Surname D'Este - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
D'Este: What does the surname D'Este mean?
The last name D'Este is thought to have originated from the Italian Este dynasty, a powerful established nobility in northern Italy from the 11th – 17th centuries. It is thought the name derives from a well-known region near Padua and Venice, where the family enjoyed considerable power and prosperity.
The D'Este family were known to be prolific patrons of the arts, establishing an impressive artistic legacy in the region. They had an unwavering commitment to patronage which saw the emergence of significant artistic and architectural projects, leading to the popularisation of the Renaissance style in the region.
The most renowned member of the family was Ercole D'Este. His vision, adhering to the principles of the Renaissance, was to create an atmosphere of grandeur to figure his name into Italian history. This is evidenced by his architecture and patronage of celebrated painters, including Titian and Veronese. As a result, the town of Ferrara earned a prominent place in Italian art.
The legacy of the D'Este dynasty continues to this day. Further evidence of their legacy can be found around the world, from historical sites and buildings to works of art, inspired by the family's achievements.
The use of the name D'Este has been adopted by some with distant relations to the family, as a mark of respect and remembrance for what has been achieved by the influential family throughout history. The legacy of these influential nobles lives on in the works which they inspired and its people, with the last name D'Este still surviving through the generations.
Order DNA origin analysisD'Este: Where does the name D'Este come from?
The surname D'Este has historically been associated with Italy, although it had been spread throughout many countries across Europe. The surname originated in the 11th century with the House of Este, who were of Lombard descent and were rulers of Ferrara and Modena. Today, the surname D'Este is commonly found in Italy, Portugal, Spain, and France.
In Italy, it is a very common last name, especially in northern regions in the country. In the city of Ferrara, in the Emilia Romagna region, the surname D'Este is the second-most common surname, according to Emilia Romagna’s census.
Portugal is also home to a number of families with the surname D'Este, although the number is significantly lower than in Italy. It is said that in Portugal, the D'Este family is one of the oldest noble families in the country. In Spain, the surname D'Este can also be found, mainly in the nation's southern regions.
In France, the surname D'Este is mainly found in the southwestern region of the country. It is believed that members of the House of Este, who were from Italy, fled there in the 16th century.
Regardless of where the surname D'Este is today, it is an ancient name, and the legacy of the House of Este still lives on today.
Variations of the surname D'Este
The surname D'Este has various variants, spellings and surnames with the same origin. These can include Estes, Ste, Estey, Esteh, and Ester.
The Estes variant of the surname is primarily found in Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese origins. It may be derived from the Italian “di Este”, meaning “from Este”, the town founded by the Lombards in the 8th century. The Estes surname is sometimes also encountered in English-speaking countries and can also be seen in other countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark.
The Ste variant of the surname is a short form of di Este. This was used by French and English speakers to differentiate themselves from others with the same surname, as well as to add a touch of individuality to their name. The Ste surname is commonly seen in France, England and Ireland.
The Estey suffix is used as a version of the Ste surname, particularly in England. This spelling is most likely the result of an incorrect transcription of the name, as the “y” and “e” sounds are very similar in certain dialects.
The Ester, Esteh and Esteh variants of the surname are more common amongst those of German and Dutch descent, as the “h” sound at the end is more commonly seen in those languages. This spelling is also encountered in other parts of Europe, including Hungary and Croatia.
Overall, the different variations of the D'Este surname are used as a way to differentiate the individuals who carry it, and each variation has its own unique origin and context.
Famous people with the name D'Este
- Alfonso D'Este (1548: 1644), Duke of Ferrara, Italy
- Alfonso II D'Este (1533: 1597), Duke of Ferrara, Italy
- Alexander D'Este (1910: 1992), British Army Brigadier
- Anne D'Este (1531:1589), Duchess of Guise
- Beatrice D'Este (1475:1497), Duchess of Milan
- Cesare D'Este, Duke of Modena, Italian nobleman
- Ercole D'Este (1431:1505), Duke of Ferrara, Italy
- Isabella D'Este (1474:1539), Marchioness of Mantua
- Lucrezia D'Este (1460: 1521), Lady of Ferrara, Italy
- Luigi D'Este (1880: 1959), Italian fencer
- Margherita D'Este (1822: 1855), Duchess of Parma and Piacenza
- Margherita D'Este (1512: 1566), Duchess of Mantua
- Maria Weeden D'Este (1820: 1900), Argentine socialite
- Mary Este-D'Este (1861: 1936), British writer
- Modestine D'Este (1845: 1912), Spanish courtesan
- Napoleone D'Este (1782: 1851), Italian Military Officer
- Paramahansa Yogananda D'Este (1951: 1986), Brazilian architect
- Pope Paul III D'Este (1468: 1549), Italian pope
- Robert D'Este (1936: 2011), American journalist and television producer
- Thomas D'Este (1920: 2002), British Army Major General