Dover

Dover is an English surname that has its origins in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The surname is a locational one, derived from the Old English word "dofor", meaning a water channel or river. This suggests that the surname was given to individuals who lived near or worked by a river or waterway.

The first recorded instance of the Dover surname dates back to the early 13th century in the county of Kent, where the port town of Dover, known for its white cliffs and historic castle, is located. Over time, individuals bearing the Dover surname migrated to various regions of England, contributing to its spread across the country.

Throughout history, individuals with the surname Dover have been involved in a range of professions and pursuits, including agriculture, trade, and seafaring. The surname has also been associated with notable figures in British history, further cementing its presence in the country's heritage.

Today, the Dover surname continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and beyond, serving as a reminder of England's rich linguistic and cultural tapestry.

There are approximately 2,262 people named Dover in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,799th most common surname in Britain. Around 35 in a million people in Britain are named Dover.

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

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

Female

  • Ann
  • Caroline
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Kathleen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Tracey

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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