Dodds

The surname Dodds is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English personal name "Dudd", a short form of various compound names with the first element "dod" which means "dear" or "beloved". The name was originally used as a nickname for a person who was considered dear or beloved. The addition of the "-s" suffix indicates "son of Dod".

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Dodds is most commonly found in Northern England and Scotland, particularly in the counties of Northumberland and Roxburghshire. It is a relatively common surname with a notable presence in the United Kingdom.

Notable Individuals

Notable individuals with the surname Dodds include:

  1. John Dodds (1755-1839): A British clergyman and biblical scholar known for his works on theology and religious philosophy.

  2. Charles Dodds (1899-1973): A British biochemist who discovered diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen widely used in hormone therapy.

  3. Helen Dodds (b. 1985): A British artist renowned for her contemporary abstract paintings.

Coat of Arms

The Dodds family coat of arms features a shield with a red lion rampant on a silver background, symbolising courage and strength. The crest includes a gold lion holding a sword, denoting valour and protection.

Variants

Variants of the surname Dodds include Dodd, Dods, and Dodson, each representing different phonetic spellings and regional variations.

In conclusion, the surname Dodds holds a rich history and has been borne by individuals of diverse backgrounds who have made significant contributions in various fields, reflecting the enduring legacy of the name.

There are approximately 12,078 people named Dodds in the UK. That makes it the 750th most common surname in Britain. Around 185 in a million people in Britain are named Dodds.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Caroline
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Joanne
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.