From the hunter-gatherer society to the more advanced industrial societies, the nature of surnames depended on what was essential to the society at that time. Surnames were often derived from occupations, places of settlement, and social status as they were passed from one generation to the next. This family name or last name can be in compound form, gender-specific, ornamental, or descriptive as per cultural laws in different countries.
However, in the modern era, surnames were adopted for administrative or political reasons. Thus, the institution of the last name is fascinating as it exists as a form of social address based on which we find a place in our social universe. Surnames that begin with D are particularly interesting, as the alphabet resonates with the ideas of pragmatism, deliverance, focus, and security. Here is a list of popular surnames that begin with D that would help you add some spice to your personal and family identity.
Common D Letter Last Names
This list of common cool last names beginning with ‘D’ and their meanings can be an instant reckoner for those looking to pick a suitable surname for themselves or their baby.
Play The Quiz And Win Exciting Prizes
Play The Quiz And Win Exciting Prizes
Play The Quiz And Win Exciting Prizes
Play The Quiz And Win Exciting Prizes
1. D’ambrisio
Derived from Latin Ambrosius, meaning ‘immortal’, the name was popular in the 4th century.
2. D’Antonio
This Italian surname means ‘son of Antonio’. The Antonius Roman clan was considered as ‘priceless’.
Play The Quiz And Win Exciting Prizes
Play The Quiz And Win Exciting Prizes
Play The Quiz And Win Exciting Prizes
Play The Quiz And Win Exciting Prizes
3. D’Aramitz
Derived from Basque ‘haran’ that means ‘valley’, D’Aramitz denotes the one who came from Aramits, a town in the French Pyreness.
4. D’Cruz
Originating from Iberia, Cruz spread to Spain and Portugal where it means ‘Christian cross’.
5. Daalman
‘Daal; means ‘valley’ in Dutch and ‘man’ means ‘man’. The name refers to ‘a person who lived in a valley’.
6. Dabato
The name is derived from Southern Italian Sabbato, which means ‘Saturday’. It also comes from a Late Latin word ‘Sabbatum’ or Hebrew ‘Shabat’, which mean ‘rest’. Dabato refers to ‘someone born on a Saturday’.
7. Dabbs
This patronymic medieval surname is derived from the Germanic name Robert, which is composed of the elements of ‘hrod’ and ‘berht’ meaning ‘famous’.
8. Dace
Dace is a metonymic occupational name derived from Old French ‘dars’. It is a nickname for someone who resembles a dace fish. It also means ‘fisherman’ or ‘fish seller’.
9. Dach
Dach is a Polish and German topographical surname that refers to ‘a settler on clayey soil’.
10. Dack
Derived from the medieval origin, Dack means ‘a badger’ referring to somebody known for their nocturnal habits or has unusual physical features.
11. Da Costa
Derived from Portuguese, Italian, Jewish origin, Da Costa is a topographic name for Costa. It refers to ‘someone who lived on a riverbank or sea coast’.
12. Dadds
This Welsh name of Celtic origin may be derived from Germanic ‘dudd’ or ‘dodd’ denoting ‘a stupid person’ or a ‘lumpish person’.
13. Dadson
Derived from Old English ‘Dodda’ or ‘Dudda’, it was a term of endearment for a baby boy.
14. Dahl
Derived from Old Norse, Dahl means ‘valley’.
15. Dahlman
This Swedish surname means ‘dale’, ‘valley’ and ‘man’ referring to ‘someone who lived by the valley’.
16. Dalca
This Romanian surname means ‘lightning’.
17. Dale
Derived from Old English ‘dael’, meaning ‘valley’, it indicates ‘a person living by the valley’.
18. Daly
Daly is an anglicised form of Irish O’Dalaigh which means ‘descendant of Dalach’ or ‘one who is present at assemblies’.
19. Dam
Dam means ‘dike’ in Dutch. In modern Danish, it means ‘pond’ referring to ‘someone who lived by it’.
20. Damiano
This patronymic Italian surname is derived from Latin ‘Damianus’ which in turn comes from a Greek goddess name ‘Damia’.
21. Duncan
Duncan is of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning “dark warrior”.
22. Damyanov
Derived from Bulgarian Damyan, Damyanov means ‘son of Damian’.
