Docherty

Docherty is a Scottish and Irish surname of Gaelic origin. The surname is derived from the Irish Ó Dochartaigh, meaning "descendant of Dochartach." The personal name Dochartach comes from the Gaelic words "dort," meaning "harm" or "destruction," and "ach," meaning "battle."

Origins and Distribution

The Docherty surname is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland, particularly in counties Donegal and Londonderry in Ireland, and in Glasgow and Lanarkshire in Scotland. The name has spread to other English-speaking countries due to migration patterns, particularly to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable People

1. Jimmy Docherty

  • A Scottish footballer who played as a striker for several clubs in the 1970s and 1980s.

2. Catriona Docherty

  • An Irish author known for her works on Celtic mythology and folklore.

Cultural Significance

The Docherty surname has historical significance in Scotland and Ireland, where individuals bearing the name have been involved in various aspects of society, including sports, literature, and politics. The name is a testament to the rich Gaelic heritage of the region and its enduring influence on the culture and traditions of the British Isles.

There are approximately 14,497 people named Docherty in the UK. That makes it the 612th most common surname in Britain. Around 223 in a million people in Britain are named Docherty.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Angela
  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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