Dorrian

Dorrian is a surname of Irish origin, commonly found in Northern Ireland and Scotland. The name is an anglicised version of the Gaelic name O'Doiráin, derived from the word "doirín," meaning "stranger" or "outlaw."

Origin and Distribution

The Dorrian surname is most prevalent in County Donegal in Ireland, particularly along the border with Northern Ireland. Over the centuries, some Dorrian families migrated to Scotland, where the name is also found in regions with historical connections to Ireland.

Notable Individuals

  • Sir Joseph Dorrian: A prominent 19th-century Irish barrister and judge.
  • Mairead Dorrian: Notable contemporary artist known for her work in traditional and modern mediums.

Variants

Variants of the surname include O'Doiráin, O'Doréin, and Doiren.

Heraldry

The Dorrian family crest typically features a shield with traditional Irish symbols such as a harp, representing music and culture, and a rampant lion, symbolising courage and strength.

Genealogy

Genealogical studies have traced various Dorrian family branches back to ancient Gaelic clans in Ireland, highlighting their ties to the rich history and culture of the region.

References

  • MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. Irish Academic Press, 1985.
  • O'Hart, John. Irish Pedigrees; or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation. Genealogical Publishing Co., 2017.

There are approximately 918 people named Dorrian in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,878th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Dorrian.

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
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Sam
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Ann
  • Anne
  • Brenda
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Margaret
  • Maria
  • Marie
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • 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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