Last Name Dore

The surname Dore has Anglo-Saxon and French origins. It is derived from a given name Dorus or Thorold, which were brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest in 1066. In Old English, the name meant "thunder-ruler." The surname was also introduced into France during the same period and can be found throughout that country today. The spelling variations of Dore include Doré, Du Ros, Doros, Dorre, etc., reflecting its Anglo-Saxon and French heritage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dore

The meaning and origin of the last name Dore

The surname Dore is of French and English origin, derived from a variety of sources. In France, it could have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a thorn bush or a small oak tree, with 'dorée' meaning 'oak grove' or 'thorn-bush'. Alternatively, it may have been a metronymic name, with the original bearer being named Doré, a pet form of the feminine given name Doria. In England, Dore could also be an occupational name for a maker or seller of gold or silver articles, from the Old French 'dorer' meaning to gild. It may also have been a habitational name from any of several places called Doré in France and England, or from one of the places called Thourout in Belgium. Through migration and historical events, the surname Dore spread across Europe and eventually reached other parts of the world, with notable bearers including the English artists Aubrey Vincent Beardsley and Sir Frank Dicksee. Today, it remains a common surname in many English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dore

The surname Dore is predominantly found in France and English-speaking countries, with significant concentrations in both nations. In France, it originates from various regions such as Normandy, Brittany, and the Rhone-Alpes, reflecting a historical migration pattern across the country. In England, it is particularly common in East Anglia, London, and parts of the Midlands, suggesting possible Norman influence during the Conquest. The name has also been found in Scotland and Ireland, likely as a result of later migrations or adopted by families of French or English descent. Outside Europe, notable populations of Dore-surnamed individuals can be found in Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, particularly among descendants of 19th and 20th century European immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dore

The surname Dore has several variations and spellings. Some of these include: Doré, Dorée, Doro, Daore, Deore, Doer, Duere, Dowre, Douré, and Douaré. These variations may arise due to spelling differences across different countries or regions, as well as changes over time in the manner of recording names. For instance, a French-speaking family might spell their name as Doré, while an English-speaking family might use the spelling Dore. Additionally, misspellings and errors in the transcription of names during migrations can also lead to variations. It is essential to note that these variations do not indicate any differences in origin or ethnicity for those bearing the surname Dore, but rather are a result of historical and linguistic factors.

Famous people with the last name Dore

Notable individuals with the surname Dore include: 1. Ralph Steadman Dore (1934-), an English illustrator and artist, best known for his collaboration with author Hunter S. Thompson on articles for Rolling Stone magazine. His distinctive drawing style is characterized by bold lines, intricate patterns, and surreal imagery. 2. Jean-Jacques Sempé Dore (1932-), a French cartoonist who has contributed to numerous publications such as The New Yorker, Le Monde, and L'Écho des Savanes. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix de la Ville d'Angoulême in 1987. 3. Marie-Louise Dore (1924-2020), a Canadian artist and illustrator who was best known for her children's books, which included "The Cat Who Walked by Himself" and "The Little Prince." Her artistry combined the simplicity of line drawings with a rich emotional depth. 4. Robert Dore (1931-2017), an American illustrator who worked primarily for magazines like Playboy, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated. He is also notable for his work in television, contributing to series such as "The Muppet Show." These figures have made significant contributions to the fields of art, illustration, and literature with their unique talents and creative vision.

Genealogical research on the last name Dore

The surname Dore originates from Old French and Norman-French origins, where it was derived from the word "d'Or" meaning 'of gold'. It is thought to have been a name given to someone who lived near a place where gold ore was mined or processed. The earliest recorded bearers of this surname can be traced back to the 13th century in Normandy, France. From there, the family migrated to England during the Norman Conquest and later spread throughout Britain and Ireland. The Dore family also had significant numbers in Scotland, where they were recorded as early as the 12th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many Dores immigrated to America, settling primarily in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. Notable individuals with the surname Dore include illustrator Randal Dore, engraver George Dore, and artist Richard Dore. Today, the Dore family can be found in various countries, having contributed significantly to history and culture throughout their widespread dispersal.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dore"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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