Surname Dooke - Meaning and Origin

Dooke: What does the surname Dooke mean?

The last name Dooke is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, having been derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century word ‘doeoc’ which refers to a steep and high hill or cliff. The name is also thought to have originated from the Old English personal name ‘Douce’ - given to someone who was considered to be sweet or gentle, though some are also derived from a nickname of a stupid or dense person.

In the Middle Ages the Dooke name could be found all throughout England, with the name first appearing in the 16th century when John Dooke was recorded in London. There were numerous variations of the spelling of Dooke which depended on if the name refer to the terrain or to the personality all the way through the 19th century.

Throughout the centuries, the Dooke name has been associated with the West Midlands in the United Kingdom. Today, there are still many Dooke families living in Birmingham, Warwickshire and Shropshire, although far fewer than back in the 16th century.

In typical Anglo-Saxon fashion, the name Dooke has persisted despite numerous shifts of immigration, outlasted invading forces, and has endured the test of time.

Dooke: Where does the name Dooke come from?

The last name Dooke is most commonly found today in the United States, India, and the United Kingdom.

The earliest recorded use of this name dates back to Europe in the 14th century. In the United States, the surname can be found primarily in Colorado, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, with a few other scattered occurrences throughout the country.

In India, it is most common in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, with a few other slight records throughout India. Similarly in the UK, it is most commonly seen in the counties of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, but few other occurrences can be found throughout the rest of the country.

The surname is of Norman origin and is believed to be derived from the Old French word “docq”, meaning “small valley”. Variations of the surname include Durke, Deuke and Douke.

Today the Dooke name is mostly associated with families of Irish and English descent, and those of German-Jewish origin. It is not a particularly common surname, but there are a few notable people with the name, most notably well-known British writers, Melvyn Dooke and Jack Dooke.

Variations of the surname Dooke

The surname Dooke is of English origin and has several variant spellings, surnames, and derivations. Variations of Dooke include Dook, Dukes, and Duke.

The earliest mention of the Dooke surname was in A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames published by Charles Wareing Endell Bardsley in 1901. Dooke was referenced as a rural locality variant of Duke, which is derived from the Latin term “Dux” meaning leader.

Dooke also has a variety of spellings, including Dookey, Duka, Dak, Dawc, and Doke. Many variants of the surname have been found in records dating back to the 14th century.

The Dooke surname is most commonly found in the Midlands and South West of England, particularly in Devon and the southwest of Oxfordshire. It also appears in records from Durham, Kent, Surrey, and York.

In addition, Dooke may have been derived from the Anglo-Saxon personal name Duda and the Old Norse Dufi. Variations of Dooke also have been linked to other surnames, including Dubois, Debose, and Dowson.

No matter how it is spelled, Dooke is an ancient surname with a proud and colourful history. It can be found among records throughout many countries and has a variety of other surnames that are derived from it.

Famous people with the name Dooke

• Jeff Dooker: American actor, producer, and director.
• Wishard Dooke: Jamaican singer, songwriter, and producer.
• Kasey Dooke: Professional singer, dancer, and choreographer.
• Alexander Dooke: British-American entrepreneur and advocate for youth development.
• Denise Dooke: British-Jamaican television presenter.
• Szoke Dooke: Hungarian poet and novelist.
• Vince Dooke: American writer, film producer, and artist.
• Bernard Dooke: British art historian and conservator.
• Laurence Dooke: British game developer and publisher.
• Roland Dooke: Irish-American actor and director.
• Mayhez Dooke: New Zealand businesswoman and philanthropist.
• Anthony Dooke: Australian composer and violinist.
• Lee Dooke: South Korean fashion designer.
• Sabrina Dooke: American actress, writer, and producer.
• Dominique Dooke: American Paralympic swimmer.

Other surnames

DookDookesDooks