Surname Dohrwardt - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Dohrwardt: What does the surname Dohrwardt mean?
The last name Dohrwardt is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German word ‘dorwart’ meaning 'watchman' or 'guardian'. The name is believed to have originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a gatekeeper, a door guard, a sentry or a watchman. It could also have been given to a family who were known for providing protection to their community or a family who lived close to a guarded entrance.
The surname spread quickly throughout Germany, appearing in documents from the 12th century onwards and was found particularly common in the northern region of the country. It is also fairly common in North America where the descendants of German immigrants have kept it alive.
The spelling variants ‘Dohrwardt’, ‘Dorrward’, and ‘Dorward’ are all in use today, although the spelling ‘Dorrwardt’ is becoming increasingly rare, while the Americanized spelling ‘Dorwart’ is also in use today.
The Dohrwardt family is known for their loyalty and dedication. They strive to protect those they care about and tend to be reliable and steadfast people. The family’s long history of guard duties is reflected in their sense of duty and truthfulness, making them excellent protectors that their family and friends can always rely on.
Order DNA origin analysisDohrwardt: Where does the name Dohrwardt come from?
The last name Dohrwardt is most common today in Germany, especially in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. This area of Germany has a population of roughly 2.25 million, and of these people, it is estimated that several thousand carry the Dohrwardt surname. Dohrwardt is thought to be a derivative of the German word "dürren", meaning 'to dry', indicating origins from arid, dry lands in the area.
The last name is also found in the United States and other parts of Europe, where it may be a variant spelling of the surname Dohrward. This surname is relatively uncommon; according to the White Pages, there were fewer than a thousand entries for the Dohrward / Dohrwardt surname in the U.S. between 2016 and 2020.
In addition to Germany and the U.S., other countries where Dohrwardt may be found include France, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. It is possible that people bearing the surname have immigrated to these countries since emigration from Germany increased dramatically in the 19th century, as well as during and following both world wars. A few people with the surname Dohrwardt can also be found in South Africa, Australia, and Canada.
Those who identify as Dohrwardt are likely part of a heritage rooted in both rural and urban areas, as the origin of the surname is indicative of a farming background. This shared heritage may have resulted in the formation of distinct family branches, which, in turn, evolved into contemporary versions of the last name, such as Dohrward or Dohrwardt.
Variations of the surname Dohrwardt
The surname Dohrwardt, also spelled as Dohrward, is often found with various variants and alternative spellings. In some cases, some of these variants can even refer to separate, distinct origins. The variants and surnames of Dohrwardt can include Dorward, Dorfer, Dorfert, Döhrward, Dörward, Döhrwart, Dörwart, Dirwerd, Dirward, Dierward, Dierwart, Diereau, and Drueau.
The surname Dohrwardt is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German given name "Dietuuald", which was composed of the elements theud, or people, plus wald, an explanation which means "ruling people". The related forms "Dietuald", "Dituald", and "Dyleuald" have also been found. As a habitational name, Dohrwardt originally denoted someone from Dohrwardt in Brandenburg, or from any of the various places named with this phrase.
Dohrwardt is a relatively rare surname. In Germany, the frequency of the surname was higher than average in the following states: Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hamburg, Berlin, Brandenburg, and Thuringen. Similarly, it is very common in East Frisia, Germany.
In the United States, the frequency of the surname was higher than average in the following states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, and North Dakota. The states with the highest percent of Dohrwardt families are Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois.
Dohrwardt is also found in other countries across the world, such as Canada, England, France, and The Netherlands.
Overall, the surname Dohrwardt and its variants are found in various geographical locations around the world. Despite the various spellings and origins, it is recognized as a common name in many countries.
Famous people with the name Dohrwardt
- Chris Dohrwardt: Chris is an American visual artist who designs and creates three-dimensional paper art sculptures. He also creates abstract mixed media collages and paintings.
- Eddie Dohrwardt: Eddie is an accomplished American chef, author and blogger of German descent. He has cooked in some of the most celebrated kitchens in the nation and even created his own acclaimed restaurant. 3.Michael Dohrwardt: Michael is a three-time award-winning American photographer from Houston, Texas. His work focuses on infusing the beauty of nature into everyday moments.
- Evonne Dohrwardt: Evonne is an Australian actress and singer who first gained fame when she appeared on the popular show Home and Away. She is also an avid humanitarian and animal rights activist.
- Andreas Dohrwardt: Andreas is a German lawyer with decades of experience in civil law and international business law. He is based in Düsseldorf and is highly respected throughout the legal community.
- Maria Dohrwardt: Maria is a Swiss businesswoman who is renowned for her successful career in finance, particularly in the private equity realm. She is currently a partner at the prestigious GEKF finance firm.
- Scott Dohrwardt: Scott is an American businessman and investor. He is co-founder and executive chairman of Landmark Equity Partners, a real estate investment firm.
- Clara Dohrwardt: Clara is an accomplished German flautist and composer. She has worked with the London Symphony Orchestra and has written some of her own pieces of classical music.
- Justin Dohrwardt: Justin is an American sports analyst and radio personality from Boston. He is the host of Radio 105.7's "The Midday Show" and also appears regularly on Fox Sports.
- Paul Dohrwardt: Paul is a German-born multimedia artist and graphic designer. His focus is on creating innovative visuals that blend typography with photography to produce stunning works of art.