Surname Doughty - Meaning and Origin
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Doughty: What does the surname Doughty mean?
The surname Doughty is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English pre-7th Century word "dohtig", meaning "valiant" or "hardy." It was typically used as a nickname to denote a brave, powerful, or persevering person, particularly a soldier who displayed great strength and courage in battle. Over time, it evolved into a surname, passed down from generation to generation. Surnames like Doughty originated in the British Isles and have since spread across the globe through migration and colonization. Variants of the Doughty surname can include Doughtie, Dowty, Dowtie, and others. It's worth mentioning that the pronunciation of Doughty is typically "dow-tee," not "dough-ty." Today, there are people named Doughty found primarily in countries like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Order DNA origin analysisDoughty: Where does the name Doughty come from?
The surname Doughty is believed to have originated from England in medieval times. It comes from an old English pre 7th century word "dohtig" or "dyhtig," which means "valuable" or "strong." It was typically given to an individual known for their strength, bravery, or reliability, making it an example of a characteristic surname.
For several centuries, the Doughty family was of significant prominence in Suffolk County, England. Some members of the family also moved to Ireland during the 17th century. Over time, the name spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia through migration.
In the modern era, Doughty is most common in the United States, particularly in the northeastern region according to census data. Yet, it can be found in appreciable numbers in other English-speaking countries as well. Despite its origins and presence, however, it remains a relatively uncommon surname.
Variations of the surname Doughty
The surname Doughty is of Old English origin and denotes someone who is high-spirited or valiant. The original Old English word is "dohtig" or "dyhtig," which means valuable or sturdy.
Variants of the name Doughty include Doughtie, Doughtey, Doughti, Dowty, Dowtie, and Douty. The presence of these alternative spellings results from the lack of standardized spelling rules in medieval times when names started to become hereditary.
Similar or related English surnames include Daughty, Dougherty, and Dorty.
Another variant of the surname comes from the French equivalent, "D'Aughty," which was brought to England by Norman invaders.
In some cases, the surname Doughty, especially in Ireland, could originate as an anglicized form of the Gaelic O’Dubhda, meaning descendant of Dubhda. Under this anglicised form, it is also recognized as O’Dowda and Dowd.
Although Doughty is an English surname, with its variants, it is found in several countries across the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. However, the original and thus most common spelling is "Doughty".
Famous people with the name Doughty
- Mike Doughty: An American singer-songwriter and author, known as the founder of the band Soul Coughing
- Drew Doughty: A Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing for and serving as an alternate captain of the Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League (NHL).
- Charles Doughty: An English poet, writer, and traveler chiefly known for his epic poem "Travels in Arabia Deserta"
- David Alton Doughty Jr.: An American former professional baseball player, who played as a pitcher in the Major League Baseball (MLB).
- Alfred Doughty: A notable British historian, specializing in the life and times of King Arthur.
- John Holland Doughty: A United States Army Major General, who served during World War II.
- Mark Doughty: A successful American business leader, philanthropist, and author.
- William Doughty: An American shipbuilder who built the first clipper ship.
- Steve Doughty: A renowned sports journalist for the Daily Mail in the U.K.
- Reverend Robert Doughty: A British clergyman who was famously involved in a notorious 18th-century legal case.
- Ken Doughty: A retired Australian rules footballer. Please note that the "fame" of these individuals could be relative depending on regional and cultural contexts.