Last Name Dol

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dol

The meaning and origin of the last name Dol

The surname Dol is of Old Norse origin, derived from the word "dalr," which means 'valley' or 'dale.' It was originally a topographical name, given to people who lived in valleys or dales. The surname Dol is found mainly in Scandinavian countries, such as Norway and Sweden, where many Norse settlers and Viking warriors established their homes and later passed on their names to their descendants. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved into various forms, including Dahl, Daal, and Dol, among others, reflecting regional dialects and the influence of other languages. Today, people with the surname Dol can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in Scandinavia, North America, and other regions where Scandinavian immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dol

The surname Dol has a notable geographical distribution across various regions, predominantly in Europe. In Poland, it is one of the most common surnames and is derived from topographic names referring to valleys or hollows. It's also frequent in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it often has similar origins related to geographical features. In addition, the name can be found in smaller numbers in other European countries such as Germany, France, Belgium, and Scandinavia, indicating potential migrations or cultural influences over time. Furthermore, the Dol surname is also present in Russia and Ukraine, though these instances may originate from Slavic ethnic groups that migrated westward from Central Asia. The name's presence in Wales, England, and Ireland suggests possible Viking or Norman influence due to historical interactions between these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dol

The surname Dol has several variations and spellings in different languages and regions. In English, it is often spelled as Dol, Doll, or Doole. In Welsh, the name can be transliterated to Dolf or Doli. In some Slavic countries, the name may be spelled as Dole or Dolé, and in German-speaking areas, it might appear as Dohl or Dohl. Additionally, there are regional dialects where the name could be written as Duole, Doel, or Deoul, among others. It is essential to note that these variations can also result from surname changes over time due to immigration, assimilation, or historical influences.

Famous people with the last name Dol

Notable individuals with the surname Dol include:

1. George Dol (born 1942), an American mathematician known for his contributions to probability theory and stochastic processes.
2. John Dolmayan (born 1973), a Lebanese-American musician, best recognized as the drummer of the rock band System of a Down.
3. James A. Dolas (1936–2018), an American academic administrator who served as the president of Rutgers University.
4. Lukáš Doležal, also known as Luke Dowler (born 1975), a Czech-British entrepreneur and founder of several companies, including Skype.
5. Mila Kunis (born 1983), an American actress with Ukrainian Jewish heritage, whose birth name is Milena Markovna Kunis-Doležal, but she changed her surname at the age of seven due to frequent bullying.

Genealogical research on the last name Dol

The surname Dol is predominantly of Celtic origin, derived from various Welsh and Breton sources. In Wales, it is thought to originate from the given name Dod, a diminutive form of Dewi, meaning "loyal one" or "devotee." The surname also appears in Brittany, France, where it could be derived from the Breton word "dol" meaning "valley," reflecting its geographical origin. Over time, the Dol family spread throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland, with notable branches established in Cornwall, Devon, and Wales. Notable bearers of the surname include Sir Richard Dol (1530-1607), a prominent Elizabethan lawyer, and Sir James Dol (1829-1894), a British physician and scientist who made significant contributions to the field of tropical medicine. The surname is also found in modern times among communities with Welsh or Breton heritage, such as North America and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dol"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 24 July 2025