Surname Dorsett - Meaning and Origin

Dorsett: What does the surname Dorsett mean?

The last name Dorsett is of Old English origins and is an occupational name for a highwayman or a shepherd. The term 'Dor' or 'Dors' is derived from the Old English word 'dor' meaning a 'thicket or copse of trees', and the word 'sett', meaning 'smallholding'. This occupational name suggested that the original bearer of the name was a shepherd or cattle herder who lived near a thicket or copse of trees.

The name Dorsett can also be derived from the Old English term ‘Dorsecott’ meaning a dwelling at the edge of a wood. This was a relatively common place for shepherds and farmers to reside due to the close proximity to woodland for shelter and additional food sources for livestock.

The origin of the name Dorsett most likely originates from an area near the Welsh border, where Dorsett is more commonly found. The name is associated with one of the most strategic points in English battles due to its position at the edge of the Cotswolds and the proximity of towns like Malmesbury and Tewkesbury.

The Dorsett name is quite rare, suggesting that it may have been derived from a family with a long line of shepherds. It has been around for many centuries and is an important part of English heritage.

Dorsett: Where does the name Dorsett come from?

The last name Dorsett is most commonly seen in the southeastern United States today. The states with the highest prevalence are Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina.

The name Dorsett first appears in colonial Virginia records in the early 1700s. The earliest ancestor was probably John Dorsett, who settled in Henrico County, Virginia in 1702. Since then, the family has spread across the southeast United States.

In the 1800s, many members of the Dorsett family moved to Georgia, Alabama, and other nearby states. Today, there are numerous Dorsetts living in these areas, as well as in Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

The Dorsetts have had a long and distinguished history in the United States. Many members of the family have served in the military, and some have gone on to become successful business owners, politicians, and public servants. There is a great sense of pride within the family and many Dorsetts still hold onto their traditional values and beliefs.

Although the last name Dorsett is most commonly found in the southeast United States, you can find individuals with this surname throughout the United States and in other countries. Many people with the last name Dorsett have gone on to lead successful and fulfilling lives, making significant contributions to their communities and countries.

Variations of the surname Dorsett

The Dorsett surname has numerous variants and spellings throughout history. Depending on the location and time period, people with the same surname could be found under various names and spellings. As immigration records have improved in accuracy over time, these spelling variations have become more well known.

The most common variants and spellings of the surname Dorsett include: Dorset, Darcey, Denby, Durant, Derby, Dorsey, D'Arcy, D'Urso, Darcy, Dorcy, and D'Orsey. Over time, the spelling of the last name also changed with some spellings merging together to become Dorsett.

Despite these many spelling variations, the origin of the Dorsett surname is believed to be of Norman French origin through the origin of the place-names of the region of Normandy. The surname is typically found in England and countries of British origin, such as the United States and Canada.

The surname of Dorsett has had many different spellings over the centuries. From regional dialects to changing cultural trends, the pronunciation and spelling of the last name have no doubt changed a great deal. This makes it difficult to trace family history, but with the help of historical documents such as census records, immigration records, and birth records, one can find their ancestors and the various spelling variants associated with that surname.

Famous people with the name Dorsett

• Tony Dorsett: Hall of Fame running back and retired American football player
• Mark Dorsett: Contemporary British artist
• Alice Dorsett Sheehan: American geographer
• Kameron Dorsett: English physician and unicyclist
• Chris Dorsett: British-American actor
• Brad Dorsett: Canadian former professional hockey player
• K.D. Dorsett: American amateur tennis player
• Barry Dorsett: EMS-collective fire fighter with firefighting experience
• Jean Dorsett: Canadian Order of Canada recipient
• Dean Dorsett: Former NHL and CHL hockey player

Other surnames

DorseDorsey