Surname Dobbens - Meaning and Origin
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Dobbens: What does the surname Dobbens mean?
The last name 'Dobbens' is of English origin, and its meaning is 'dweller at the hilltop.' Historically, this name was given to an individual who lived at the top of a hill or mountain. People with this last name may have originally come from a village or other settlement near a hill that had a distinctive name.
The name is derived from the Old English word 'dobban', which is thought to come from 'dop', which means 'to dip', and 'han', which means 'hill'. Consequently, a person bearing this surname would have been a person living near a hill that had a somewhat steep gradient and was difficult to traverse.
Because the last name Dobbens was primarily an occupational name, many people sharing this surname would have lived in the same area for generations due to the nature of the occupation. In addition, it is likely that very distinct features of the hill that the person lived near were passed down through generations and remembered in stories or folklore.
The last name 'Dobbens' is still commonly used in the United States and is relatively popular, although the meaning of the name's origin has been largely forgotten. Even though those bearing this name may no longer live at a hilltop, the surname serves as a forever reminder of their ancestral home.
Order DNA origin analysisDobbens: Where does the name Dobbens come from?
The last name Dobbens is primarily found in the United States, England, and Canada. It is most common in the Northeastern United States, especially in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. It is also found sparsely in other parts of the U.S., such as Kentucky, California, and Texas. The name Dobbens is also seen in England, where it has been recorded mostly in the counties of Essex and Nottinghamshire and in the Greater London area.
In Canada, the last name is seen in Ontario and British Columbia. The surname is associated with numerous immigrants who arrived from England, Ireland, and Scotland during the 19th century. Some of the earliest Dobbens immigrants settled in the American Midwest, including states like Michigan, Ohio, Kansas, and Wisconsin. Later, they moved to the Pacific Northwest and settled in Oregon and Washington, as well as California.
Dobbens is not a particularly common name, but there are many individuals with the name living throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is likely that the name was derived from the Old English personal and given name Dobba or Dobben, which means a "small hill" in Old English. It is also possible that the last name is derived from the given name Obbin.
Variations of the surname Dobbens
The surname Dobbens or Dobbins is an anglicized version of the Gaelic Irish surname O Dobhain, meaning "descendant of Dobhan".
Variants of the surname have many spellings, which can include Dabin, Dabane, Dobane, Dobbin, Dobbine, Dobbmann, Dobeyne, Dovins, Dovney, Dobhain and Douhane.
In Scotland, the spelling may be McLoone or MacLune, both of which derive from MacDaibhidh, a variation of MacDhaidh, meaning "son of David".
Surnames taken from Dobhain include Dobban, Dobay, Dobin, Dobney, Dobon, Dobson, Dovain, Dovin, Revan and Roben, among others.
In England, the surname may be Dobnin, or Dobings, which is derived from the name Dobel, meaning "little dove".
In Germany, the name may appear as Dobbin, Dobbinz or Dobeng, which is derived from the Old Germanic name Dobbo or Dobboe.
In France, the surname may be Dobin, Dobinne, Dobbbcourt or Dobynne, derived from the French personal name Dodin, meaning "little David".
In America, the name may be Dobbens, Dabney, Dobbins, Dobin, Dobinen, Dubbin, Dobon, Donnan or Donan, derived from the Gaelic Donnan, meaning "brave one".
In Canada, the family name may be Dobnai, Dobhan or Dubone, all of which are anglicised forms of the Irish name.
In Germany, the name is commonly spelled Deubener or Diebener, derived from the old German Deubin, meaning "bold one".
These many variations of the apellation Dobbens indicate it is an ancient surname, with roots reaching into several countries and back hundreds of years.
Famous people with the name Dobbens
- Galen Dobbens: Professional tennis player currently competing on the ATP Challenger Tour.
- Ella Dobbens: Award-winning Canadian author and poet.
- Jeff Dobbens: American college basketball coach and former player.
- Wayne Dobben: American retired professional ice hockey player.
- Barbara Dobbins: American actress, comedian and voice artist.
- Jane Dobbens: British editor and writer, and the first female editor at Radio Times.
- James Dobbins: American diplomat who has served in the Obama, Bush, and Clinton administrations in various roles.
- Frank Dobbens: English football manager and former professional footballer.
- Kevin Dobbens: Canadian retired professional ice hockey player.
- Richard Dobbens: English photographer and musician.
- Mark Dobbens: Canadian National Hockey League player.
- David Dobbins: American baseball player and coach.
- Will Dobbens: British-American actor and writer.
- Tom Dobbens: Canadian professional lacrosse player and coach.
- Jay Dobbins: American former Major League Baseball player.