. In the 11th century, the surname also surfaced in England. Over the centuries, the "Duke" surname started to spread across different countries, as evident in the YourRoots data.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Duke surname today?
By the 16th century, the frequency of records with the Duke surname had significantly grown in England. However, by the 17th century, the United States had surpassed England in terms of Duke surname records, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the "Duke" surname can be found in various parts of the world, with a notable presence in the United States and France. The Duke surname has also been recorded in countries such as England, Canada, Australia, and Germany.
Explore Duke last name heritage and Duke surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Duke Surame?
Patty Duke
Anna Marie "Patty" Duke (Dec 14, 1946 - Mar 29, 2016) was a renowned American actress known for her roles in "The Miracle Worker" and "The Patty Duke Show." She won an Academy Award and multiple Golden Globe Awards during her career.
Ken Duke
Kenneth Wootson Duke (born Jan 29, 1969) is a successful American professional golfer known for his PGA Tour victory at the 2013 Travelers Championship. Overcoming scoliosis, Duke's perseverance and skill have earned him recognition in the golfing world.
Antera Duke
Antera Duke (alive as late as 1788) was a prominent African slave trader and Efik chief from Old Calabar in Nigeria. He kept a diary detailing his interactions with British merchants and his involvement in the slave trade, which was later published. Duke's legacy is a complex and controversial one.
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