Dolley

Dolley is a British surname that has its roots in medieval England. The surname is of Old English origin and is derived from the personal name "Doll", a diminutive of Dorothy. The addition of the "-ey" suffix indicates "belonging to or associated with", suggesting the name originally denoted someone connected to a person named Doll or Dorothy.

The surname Dolley is quite rare, with only a small number of individuals bearing this name in modern times. Those who do carry the Dolley surname may have ancestral ties to specific regions in England where the name was more prevalent historically.

As with many surnames, variations in spelling can be found, such as Dolly, Doley, or Doolley, reflecting the way the name has evolved over time.

Historically, those with the surname Dolley may have been part of local communities and engaged in occupations such as farming, trade, or craftsmanship. Over the centuries, migration patterns and social changes have influenced the distribution and prevalence of the Dolley name in different areas of the UK.

Today, individuals bearing the surname Dolley can be found across the UK and beyond, with some branches of the family possibly having emigrated to other countries. The name Dolley contributes to the rich tapestry of British surnames and reflects the diverse origins and histories of the people who make up the nation.

There are approximately 340 people named Dolley in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Dolley.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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

  • Brian
  • Christopher
  • Daniel
  • James
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Claire
  • Dorothy
  • Emily
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Janice
  • Laura
  • Linda
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Shelagh

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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