23. Danchev
This Bulgarian surname means ‘son of Dancho’.
24. Dane
This Anglo-Saxon topographical surname is derived from ‘denu’, which means ‘valley’. It refers to ‘dwellers in the valley’.
25. D’angelo
This Italian patronymic surname means ‘son of Angelo’.
26. Daniel
Derived from Hebrew origin, Daniel means ‘God is my judge’. Two Biblical figures are named Daniel.
27. Danielsen
This surname of Danish and Norwegian origin means ‘son of Daniel’.
28. Darbinyan
This Armenian surname means ‘blacksmith’.
29. Darby
This English locational surname is derived from Old Norse ‘djur’, meaning ‘deer’, and ‘byr’, which means ‘farm’.
30. Darrel
Derived from Late Latin ‘arealis’, meaning ‘open space’, Darrel denotes ‘one who came from the Airel town of Normandy’.
31. Darrow
This habitational surname is a Scottish variant of northern Irish Darragh. It comes from Gaelic ‘darach’ that means ‘oak tree’.
32. Darzi
This Persian surname means ‘tailor’.
33. Daskalov
This Bulgarian patronymic name means ‘teacher’.
34. Daube
Derived from German ‘Taube’, the name means ‘pigeon’ or ‘dove’. The name also refers to a ‘mild and gentle person’.
35. Daubney
Derived from Gallo-Roman name Albinus, Daubney is a toponymic name for towns in France called Aubigny.
36. David
This Brythonic Celtic surname originates from Wales, and it means ‘friend’ or ‘darling’ in Hebrew. The name was popularised by King David of Isreal.
37. Davidson
This British patronymic surname means ‘son of David’.
38. Davidyan
This Armenian surname means ‘son of David’.
39. Davies
This patronymic Welsh surname is translated into David which in Hebrew means ‘beloved’.
40. Davin
This is an Irish surname, which is derived from Gaelicword ‘damh’, meaning ‘a stag’ or ‘an ox’.
41. Davis
This Welsh patronymic surname meaning ‘son of David’ is derived from Hebrew name David that means ‘beloved’.
42. Dawson
Derived from Anglo-Saxon descent, this baptismal name means ‘son of David’.
43. Day
Derived from a medieval diminutive of David, this patronymic surname means ‘day-servant’.
44. Deadman
A variant of Debenham which denotes the name of the River Deben, which also denotes ‘deep’, and the word ‘hem’, which means ‘settlement’. Deadman refers to a ‘person from Debenhem town’.
45. Dean
This Anglo-Saxon surname is derived from English ‘dene’ meaning ‘valley’.
46. DeAngelis
This Italian surname means ‘son of Angelo’.
47. DeCampo
This Italian surname is derived from the place name Campo.
48. Dedrick
This English surname is a variant of Derek and means ‘Gifted ruler’.
49. Deering
This Old English given name means ‘dear’ or ‘beloved’.
50. DeFelice
This Italian patronymic surname is derived from Latin word Felix meaning ‘happy’.
51. Deforest
This French surname means ‘from the forest’.
52. Degarmo
Derived from French ‘de Garmeaux’, this surname refers to a place named Garmeaux in Normandy.
53. DeGirmenci
This Turkish surname means ‘miller’.
54. DeGroot
This Dutch surname means ‘big’ or ‘great’.
55. DeHaven
This Dutch surname means ‘someone who lives or lived at a harbour’.
56. DeJong
This Dutch surname means ‘young’.
57. DeJonker
This Dutch occupational surname indicates ‘an ancestor who was a jonkheer or worked for one.’
58. DeKlerk
This Dutch occupational surname refers to ‘a scribe’ or ‘a clerk’.
59. De la cruz
This Spanish surname means ‘of the cross’.
60. Delaney
Derived from Norman French ‘de l’aunaie’, the name means ‘from the alder grove’.
61. Demir
This Turkish surname refers to ‘the iron-maker’.
62. Demirovic
This Bosnian surname means ‘son of Demir’.
63. Denzil
This English surname refers to someone who comes from Denzell, a manor in Cornwall.
64. DePalma
This Italian surname means ‘from the palm tree’.
65. Derrickson
This English surname means ‘son of Derrick’.
66. Desmond
Derived from Gaelic Deasmhumhain, Desmond refers to ‘someone who came from South Munster region of Ireland’.
