Ducharme

Ducharme is a French surname. It is a toponymic surname, likely originating from a place name featuring the element "charme," referring to hornbeam trees. The "Du" prefix indicates "of" or "from," thus "Ducharme" signifies "from the hornbeam trees" or "from the place of hornbeam trees."

Origin and Distribution:

The surname Ducharme is primarily found in France and Canada, particularly in Quebec, reflecting historical French settlement patterns. Its presence elsewhere is largely due to migration from these regions.

Notable People:

The surname Ducharme has been borne by several notable individuals, including:

• Réjean Ducharme (1941-2017): A celebrated French-Canadian novelist, playwright, and screenwriter.
• Jacques Ducharme (born 1943): A Canadian politician.

Variations and Related Names:

Variations and related surnames may include:

• Charme
• Deschamps (meaning "of the fields," a related toponymic surname)
• Delorme (meaning "of the elm tree," another similar toponymic surname)

Etymology:

The etymology of "charme" traces back to the Latin word "carpinus," which also refers to the hornbeam tree. The hornbeam is a hardwood tree commonly found in European forests.

Usage:

The name is used as a surname and is relatively uncommon as a given name. Genealogical research may be necessary to trace specific family lineages bearing this surname.