Origin & Meaning of the Doherty Surname
What does the last name Doherty mean?
The surname Doherty carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 27,787 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Doherty ranks as the #1,264 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Doherty come from?
The Doherty surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Doherty name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Doherty trace back to European. 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 | Doherty |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,264 |
| US Count (2010) | 27,787 |
| Per 100K People | 9.42 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Doherty
According to the US Census, the Doherty surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 27,787 Americans with the Doherty last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.83% |
| Black | 0.89% |
| Hispanic | 1.98% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.63% |
| Native American | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 1.37% |
Popularity of Doherty Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Doherty surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Doherty surname increased by 809 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Doherty Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Doherty ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Doherty Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Doherty Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Doherty
- ✓ The Doherty coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Doherty families live today
- ✓ Notable Doherty bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Doherty
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Doherty.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Doherty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Doherty
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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