67. Desrosiers
Derived from French ‘rosier’, the name refers to a ‘person who lived near a rose garden’.
68. Devin
Derived from Old French word ‘devin’, which means ‘divine’, Devin refers to a ‘person who acted divinely’.
69. DeWitte
DeWitte is a nickname for ‘a person with white hair’.
70. Dibra
As Dibra refers to Debar city in Macedonia, Dibra refers to ‘someone who came from there’.
71. DiCaprio
Derived from Latin ‘capra’ meaning ‘goat’ and Greek Kapros meaning ‘wild boar’, Di Caprio refers to the Capri Island near Naples.
72. Dixon
Derived from Anglo-Saxon patronymic name Dick, Dixon is a baptismal name that means ‘son of Richard’.
73. Douglas
Douglas is a habitational surname derived from Scottish Gaelic ‘Dubh’, which means ‘black and ‘glais’, which means ‘stream’.
74. Doyle
Derived from Irish origin, Doyle is an anglicised form of O Dubhghaill meaning ‘descendant of Dubhghall’. Dubhghall means ‘black stranger’.
75. Duff
The name is derived from Gaelic ‘Dubh’, meaning ‘dark’.
76. Dunn
Dunn is an anglicised form of Irish surname O’Duinn that means ‘grandson of Donn’. The Gaelic form of this name means ‘brown-haired’.
77. Dvorak
Derived from Czech’ dvur’ meaning ‘manor’, Dvorak indicates someone who works in a manor’.
78. Dwerryhouse
This English surname refers to ‘a person who worked or lived at a dyehouse’.
79. Dyer
Derived from Old English word ‘deah’, this occupational surname means ‘cloth dyer’.
80. Dziedzic
Derived from Polish dziedzic, Dziedzic means ‘landowner’.
Famous Last Names That Begin With D
Last names give us an insight into the person’s lineage and family. However, some may even divert from traditions and choose their last name. Here are some famous last names that begin with D:
1. Daley
The name is of Irish and English origin. It means ‘gathering’.
2. Dalgaard
The name is of Old Norse origin and means ‘valley’.
3. Dali
The last name is of Spanish origin and means ‘drawn towards God’.
4. Dalton
It is a common British surname and means ‘from the valley town’.
5. D’Achille
It is a patronymic Italian surname after the Trojan war hero.
6. D’Acquisto
It is a patronymic Italian surname that literally translates to ‘good acquisition’.
7. D’Acunto
It is a patronymic Italian surname and comes from the given name Acunto.
8. D’Adamo
The name is derived from the given name Adam and means ‘earth’.
9. D’Addario
It is a patronymic Italian surname which is derived from the personal name Addario.
10. D’Addio
It is a patronymic Italian surname which is derived from the personal name Addio.
Short Last Names Starting With D
Last names can be both long and short. However, short last names have a unique zeal to them. Here are some short last names starting with D:
1. Dalal
The name is of Arabic origin and means ‘passion’.
2. D’Amore
It is a patronymic Italian surname derived from the given name Amore which means ‘love’.
3. Dara
The name is of Persian origin and means ‘rich’.
4. Darrell
The name is of French origin and means ‘open’.
5. Das
The name is of Indian origin and means ‘slave’.
6. Datta
The name is of Hindu origin and means ‘one who is gifted’.
7. Deol
The last name is of African origin and means ‘crown of honour’.
8. Deshpande
The name is of Indian origin and means ‘one who maintains accounts or records at a territory level or district level’.
9. Dev
The last name is of Indian origin and means ‘fawn’.
10. Dewan
The last name is of Indian and Pakistani origin. It is given to a powerful government official.
Long Last D Names
Long last names can describe just about anything. From your occupation to your habitat, anything can be included. Here are some long last names starting with D:
1. Desroches
It is a French and Haitian topographic name.
2. Devereux
The name is of Irish and English origin. It is a habitational name for someone from Évreux.
3. Doctor
The name dates back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was given to trappers of small game.
4. Dodge
The name is of British origin and means ‘famous spearman’.
5. Doherty
It is an Irish and Scottish Patronymic name from Gaelic O’Dochartaigh. It means ‘descendant of Dochartach’.
