dukas

Dukas is a surname with several possible origins. In Greek usage it is related to the historic noble family name Doukas (Δούκας), from which transliterations such as Doukas, Ducas, and Dukas arise. The form may reflect Greek roots as well as later Francization or migration influences, and the name appears in various countries and historical contexts.

The best known bearer of the name is Paul Dukas (1865–1935), a French composer. Born in Paris to an aristocratic family, he studied at the Conservatoire de Paris and pursued a career in orchestral, operatic, and incidental music. His best-known work is The Sorcerer's Apprentice (L'Apprenti sorcier), a lively orchestral piece that remains a staple in popular culture. He also composed the opera Ariane et Barbe-Bleue and the ballet La Péri. Dukas's output was relatively small, but it had a lasting influence on French music in the early 20th century.

In historical and regional contexts, the name resembles the Greek Doukas, and variants such as Ducas are found in Byzantine and modern Greek usage. Today, Dukas remains a relatively uncommon surname.