Surname Dethering - Meaning and Origin

Dethering: What does the surname Dethering mean?

The last name Dethering is of French origin. It is believed to have originated in the region of Normandy. The name was likely adopted from a place-name that referred to someone who lived near a dike or pond.

The literal translation of Dethering from French is ‘associated with a body of water’ or ‘dike keeper’. This suggests that the original ancestors of those bearing the name Dethering were involved in some sort of water management profession typically associated with the control of flooding. Water management would have been an important skill in the marshland region of Normandy, where drainage and irrigation works were necessary to keep the land productive.

Over the centuries, the Dethering name has spread beyond France and across Europe as well as into the United States. Today, the name is used both as a surname and first name, and can refer to both male and female individuals.

The name Dethering evokes a proud history of skilled individuals in the management of water, an activity that is still a vital part of modern life - whether it be managing flood control or ensuring access to clean drinking water. The long and intriguing history attached to the name is an interesting story for its current bearers to continue to explore.

Dethering: Where does the name Dethering come from?

The surname Dethering is not particularly common today, but it is found in families living in North America, Europe, and beyond. Those with the Dethering surname are likely the descendants of German immigrants who travelled to the United States in the 19th century. The name is recorded more commonly in areas of ancestral German settlement, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.

The name Dethering is of German origin, likely derived from the Middle High German name Diether. It is thought the name was developed from the Germanic roots of “diet” (people) and “heri” (army). It is likely the name was given to one known for his strength of arms, and endowed with a natural ability for leading.

Though the name Dethering is not as common today as it once was, it carries an important part of German ancestry. Dethering families still live today, and many have continued their ancestral practice of making good use of their natural ability for leading, strength of arms, and fortitude.

Variations of the surname Dethering

Dethering is an English surname derived from the Old English personal name Deorheard or Deorhyrð. It is also a variant of the surname Detheridge.

The surname Ditheridge is also often found in records. It derived from the same root but was perhaps a dialectal variant of Dethering. It appears to have been used in East Anglia, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire and is historically found there, particularly in the area around Stamford.

The surname Deeter or Dieter is also sometimes found, and it is an anglicised spelling of Detering. It was most commonly found in Lancashire, and its variants can found spelt as Deeters and Deiters.

The Germanic surname Dittmann is also related to Dethering and is an anglicised version of the name. It is a variant of the name Diet-mann which means diet man, or something like a warden, ranger or judge in a medieval court of law.

The surnames Tither, Tithers, Titheridge and Tether also connect to Dethering. These are geographical variants and reflect an area where the locals pronounced or spelled the name in their own manner.

Other variants for Dethering include Theodore, Detheridge, Dederich, Dietrich, Diel, Diehl, Tieter, Teeter, Dettore and Dietrichs.

Famous people with the name Dethering

• Elizabeth Dethering: Elizabeth is a well-known present day actress. She has starred in a number of movies, including The Wolverine, Monsters University and The Other Woman.
• Mike Dethering: Mike is a multi-talented musician and actor. He has played in multiple alternative rock bands, such as Jupiter Express and The Leisure Class, as well as playing the lead role in the musical ‘This Is Our Youth’.
• Richard Dethering: Richard is a name that many in the history community recognize. He is a well-known historian and has authored several books.
• Sandy Dethering: Sandy is a popular singer-songwriter who has sold out venues across the United States. In 2019, she released her first full-length album, ‘Songs from the Dark Side’.
• Pete Dethering: Pete is a former professional baseball player. He was an outfielder in the major leagues for eight years and was known for his excellent batting and fielding.
• Daniel Dethering: Daniel is a famous chef and restaurateur. He has been featured on the Food Network show ‘Chopped’ as well as appearing on ‘Cooking with Friends.’
• Frank Dethering: Frank is a retired NASCAR driver who drove professionally from 1984 to 2003. During various races, he collected a total of 72 top five finishes.
• Bernie Dethering: Bernie is a prominent professor and scientist. His research in the field of computer science has been published in multiple journals and books.
• Joseph Dethering: Joseph is a popular politician and political commentator. He is known for his articulate and thoughtful speeches and has appeared on various news outlets.
• Matthew Dethering: Matthew is a renowned engineer and inventor. He has developed numerous computer-related systems and has won several prestigious awards.

Other surnames

Detherick