Surname Doward - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Doward: What does the surname Doward mean?
The last name Doward has both English and Scottish origins. Originally, the name was derived from the Old English terms ‘dū’ and ‘scear’ meaning ‘ Dale’ and ‘wood’ respectively. Accordingly, the name could have been given to someone residing near or within a ‘wooded dale.’ It could also allude to someone who lived on sloping ground. The name is also found as Durward, Deward, Deaward, and Dewerdo.
The earliest known evidence of the name dates back to the 1200s, when William de Doward appeared in the Pipe Rolls of the city of Durham, England. Also recorded in the history books is the name of one Reginald Dowarde, who featured in the Subsidy Rolls of London in 1524.
In more modern times, the Doward family name has been used by many people. It is popular in England, Scotland, the United States, Australia, and other countries around the world. Whether derived from an Old English location or affixed to a new family with each generation, the surname Doward still stands as a testament to the history and origin of the first families to bear its name.
Order DNA origin analysisDoward: Where does the name Doward come from?
The last name Doward is a fairly uncommon last name today. It originated in England and can be traced back to 1286 in Yorkshire. It was mostly common in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, however, it can now be found in many English-speaking countries throughout the world. In the UK, Doward can still be found in small concentrations in Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Lancashire, and London.
Outside of the UK, many people with the last name Doward have emigrated to countries such as the USA, Australia, and Canada. In the US, it is most commonly found in the states of California, Texas, Florida, New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, smaller concentrations of the last name can be found in various other states.
Similarly, in Canada, larger concentrations are mainly found in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Emigration from the UK to these countries was more widespread during the 19th and early 20th centuries, resulting in increased numbers of the Doward last name in many English-speaking countries.
Though the last name is still uncommon, it can now be found in many countries around the world. Those with the last name may have descended from a common ancestor who lived in England and has since spread across the globe.
Variations of the surname Doward
The surname Doward can be spelled in a variety of different ways including Dwyer, Dwyre, Dowyer, Dower and Doerr.
The earliest recorded form of this surname was the Old French name ‘d’Eward’ which developed into the medieval English Andrew and Edward. It was in medieval times that the modern English spelling of the surname Doward evolved. It is thought this name was first introduced to England by Normans following the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
DWYER is an equally popular modern spelling with variants such as Dwire, Dwirre, Dwyre, Douer and Doear. The Irish form of the surname is commonly spelled O’Dwyer and is derived from the Gaelic ‘O’Dubhuir’, which translates as ‘descendant of Dubhuir’. This name is commonly found in the pre-Gaelic provinces of Munster and Leinster.
DOWYER is an alternate variant of the same surname and is a patronymic form which means ‘son of Doward’. This derivative is more commonly found in the north of England.
DOWER is also a surname derived from the same root as Doward and may originate from the Anglo-Saxon personal names ‘Eadweard’ or ‘Dōweard’.
DOERR is an uncommon spelling, and is a variation of the German surname Doer, which comes from the word ‘Dohr’, meaning ‘door’.
The various spellings of this surname all have the same root in the Old French ‘d’Eward’ which evolved into the modern batteries of Doward, Dwyer, Dwire, Dwirre, Dwyre, Dower and Doerr.
Famous people with the name Doward
- Derek Doward: An American comedian and screenwriter.
- Allen Doward: An English author and poet.
- Billy Doward: An American football coach.
- Richard Doward: An American entrepreneur and investor.
- Paul Doward: A British film director.
- Ray Doward: An American musician.
- Jack Doward: An English actor.
- Emma Doward: An American singer and songwriter.
- Olivia Doward: A British fashion designer.
- Peter Doward: An English artist and painter.