Dolphin

Origin and Meaning: Dolphin is an English surname, which is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "dophin," meaning a type of sea creature. The name Dolphin could have been a nickname or a reference to a person who was associated with the sea or had a marine-themed occupation.

Early Origins: The surname Dolphin is of early medieval origins, with records dating back to the 13th century in England. It is primarily found in the southern counties of England such as Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire.

Variants: Variants of the Dolphin surname include Dolfin, Delfin, and Daulphin.

Notable People:

  • Charles Dolphin (1809-1883): A British politician and Member of Parliament.
  • Graham Dolphin: A contemporary British artist known for his text-based artworks.
  • Stan Dolphin: A former professional footballer who played for various British clubs.

Modern Distribution and Popularity: The Dolphin surname is relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom and is ranked as the 8030th most common surname in the British Isles. It is more prevalent in areas with maritime connections or where fishing industries historically thrived.

Coat of Arms: The Dolphin Coat of Arms typically features marine symbols such as dolphins, waves, or ships, reflecting the maritime association of the name.

Legacy: The Dolphin surname has a longstanding history in England and continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the heritage of families associated with this distinctive name.

Overall, the Dolphin surname represents a link to the sea and may hold significance for those interested in maritime history or seeking to explore their ancestral roots in the British Isles.

There are approximately 1,948 people named Dolphin in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,299th most common surname in Britain. Around 30 in a million people in Britain are named Dolphin.

Surname type: Nickname

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alison
  • Angela
  • Carole
  • Emma
  • Jennifer
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Maria
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.