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Despain Family History

Despain Name Meaning

Altered form of French Despaigne: from Old French d'Espaigne ‘from Spain’ used as an ethnic name for a Spaniard or as a nickname for someone who had some connections with Spain. This surname was brought to North America in the 18th century from England by descendant(s) of French immigrant(s). Today it is virtually non-existing in Britain and the surname Despaigne is very rare in France (it is found mainly in Loire-Atlantique).

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022

Similar surnames: Spain, Defrain, Dean, Tessin, Desir, Templin, Depaul, Derman, Delair

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Where is the Despain family from?

You can see how Despain families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Despain family name was found in the USA, the UK, and Canada between 1840 and 1920. The most Despain families were found in USA in 1880. In 1911 there were 12 Despain families living in Quebec. This was about 75% of all the recorded Despain's in Canada. Quebec had the highest population of Despain families in 1911.

Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Despain surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

View Census Data for Despain

What did your Despain ancestors do for a living?

View Census Data for Despain | Data not to scale

United States shown, Canada data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

Farmer
29%
Laborer
23%
Truck Driver
6%
Salesman
4%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

Teacher
17%
Housewife
17%
Clerk
10%
Waitress
10%

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What Despain family records will you find?

Census Records
There are 7,000 census records available for the last name Despain. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Despain census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.
Search Canadian census records for Despain
Passenger Lists
There are 256 immigration records available for the last name Despain. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in Canada, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.
View all Despain immigration records
Draft Cards
There are 1,000 military records available for the last name Despain. For the veterans among your Despain ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.
View all Despain military records

Census Records

There are 7,000 census records available for the last name Despain. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Despain census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search Canadian census records for Despain

Passenger Lists

There are 256 immigration records available for the last name Despain. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in Canada, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Despain immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 1,000 military records available for the last name Despain. For the veterans among your Despain ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Despain military records

You've only scratched the surface of Despain family history

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What is the average Despain lifespan?

Between 1950 and 2004, in the United States, Despain life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1952, and highest in 2000. The average life expectancy for Despain in 1950 was 48, and 72 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Despain

Browse profiles of historical people with the Despain last name