Surname Dods - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Dods: What does the surname Dods mean?
The surname Dods is of Scottish origin, derived from "Dod," a pet form of the personal names Roger and Rodger, which means "fame" and "spear" from Germanic elements hrod (fame) and ger (spear). The name might have been originally used to denote the son of Roger (“Dod’s son”) or given to a person who exhibited characteristics associated with the meaning of the personal name, such as a warrior or someone renowned. Over time, the name evolved to Dods with the addition of an 's' which indicated son of or descendant of Dod. As with many surnames, geographical or locational factors may also have influenced the name. "Dod" or "Dodd" can also refer to a rounded hill or a bare summit in English topography. It may have been used to refer to someone who lived near such features. The variants of the surname include Dodson, Dodgson, Dodd, and many others.
Order DNA origin analysisDods: Where does the name Dods come from?
The surname Dods is of Scottish origin, and it primarily derives from "Dod," a diminutive, or shortened form, of the personal name "Roger." The name was popular in England and was introduced to Scotland by the Anglo-Saxons. In the early medieval period, the name transitioned from a personal name to a surname. Dods is particularly associated with the Scottish Borders region.
Today, the last name Dods is found globally due to migration and diaspora, but it still remains most common in Scotland, particularly within the borders region, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. In addition, a significant number of people with the surname Dods live in England, particularly in the northern regions. Beyond the UK, the name is also found in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States; largely a result of Scottish emigration over the centuries.
Variations of the surname Dods
The surname "Dods" is of Scottish origin and there are several variants and spellings associated with it. Some of these variants include Dodds, Dodd, Doig, Doggett, Dodgshon, Dodgson, Dodgeon, and Dodgin. The "s" at the end of "Dods" is considered a sort of patronymic suffix, meaning "son of," which is a common feature in surnames of British origin.
The surnames "Dodson" and "Dotson" can also be considered variations, as the -son suffix also indicates "son of," similarly to the "s" in "Dods". Additionally, Dodd is a surname of Welsh origin which might be connected to "Dods" as well.
The surname could derive from "Roger" (which becomes "Hodge" and then "Dodge") or from the old English personal name "Dodda" or "Dudda". There might be a geographical link as well, as there are places in England called Doddington, Doddiscombsleigh and Doddinghurst. These are mostly located in Kent, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.
Keep in mind that surname origins can be complex and multi-faceted, and this is not a comprehensive list of all possible variants and origins of the surname "Dods".
Famous people with the name Dods
- Ken Dods: A British Labour Party politician who was a Member of Parliament (MP) in the UK.
- Kim Dods: An Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s.
- Marion Dods: A Scottish tennis player who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Alison Dods: An English violinist who is known for her association with several top orchestras and ensembles.
- Barry Dods: A retired Canadian professional ice hockey player.
- Christopher Dods: A renowned New Zealand diplomat and public servant.
- George Dods: A Scottish theologian and biblical scholar.
- Helen Dods: An English actress known for her work in British television and film during the 1950s.
- Janice Dods: A British presenter and journalist noted for her work with the BBC.
- Leslie Dods: An Australian politician, member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.
- Pat Dods: A Canadian baseball player who played in the Canadian-American League and the Provincial League.
- Sandy Dods: A professional footballer who played as a full-back in the Scottish League during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Thomas Dods: An Australian rules footballer who played for Melbourne in the Victorian Football League.