6. Dohman
The name is of Old French origin and is given to ‘feudal lords’.
7. Dolan
The last name is of Irish and Gaelic origin. It denotes someone who is black-haired.
8. Dolezal
The name is of Czech origin and is a nickname for a lazy person.
9. Donne
The name is derived from Old Gaelic. It was a distinguishing nickname given to someone with dark hair or a swarthy complexion.
10. Donnelly
The name is of Irish origin. It is the anglicised form of the Gaelic Ó Donnghaile and means ‘descendant of Donnghal’.
Rare Last Names That Start With D
One of the best feelings in the world is being unique. This is especially true when it comes to your names. Here are some rare last names that start with D:
1. Dayal
The last name comes from Sanskrit and is of Indian origin. It means ‘kind and compassionate’.
2. Dhillon
The name is of French origin and comes from the name of the town of Lyon in central France.
3. Drake
The name is of English origin and means ‘male duck’.
4. Draper
The last name is taken from the occupation.
5. Dreher
The name is of South German and Swiss German origin. It is an occupational name for a turner from an agent.
6. Dreschner
The name is of German and Jewish origin. It is an occupational name for a thresher.
7. Dresdner
The name is of German, Scandinavian, and Jewish origin. It is a habitational name for someone from Dresden in Saxony.
8. Driscoll
The name is of Irish origin and means ‘descendent of the messenger’.
9. Droit
The name is derived from Old French word Dru which translates to ‘little sweetheart’.
10. Drummond
The name is of Scottish origin and is a habitational name from any of various places notably the barony of Drummond.
Unique Last Names With Letter D
Last names that begin with D can be distinctive and meaningful, often carrying a rich history and cultural significance. Here are ten unique surnames that start with D, each with its unique origin and meaning.
1. Duvinsky
Duvinsky is a surname of Eastern European origin, often associated with Jewish heritage. It is believed to be derived from a place name or a family occupation.
2. Dalmat
Dalmat is a surname that originates from the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. It signifies someone who is from Dalmatia.
3. Denali
Denali is a surname that has its roots in the indigenous languages of Alaska. It means “great one,” referring to the highest peak in North America.
4. Drexton
Drexton is a modern surname with English origins, often seen as a variant of Drexler. It typically means “one who works with a lathe.”
5. Drystan
Drystan is a Welsh surname, deriving from the Old Welsh name Drustan. It means “riot”, often associated with the legendary Tristan from Arthurian legends.
6. Denholm
Denholm is a Scottish surname, originating from a place name in the Scottish Borders. It means “holly island.”
7. Delfino
Delfino is an Italian surname meaning “dolphin.” It often signifies someone who is playful and agile, similar to the characteristics of the dolphin.
8. Da Silva
Da Silva is a Portuguese surname meaning “of the forest.” It is one of the most common surnames in Portugal and Brazil, indicating someone who lived near a forest.
9. Dourado
Dourado is a Portuguese surname that means “golden.” It often signifies wealth, prosperity, or a golden-haired person.
10. Darrowshire
Darrowshire is a fictional surname, likely inspired by English place names. It suggests a “settlement in a deer park” or a place associated with deer.
Cool Last Names That Begin With D
Surnames that begin with D often carry a sense of strength, history, and mystery. Here are ten captivating last names with D, along with their meanings.
1. Damaris
Damaris is of Greek origin and means “gentle”.
2. Duvallar
Duvallar is derived from French, meaning “from the valley.”
3. Dallinger
Dallinger is of German origin, meaning “valley people.”
4. Devro
Devro is a variation of Devereux, of French origin, meaning “from Evreux.”
5. Driskoll
Driskoll is of Irish origin, meaning “descendant of the messenger.”
6. Davenhart
Davenhart is a combination of Old English elements, meaning “hart’s haven.”
7. Delacroix
Delacroix is of French origin, meaning “of the cross.”
8. Dorell
Dorell is of French origin, meaning “golden.”
9. Damarion
Damarion is a modern name of uncertain origin, possibly a blend of “Damaris” and “Marion.”
10. Delsin
Delsin is of Native American origin, meaning “he is so.”
Spanish and Mexican Last Name Starting with D
If you’re looking for meaningful Spanish and Mexican last names that start with D, these surnames offer history, heritage, and strong identity
1. Dalí
A Catalan surname thought to come from “dalí,” meaning “from the valley.” It is famously linked to the artist Salvador Dalí and often associated with creativity and individuality.
