Surname Dillard - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering the Dillard Lineage: A Scientific Exploration Through iGENEA DNA Test
In an insightful exploration of my lineage through the iGENEA DNA test, the scientific findings were striking. The Dillard surname traces its roots back to Western Europe, particularly Ireland and France, with our ancestors migrating thousands of years ago. This revealed test exposes a fascinating tapestry of genetic traits, ancient migrations, and regions in Western Europe.
B. Dillard
read moreDillard: What does the surname Dillard mean?
The last name Dillard is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "d'aller," meaning "from the valley," or "of the valley." The name is likely to have been given to a person or family coming from a valley or living in the countryside. It is a habitational surname, a category of surnames that were derived from place-names or locations. This includes names derived from geographical features such as hills, streams, churches, or types of trees. It is less common as compared to other surnames and holds a rich history associated with French culture and heritage. Many people with the Dillard surname can trace their ancestors back to northern France. Over time, the name has been modified and anglicized in different regions and countries, resulting in variants such as Dilliard, Dilliart, Dillart, and Dilliar.
Order DNA origin analysisDillard: Where does the name Dillard come from?
The surname Dillard is of French origin. It was first found in Dauphine, a historical province in southeast France where the family had been settled since ancient times. Its etymology is derived from the French personal name "Aillard," which was accompanied by the diminutive suffix "-ard." Many variations of the name Dillard emerged during the Medieval period due to different phonetic interpretations and translations.
The name migrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066, with some members of the family later reaching Ireland by the 12th century. With waves of migration, the surname Dillard eventually reached the shores of America, where a significant number of French Huguenots fled religious persecution in the late 17th and 18th centuries.
Today, Dillard is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern regions. According to various census data, the highest concentrations of the Dillard surname are in the states of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Some families with this surname may also be traced back to the United Kingdom, France, and Canada due to historical migration and settlement patterns.
Variations of the surname Dillard
The surname Dillard is of French origin, believed to have roots in the name D'illard, which comes from an area named Illard in France. Therefore, it's variants often adhere to French language rules and naming conventions.
These variations include: Dillarde, Dillart, Dilliard, Dillardes, Dillardt, Dullard, and Dillerd. The spelling could change due to regional accents, phonetic spelling, or a desire to be distinct within the family lineage.
A misspelling of Dillard also might include Dilard or Deillard. These names might also be used for Anglicization of the original French surname.
Surname related to Dillard includes similar sounding French surnames like Billard, Millard, or Villard which have similar origin but not necessarily related.
While the accuracy of these alternative surnames and spellings to Dillard heavily relies on individual family history and specific lineages, these options reflect the possible variance within the name Dillard.
It's important to note that examination of family records, genealogy research, and DNA testing are the most reliable ways to trace and confirm family lineage and name variations.
Famous people with the name Dillard
- Annie Dillard: An American author known for her works in both fiction and non-fiction. She's honored with the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-fiction for her work "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek."
- James "Jim Bob" Dillard: A former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives and reality television personality best known for his feature in "19 Kids and Counting" and spin-offs.
- Michelle Dillard: Known as Michelle Duggar, she's a reality television personality and mother of "19 Kids and Counting."
- Jana Dillard: Also from the reality TV show "19 Kids and Counting," she's the first-born daughter of the Duggar family.
- Jill Dillard: Also popular from the reality TV show "19 Kids and Counting," she's the fourth daughter of the Duggar family.
- Jessa Dillard: Known also as Jessa Duggar Seewald, she features in the reality TV show "19 Kids and Counting."
- Derick Dillard: Known for appearing on "19 Kids and Counting" and being married to Jill Dillard.
- Lauren Dillard: One half of the electronica musical duo Chaos Chaos.
- Phyllis Dillard: Known as Phyllis Diller, she was an American actress and stand-up comedienne.
- Vincent Dillard: Known as Vinnie Dillard, he was an American rhythm and blues musician.