Last Name Dola

The surname Dola is of Italian origin and can be traced back to various regions in Italy. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Domenico," which means "belonging to Dominicus" in Latin. The name Dominicus is derived from the Late Latin name "Dominicus," meaning "of the Lord." In some cases, the surname Dola may also have come from a place name in Italy, such as Dola di Sonico in the province of Trento, or Dola di San Fiorano in the province of Parma. It is important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and spellings, and it is always possible that there are additional factors at play in the origin of a specific individual's surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dola

The meaning and origin of the last name Dola

The surname Dola has roots in several cultures, making its origins somewhat complex. In Italian, Dola is a variant of the more common surname "Dolce," which means "sweet" or "delicious." It could also be derived from place names like Dola in Italy or Dolha in Croatia.

In other contexts, Dola might have different origins. For instance, in Hebrew, it could be a variation of the name "Dov," which means "bear" or "wise bear." In West Africa, particularly among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Dola is a surname that originates from the personal name "Odolaye," meaning "wealth has returned."

The exact origin of the surname Dola can vary depending on where and when it was adopted. It's always interesting to explore these origins as they provide insights into the cultural and historical background of individuals bearing the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dola

The last name Dola is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria and Cameroon. It is more frequently observed in the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups of Nigeria, as well as in the Bamiléké and Bassa communities of Cameroon. There are also significant populations with the surname Dola in other African nations such as Benin, Ghana, and Togo, suggesting a possible migration from Nigeria or Cameroon. Beyond Africa, there is a smaller but notable presence of individuals with the last name Dola in various diaspora communities, particularly in countries with significant African immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dola

The surname Dola has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some of these variants include:

* Dolla
* Dole
* Dolah
* Dolas
* Dolle
* Doola
* Doolah
* Dooley
* Duola
* Duolah
* Duole

These variations may also be found with diacritical marks in some languages, such as Dölla or Dolaí. It's important to note that these variations can originate from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures, making it a surname of diverse heritage.

Famous people with the last name Dola

The Dola family has been associated with notable figures across various fields, including sports, politics, and entertainment. In sports, David Dola is a renowned professional basketball player who played for several teams in Europe, particularly in Italy, during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Politically, Edwin Dola served as the President of the Republic of the Congo from 2009 to 2016. In entertainment, singer-songwriter Raphael Saadiq, whose last name was originally Saadiq-Dolabaille but he later reverted to his paternal surname Saadiq, is known for his successful career in R&B music and collaborations with artists such as D'Angelo and Stevie Wonder. Additionally, Dola Partners is a prominent law firm founded by Richard A. Dola, which provides legal services to clients in various industries, including technology, life sciences, and energy.

Genealogical research on the last name Dola

The surname Dola originates from various regions due to multiple possible origins. In Italy, it is derived from the given name Teodolo or Taddeo, meaning "gift of God." In some parts of Spain and Portugal, Dola could be a variant of the surnames Tola or Dolsa, which are topographic names for someone who lived near a hill or high land. In other instances, it might have been an occupational name for a maker of clay objects, as "dolo" is Italian for "clay." Further investigation would require exploring specific family trees and historical records from these regions to confirm the particular origins of a specific Dola lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dola"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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