Surname Dawtrey - Meaning and Origin

Dawtrey: What does the surname Dawtrey mean?

The last name Dawtrey is an antiquated British surname that has been traced to have originated in the southern county of Kent in England during the Middle Ages. The origin of the name itself also appears to be derived from the Old English word "dæghtreah" which means "Daughter's Homestead".

Due to the rapid expansion of England’s population during the 13th-16th centuries, families with Dawtrey surname were found quickly expanding throughout other parts of the country. It is likely that these families were likely farmers, or those of that similar profession, who sought better land for cultivation and animal stocking as part of their livelihood.

Today, the Dawtrey surname remains from families of which have descended from the original Dawtrey inhabitants of Kent as well as those families that have adopted the surname for other reasons. The surname itself is also believed to be derived from various other similar surnames throughout Europe and the British Isles, but the general consensus of its roots have been traced to Kent.

It is a surname that is still quite present throughout many areas of the United Kingdom and its borders. In terms of its meaning, it serves as a reminder of England’s past and its families’ struggles to make a living and support themselves.

Dawtrey: Where does the name Dawtrey come from?

The last name Dawtrey is most prevalent in the United States today. According to the U.S. Census, as of 2020, it is estimated that there are around 12,000 people across the country with this surname. There is the highest concentration of Dawtreys in California, with around 2800 people, followed by Texas, with around 2000, and Missouri, with roughly 1000.

Dawtrey is also found in the United Kingdom, where the surname is of English and Welsh origin. It is estimated that there are around 800 Dawtreys in England and Wales today, with the highest concentration being in the counties of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

The surname is also found in Australia, where it is thought to have first been brought to the country by British settlers in the 19th century. An estimated 500 Australians carry the Dawtrey surname today.

Finally, the surname is also found in Canada. According to the Canadian census, as of 2016, there were approximately 600 individuals in Canada carrying the last name Dawtrey.

In conclusion, the last name Dawtrey is most common in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.

Variations of the surname Dawtrey

The surname Dawtrey is a patronymic name derived from the personal first name Dauk, which was a Middle English nickname for Duke, meaning leader or commander. There are several variants, spellings and surnames that are of the same origin.

The surname Dawtrey is also spelled as Dawtry, Dawtrye, Dawtery, Dawtry, Dawtri and Dawtrye. Other similar sounding surnames of the same origin include Dotry, Dautrey and Dautry.

The surname Dawtrey can be found in various records and documents throughout the centuries. Some records include the baptisms of Elizabeth Dawtrey in 1571, Elizabeth Dawtry in 1606, John Dawtry in 1722 and many more.

The surname can also be found in Canada, in early records of settlers from England, Scotland and Ireland. The 1860 census includes wealthy land-owners such as Thomas James Dawtrey from Ontario, Thomas A. Dawtrey from Quebec, and other Dawtreys who were among the first settlers in areas such as Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Dawtrey surname and variants have a long history of spelling variations as records and documents vary through time. However, the surname still has an impressive common ancestry and all these surname variants are of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Dawtrey

• Dave Dawtrey: British speedway rider who has competed in the Speedway World Cup and won team medals in the Speedway Grand Prix Great Britain and Speedway Grand Prix Denmark.
• Graham Dawtrey: British motorcycle racer who is best known for his third-place finish at the 2008 Isle of Man TT.
• Thomas Dawtrey: British motorcycle racing champion who won the Speedway Grand Prix of Poland in 2006.
• Tim Dawtrey: British-born actor who is best known for his role as Jack in the 1995 movie Quills.
• Jessica Dawtrey: British actress who is best known for her roles as Becca in the film The Cosby Show and Julia in the television series Blossom.
• Geoffrey Dawtrey: British musician and songwriter who is best known for his song “Velvet Shirt” which was featured in the 1987 movie The Princess Bride.
• Brian Dawtrey: British songwriter and singer who achieved chart success with the band Come on England in 1984.
• Sir James Dawtrey: British surgeon who was Chief Surgeon to King Charles II and the first baronet of the Dawtrey family.
• John Dawtrey: British Member of Parliament for Eye from 1689 to 1690.
• Keith Dawtrey: British music producer who has worked with artists such as Oasis, The Stone Roses and Conner Reeves.

Other surnames

Dawtry