Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.
DEXTER
As described in historical dictionaries
An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)
A contraction of De Exeter, from the city of Exeter, in Devonshire, England; anciently written Excester, from Exe, the name of the river on which it is situated, and cester, a camp or town, for the derivation of which see Chester.
Patronymica Britannica (1860)
DEXTER. Possibly from Lat. dexter, in the sense of lucky, fortunate — the iiiii\\Qi\s oi fbmter ; but more likely a contraction of De Exeter, from the chief town of Devonshire.
Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English