2. De Jesús
A devotional surname meaning “of Jesus.” It reflects strong religious roots and is common in Spanish-speaking Christian families.
3. De la Fuente
Meaning “from the fountain” or “of the spring.” It was often given to families living near natural springs or wells.
4. De la Mora
Translates to “from the mulberry” or “of the blackberry.” It likely referred to people who lived near mulberry trees or places known for them.
5. De la Torre
Meaning “from the tower.” This surname was used for families who lived close to a tower or fortress.
6. De la Vega
Translates to “from the meadow” or “of the plain.” It was given to families living in fertile open fields.
7. De León
Meaning “of León,” referencing either the Spanish city or the word “lion.” It can symbolize strength, courage, and noble origins.
8. De Monroy
A toponymic surname linked to the Monroy region in Spain. It often indicates noble lineage or land-owning families.
9. De Santiago
Meaning “of Santiago,” referring to devotion to St James or origin from a place named Santiago. It carries strong religious and geographic identity.
10. Del Bosque
Translates to “from the forest.” It was used for families who lived near wooded areas or worked with forest resources.
11. Del Castillo
Meaning “from the castle.” This name was given to people living near or working in a castle or fortified place.
12. Del Cid
Linked to “El Cid,” the legendary Spanish knight. It often symbolizes honor, bravery, and noble heritage.
13. Del Moral
Meaning “from the mulberry tree.” It referred to families settled near mulberry groves, often in agricultural regions.
14. Del Olmo
Translates to “from the elm tree.” This surname describes families living by notable elm trees or forests.
15. Del Pino
Meaning “from the pine tree.” It was used for families near pine forests or landmarks.
16. Del Pozo
Translates to “from the well.” It indicated families living near wells or overseeing water sources.
17. Del Río
Meaning “from the river.” It describes families who lived by rivers or relied on them for work.
18. Del Rosario
A devotional surname meaning “of the rosary.” It reflects deep Catholic traditions and religious identity.
19. Delgado
Derived from “delgado,” meaning “thin” or “slender.” It began as a nickname describing physical traits.
20. Díaz
A patronymic surname meaning “son of Diego.” It has strong medieval Spanish roots and is widespread across Latin America.
21. Diego
A surname derived from the given name Diego. It reflects ancestry linked to the name and often symbolizes dedication or leadership.
22. Domingo
Based on the word “domingo,” meaning “Sunday.” The surname stems from the given name Domingo, associated with faith and devotion.
23. Domínguez
A patronymic surname meaning “son of Domingo.” It shows family descent and carries strong religious origins.
24. Duarte
A Spanish and Portuguese surname meaning “guardian of wealth” or “keeper of the estate.” It comes from the name Edward.
25. Durán
Derived from “durar,” meaning “to endure.” It symbolizes strength, resilience, and long-lasting family roots.
26. Diosdado
Means “God-given” or “gift from God.” It carries strong spiritual significance and reflects gratitude and faith.
27. Dabney
An English surname that occasionally appears in Hispanic families through migration. It is thought to mean “from Aubigny” and has old Norman roots.
28. Dallas
A Scottish surname that entered Spanish-speaking regions through immigration. It means “meadow dwelling” or “dwelling in the valley.”
29. Danell
Of Scandinavian or English origin, occasionally found in Latino families. It is linked to “Danel,” meaning “God is my judge.”
30. Darwin
An English surname meaning “dear friend.” Though not traditionally Spanish, it may appear in families through global movement and mixed heritage.
Hispanic Last Names That Start With D
If you’re looking for a rich and traditional surname that start with D, these Hispanic last names offer both history and beautiful cultural significance.
1. Damian
A surname linked to the given name Damian, rooted in the Greek word for “to tame” or “to subdue.” It often symbolises calm strength and discipline.
2. Davalos
A Spanish toponymic surname tied to the Davalos family of Castile. It is associated with noble heritage and long-standing lineage.
3. Davila
Meaning “from Ávila,” a historic city in Spain. It often reflects ancestry connected to fortified towns or respected families.
4. Davilla
A variation of Dávila, also referring to origins from Ávila. Families with this spelling kept the same geographic meaning.
