<P> The first is that the surname Duke and its variant , Dukes , are both derived from the various Middle English words duc , duk , and douc , which all came from the Old French word `` duc . '' This ultimately stemmed from the Latin dux , meaning `` leader , '' and is a derivative of ducere , `` to lead . '' The surname was evidently acquired by someone who was looked upon as a leader , not denoting one of noble birth since many captains or military leaders were titled landholders who would have taken their last names from their estates . The surname Dukes translates literally as `` Duke 's son . '' </P>
<P> The first is that the surname Duke and its variant , Dukes , are both derived from the various Middle English words duc , duk , and douc , which all came from the Old French word `` duc . '' This ultimately stemmed from the Latin dux , meaning `` leader , '' and is a derivative of ducere , `` to lead . '' The surname was evidently acquired by someone who was looked upon as a leader , not denoting one of noble birth since many captains or military leaders were titled landholders who would have taken their last names from their estates . The surname Dukes translates literally as `` Duke 's son . '' </P>
where does the last name dukes come from
where does the last name dukes come from
Latin
Latin