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Last Name Doherty

What is the origin of the last name Doherty?

The last name "Doherty" is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Dochartaigh", which roughly translates to "descendant of Dochartach." Dochartach is a personal name that means "obstructive" or "hurtful" in Irish. The surname is mainly found in the counties of Donegal and Derry in Ireland.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Doherty

The meaning and origin of the last name Doherty

The surname Doherty is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Dochartaigh," which means "descendant of Dochartach." The personal name Dochartach is derived from the word "dochartach," meaning "hurtful" or "obstructive." The name is often associated with the ancient and powerful Doherty clan, which originated from County Donegal in Ireland. The clan was known for its warriors and fierce resistance against English invaders. As a result, many Dohertys can trace their ancestry back to this region. Over time, members of the clan began spreading out to other parts of Ireland and further afield, resulting in the surname being found in various locations and among the Irish diaspora. Today, Doherty is a common surname in Ireland and can be found among Irish communities in other countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Geographical distribution of the last name Doherty

The surname Doherty has a prominent geographical distribution, with the majority of individuals bearing this name residing in Ireland, particularly in the province of Ulster. Doherty is a popular Irish clan name and can be traced back to the ancient Gaelic tribe called Uí Dhochartaigh. Throughout history, many Doherty families have migrated to other parts of the world, most notably the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Consequently, significant populations of Doherty can be found in these countries as well. In the United States, states with large Irish immigrant communities such as New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Illinois have substantial populations of Doherty individuals. Similarly, regions in Canada, such as Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, have significant Doherty populations due to Irish immigration. Overall, the surname Doherty is widely dispersed across the globe, but its concentration remains highest in Ireland and its diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Doherty

The last name Doherty can be found in various spellings and variations. Some common variations include Dougherty, Daugherty, Docherty, and Dockerty. These different spellings often arose due to the phonetic interpretation of the name by different English-speaking populations. For instance, the "gh" in Dougherty represents the Gaelic pronunciation of the letter "ch" in Doherty. Similarly, the "au" in Daugherty is an anglicized version of the Gaelic letter "ea." Among these variations, Doherty is considered the most commonly used spelling, especially in Ireland where the name originates. However, in different regions and through generations, families may have adopted different variations of the name. It is worth noting that despite these variations, they all generally refer to families with Irish ancestry, and the name's meaning remains the same - "descendant of Dohartaigh," which translates to "the hurtful stranger" or "obstructive one" in Irish.

Famous people with the last name Doherty

The surname Doherty, derived from the Irish Ó Dochartaigh, has been associated with a number of famous individuals across various fields. One of the most notable figures is Shannen Doherty, an American actress known for her iconic roles in television series such as "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Charmed." Shannen has been praised for her talent and has gained a substantial following throughout her career. Another famous Doherty is Peter Doherty, a prominent English musician and songwriter, famously known as a co-founder and frontman of the indie rock band, The Libertines. Pete Doherty also pursued a solo career and has been recognized for his poetic songwriting and distinctive voice. Additionally, Pete Doherty has garnered attention for his involvement in the British rock scene and his personal life, making him a prominent figure in the music industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Doherty

The surname Doherty is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Ó Dochartaigh, meaning "descendant of Dochartach," a personal name meaning "hurtful" or "obstructive." This ancient Irish clan is believed to have originated in County Donegal in the north of Ireland. The Dohertys were traditionally powerful chieftains and warriors, and their influence extended across the region. As a result of the numerous political conflicts and migrations that occurred throughout Irish history, many Dohertys spread across Ireland and beyond. Today, descendants of the Dohertys can be found all over the world, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Genealogical research on the Doherty surname often involves tracing family lineages back to specific regions in Ireland, identifying immigrant ancestors, and connecting branches of the family tree across continents.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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