5. Daza
A Castilian surname possibly linked to a place called Daza. It often signifies strong regional roots and agricultural origins.
6. Dealba
Meaning “from Alba,” with “alba” referring to sunrise or whiteness. It may indicate families from bright or open landscapes.
7. De ArmasArma
Likely a variation of “De Armas,” meaning “of the weapons” or “from the arms.” Historically linked to families serving in military roles.
8. Dedios
A devotional surname meaning “of God.” It reflects deep religious faith and spiritual identity.
9. Degante
A Spanish surname of unclear but likely locational origin. It may refer to early families from a small or lesser-known region.
10. De la O
Meaning “of the O,” referring to the Feast of the Expectation of the Virgin Mary, also called “Nuestra Señora de la O.” It is strongly tied to Catholic tradition.
11. Dela Paz
Meaning “of peace.” This surname symbolizes harmony, calmness, and spiritual devotion.
12. Dela Rosa
A devotional surname meaning “of the rose,” referencing the Virgin Mary. It often symbolizes purity, love, and religious heritage.
13. Del Villar
Meaning “from the village” or “of the settlement.” It was used for families from small rural communities.
14. Dena
A Spanish surname possibly linked to a place name or describing a valley. It is sometimes associated with simple, modest origins.
15. Deniz
Originally Turkish meaning “sea,” but appears in Hispanic families through cultural blending. It symbolizes openness and depth.
16. Dimas
Derived from the name Dimas, associated with Saint Dismas, the “Good Thief.” It reflects themes of redemption and faith.
17. Domenech
A Catalan surname meaning “of the Lord’s day” or “Sunday.” It is linked to the given name Domènec.
18. Donis
A surname likely related to “Adonis,” meaning “lord” or “handsome.” It may reflect admiration or noble roots.
19. Dubon
A surname of Spanish and French influence. It may refer to families from areas associated with good harvests or fertile land.
20. Duenas
Meaning “mistresses” or “ladies of the house.” It was often used for families serving in or overseeing large estates.
21. Dávila
Another spelling of Davila, referring to families from the city of Ávila. Known for medieval ties and fortified ancestry.
22. De la Cruz
Meaning “of the cross.” A strong devotional surname signifying deep Christian faith.
23. Diez
A patronymic meaning “son of Diego.” It has long Spanish roots and is widespread in Hispanic communities.
24. Donoso
Meaning “graceful” or “pleasant.” It began as a nickname describing someone with a refined or kind nature.
25. Duran
Derived from “durar,” meaning “to endure.” It symbolizes resilience and long-lasting family strength.
26. Domingues
A Portuguese-influenced form of Domínguez, meaning “son of Domingo.” It reflects religious connection and family lineage.
27. Dorado
Meaning “golden.” It may describe someone with golden hair or symbolize prosperity and good fortune.
28. De los Santos
Meaning “of the saints.” It reflects strong spiritual devotion and religious heritage.
29. Durazo
A toponymic surname meaning “place of the peach trees.” It refers to families who lived near peach orchards or fertile land.
30. De Anda
Meaning “from Anda,” referring to a place of origin. It is tied to families from regions with historic Spanish settlements.
Why You Should Choose Last Names That Begin With D?
Choosing last names that begin with D can give your writing, characters, or baby-name lists a distinctive edge. Surnames starting with D often sound strong, memorable, and elegant, making them perfect for storytelling, branding, or personal identity. They offer a great balance between uniqueness and familiarity—names like Desai, D’Mello, Dawson, Daniels, or Dalvi feel timeless yet modern.
FAQs
1. Are there any famous individuals with last names starting with ‘D’?
Yes, several famous individuals have last names starting with ‘D’, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Charles Darwin, and Viola Davis.
2. What’s the most common D last name globally?
The most common D last name globally is likely “Davis,” particularly prevalent in English-speaking countries.
Surname starts with D often denote heritage and history, encompassing a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. As a surname’s power is often linked to a successful life, it is important to carry it wherever you go as an identity. If you’re hunting for surnames starting with ‘D’, this can be your perfect database guide to begin your search.
Also Read:
Rich Last Names or Surnames
Surnames or Last Names That Start With ‘C’
Surnames or Last Names That Start With S
Was This Article Helpful?
