Surname Dupree - Meaning and Origin

The Dupree Legacy: Journeying Through History and Culture Using iGENEA DNA Test

The iGENEA DNA test took me on a sweeping journey through time, uncovering the origin and history of my surname, Dupree. As I ventured through the annals of history, it became evident that my surname, with French origins, held a unique and incredible narrative featuring courageous Knights, daring explorers, and patient farmers rooted in deep respect and connection with nature.

V. Dupree

Dupree: What does the surname Dupree mean?

The surname Dupree is of French origin and comes from the Old French words "du prè," which mean "of the meadow" or "from the meadow." This suggests that the original bearers of the name likely lived near or worked on a meadow. It was typical in medieval France for people to be identified by a characteristic of their habitat, their profession, or the land they inhabited, so this surname could have been a descriptor of such. Over time, as family names became hereditary, the surname would have been passed down through generations. Today, Dupree is a fairly common surname in both France and the United States. Variations of spelling include Dupré, Dupreez, Dupriez, and Duprey.

Dupree: Where does the name Dupree come from?

The surname Dupree originates from the French language meaning "from the meadow". The name is derived from two old French words “du” which means "from", and “pree”, implying a "meadow" or "pasture". Historically, the first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert Dupre, which was dated around 1086 during the reign of King William I of England, known as "William the Conqueror". In many cases, it might have served as a topographic name for someone who lived in a meadow or pastureland.

The surname Dupree is prevalent globally due to migration and colonization, with the largest population of Dupree families residing in the United States, with notable concentrations in Louisiana due to French influences. It's also common in countries such as France and Canada. As a result of historical links and French influence, it can also be found, albeit less frequently, in regions like The United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Dupree

The surname Dupree is of French origin and is a variant of the common surname "Dupré". It is derived from the Old French term 'des pres', meaning 'of the meadows'. Over time, the name evolved into different variations depending on the region and language.

Some of these variations include: Dupré, DuPree, DuPré, Dupréé, Duprie, DuPréé, Dupres, Du Pre, DuPreez, DuPre, DuPraw, Duprey, Dupray, Dupries, Dupriest, Duprée, and Dupret.

In many cases, prefixes and suffixes were added to the original Dupree name depending on familial or geographical traits. For instance, Dupreez could be a variation adapted in Dutch-speaking regions and Duprey may have originated in Spanish-speaking areas.

It's also important to note that surnames often slightly changed in spelling upon immigration. Examples of anglicized versions of the name are: Dupra, DuPrae, Dupray, and Dupree.

Again, these are all the same family, originating from 'des pres', but have changed over time and across regions to shape the rich diversity of the Dupree surname we see today.

Famous people with the name Dupree

• Minnie Dupree: A notable American stage and film actress in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Robbie Dupree: A Grammy-nominated American singer best known for his hits "Steal Away" and "Hot Rod Hearts."
• Jerome Dupree: An American musician, most famously known as the original drummer for the band 'Morphine.'
• William Thaddeus "Bill" Dupree: An African-American soldier awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during World War II.
• Candy Dupree: A former professional American basketball player.
• Chanda Rubin, full name Chanda Dupree Rubin: A retired professional tennis player from the U.S.
• Jack Dupree: A New Orleans blues and boogie-woogie pianist, also known as Champion Jack Dupree.
• Marcus Dupree: An American former professional football player.
• Cornell Dupree: An American jazz and R&B guitarist.
• Ted Dupree: An American football player who played as a defensive end for the New York Giants in the NFL.
• Skyler Dayne Dupree: An actress known for her work in the film "OMG."
• Richard Dupree: An actor familiar to audiences for his performances in "Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens".

Other surnames

DupreDüpre