Surname Defries - Meaning and Origin
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Defries: What does the surname Defries mean?
The surname Defries is of German and Dutch origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle Dutch words 'de fries' meaning 'the Friesian'. This refers to a native inhabitant of the area in the Netherlands called Friesland, an area of the country situated in the northernmost part of the Netherlands. The area was known for its farming communities and weaving industries, and those locals who lived there held the title of 'Friesian'.
As a family name, Defries is thought to have originally been borne by someone from this area, likely to have been a farmer or weaver in the Friesian region. Over time the name has spread throughout Europe and, though still largely found in the Netherlands, it can also be found in Germany and other nations.
The surname Defries is considered to be quite rare, but those who still bear it today can trace their ancestral roots back to the region of Friesland in the Netherlands and can be proud of the heritage it represents.
Order DNA origin analysisDefries: Where does the name Defries come from?
The last name Defries is a Germanic surname, which first appeared in records in the early 13th century. The name is most commonly found in the northern and eastern parts of Germany, primarily in the region of Brandenburg. The name is also present in other areas of Europe, such as Northern France, The Netherlands, and Belgium, with Defries being one of the more common surnames in these countries.
More recently, Defries has expanded to North America, predominantly Canada and the United States, although the name is not especially common in either country. Canada has a much larger Defries presence, likely due to the fact that French-speaking Canadians have retained the original French spelling of the name (Défries) while English-speaking countries have adapted it to its German spelling.
The United Kingdom also has a small number of Defries, a result of 19th and 20th-century waves of immigration from Germanic countries in Europe. Here, the name is primarily associated with the Greater London area, though pockets of Defries can be found in other parts of England and Scotland as well.
In Australia, the surname is less well-known, though there are some Defries living in Victoria and South Australia, again likely descendants of German immigrants.
Overall, the number of people bearing the last name Defries is relatively small, but the surname is still present in many parts of the world today.
Variations of the surname Defries
The surname Defries (also spelled DeFries or DeFriess) is of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Old Dutch word “vri” which means “free.” The surname is derived from someone who was a “freedman” or “freeborn.” The variants of this surname include Defriess, DeFreeze, DeFrise, and Defriss.
Defries is sometimes anglicized to the more English form of Free or Freedman. Other anglicized versions of the name include Freer, Freerksen, Fresen, and Friske.
Closely related surnames include Vries, Vrij, Vree, Freer, and Frees, all of which are derived from the same Dutch word. There are also a few variations of the surname with German origins, like Friese.
The Defries surname is fairly common, and can be found in records from the Netherlands, Germany, and other parts of Europe. In the United States, it is quite prevalent in the Midwestern states, especially Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.
Overall, the surnames Defries and its variants can be traced back to the Dutch word “vri” which meant “free” and indicated someone who was a “freeborn” or a “freedman.” The various anglicized spellings of this surname can help people find out more information about their ancestors’ origins in Europe.
Famous people with the name Defries
- John Defries: English professional footballer
- Robert Defries: Canadian aerospace engineer and venture capitalist
- Katherine Defries: Irish-English doctor, pioneer in cancer research
- Brendan Defries: Australian politician and writer
- John Defries, Jr.: American attorney and politician
- Guy DeFries: Belgian-American environmentalist and conservationist
- David Defries: English professional footballer
- Francis Defries: Irish politician
- Eggert Defries: Danish businessman and philanthropist
- Paul DeFries: American professor, author, and media consultant