Origin & Meaning of the Dobson Surname
What does the last name Dobson mean?
The surname Dobson carries the meaning "Son of Dob." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 19,419 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dobson ranks as the #1,846 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dobson come from?
The Dobson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Dobson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dobson trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Dobson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Dob |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,846 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,419 |
| Per 100K People | 6.58 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dobson
According to the US Census, the Dobson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,419 Americans with the Dobson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.93% |
| Black | 17.25% |
| Hispanic | 2.46% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.77% |
| Two or More Races | 2.09% |
Popularity of Dobson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dobson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dobson surname increased by 1,077 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Dobson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Dobson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Dobson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Dobson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Dobson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dobson
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Dobson surname also look for: