Surname Doss - Meaning and Origin
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A. Doss
read moreDoss: What does the surname Doss mean?
The surname Doss is believed to have originated in Europe and has multiple meanings in various languages. In English, it means "to lie down or sleep in a specified place". It may also be derived from the personal name 'Daw', a middle English nickname for David. In Scottish and Irish, it has Gaelic origins and signifies a 'dark or black-haired person'. The name might also have a Jewish origin, where 'Dos' or 'Doss' means 'religious or pious'. In Hungarian, 'Doss' or 'Dosz' stands for the quantity 'ten'. However, like many surnames, the exact origin and meaning of Doss can't be definitively stated as it could have evolved over time and across regions. Today, it's popular in the United States, primarily within the African-American community, prominent bearer being Desmond Doss, a World War II hero. As with most surnames, the name Doss may not necessarily carry the characteristics or traits as per the original meaning today.
Order DNA origin analysisDoss: Where does the name Doss come from?
The surname Doss is of English origin, derived from the Old French "dos", meaning "ridge". It was likely used as a topographical surname for someone who lived near a notable ridge. Some sources also suggest an origin from the Anglo-Norman term "dose", implying a measure of land. Doss may also have derived from D'Oss, signifying someone from a location named Oss.
The surname is common within English-speaking countries. More specifically, in the USA, it is most prevalent in the states of Texas, Alabama, and California. There are also concentrations in Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina. Outside of the USA, you can find the Doss surname in Australia, England, and Canada. The name may have spread to these locations through historical migration patterns. It's essential to note, the Doss surname is not only limited to these areas and may be found in other regions globally.
Variations of the surname Doss
The surname Doss is of English and German origin. It is derived from the old German personal name "Doso" which is a short form of names with the first element "dod" (people).
In English it is considered a patronymic surname, derived from a form of the personal name Theodoric. Theodoric is composed of two elements: "theudo", meaning "people" or "race", and "ric", meaning "power"; thus, "ruler of the people".
Variations and similar surnames to Doss include Dose, Doose, Dosse, Dous, Douse, Dossel, Dossler, Dosser and Dossett. Sometimes the surname may also appear with a prefix such as "Van Doss".
Due to phonetic transcriptions and pronunciations, different spellings exist, especially among families who moved to different countries and regions. For instance, in the United States, it is not uncommon to find the surname spelled as Dose or Dossey, originated from various German and Irish immigrants.
It's also important to note that some of these variations could have separate and distinct origins across different cultures or languages and may not always trace back to the same original surname. Therefore, it's recommended to use genealogical and historical resources for accurate tracing of family lineage.
Famous people with the name Doss
- Desmond Doss: He was a United States Army corporal who served as a combat medic in World War II. He was a conscientious objector and refused to carry a weapon, but saved 75 men at the Battle of Okinawa, making him the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor.
- Sheila Doss: She is a Canadian cross-country skier who competed in the Winter Olympics in 1984.
- Jerry Doss: An American pastor and advocate for removing religious messages from public spaces.
- Bob Doss: A former professional American football player in the National Football League (NFL).
- Nannie Doss, known as the "Giggling Granny" or the "Jolly Black Widow": She was a famous American serial killer responsible for the deaths of 11 people from the 1920s to 1954.
- Sylvia Doss: A notable investment manager and philanthropist.
- Harold Doss: The brother of Desmond Doss who also served in World War II.
- Robert Doss: A retired professional tennis player from the United States.
- Frances Doss: An American author who wrote 'The Unlikeliest Hero', a biography about her husband, Desmond Doss.
- Brad Doss: A professional American race car driver.