Surname Dextor - Meaning and Origin
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Dextor: What does the surname Dextor mean?
The last name Dextor is of English origin and is considered to be a variant spelling of the word Dexter, derived from the Latin word dexterous meaning “right hand”. A dexterous person is one who is skilled at using their hands, and this was seen as a sign of strength, courage, or even political favour. Downsizing of the spelling is a common occurrence in the English language.
The ancestors of the Dextor family lived in Italy and changed their name ancestors to Dextor after arriving in the British Isles around the 16th century. It quickly gained popularity among families with noble roots, and could be found amongst them across England, Ireland, and Scotland. The Dextor family crest is believed to have originally been in use by the Norman-influenced Neville family, with the right hand symbolize courage and protection.
The Dextor name has been deeply rooted in British history and is held with great respect among those who bear the name. It can be found in numerous references, both contemporary and more historic, from the famous English writer John Dextere to the Andrew Dextor House in Yorkshire. Dextor is a name that has stood the test of time and continues to be seen throughout Britain today, carrying the same power and respect it has held for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisDextor: Where does the name Dextor come from?
The surname Dextor is believed to have originated in Europe, although its exact origin is uncertain. While the name is relatively rare today, the last name can still be found in a few countries.
In the United States, the surname Dextor is most commonly found in the states of New York, California, and Massachusetts, though it is not limited to those states. The surname is also seen in Mexico, predominantly in the states of Tlaxcala, Puebla, and Jalisco. In the United Kingdom, the number of individuals with the surname Dextor is quite low, but the name appears to be well distributed throughout England, Scotland, and Wales.
In Canada, the surname Dextor is most prevalent in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. In the Netherlands, the surname has some presence, but it is far less common than in the previously mentioned areas.
Although the exact origin of the surname is unknown, its etymology is believed to have derived from an Old French name meaning "right-handed". Over the centuries, the spelling of the name changed from Dextin to Dexter to Dextor.
The surname Dextor continues to live on around the world, albeit in small numbers. Even though the name may be rare, it still carries with it a unique legacy of its own.
Variations of the surname Dextor
The surname Dextor has two possible spelling variations depending on how it is translated from its original Latin root, 'dexter.' The most common variant of the name is 'Dextor' or 'Dexter,' which is derived from the Latin word meaning "right-handed." Other variants of the surname include 'Dextere,' 'Dexters,' 'Dexterey,' and 'Dextor.'
The surname is also commonly seen with multiple hyphenated compound words. For example, 'Dextor-Durden' or 'Dextor-Tyrell' are two of the more popular alternative spellings of the name.
The Dextor surname can be found in a variety of locations throughout the world, including in British Isles and North America. It is most commonly found amongst people of English or Irish ancestry, although it is also common amongst the French-Canadian population.
In the United States, the surname is most frequently found in the states of Texas, California, and Florida. Other US states with higher populations of Dextor include Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
The last name may also appear under alternative spellings such as Dextary, Dextry, Dextor and even Dextrous. As for the last name Dextroy, that is usually a result of being in a French-speaking area, as the French word ‘droit’, meaning ‘right’ or ‘lawful’, was commonly used in place of dexter.
In conclusion, the surname Dextor has various spellings and variants. It is primarily associated with English and Irish ethnicity, although variants can also be found amongst the French-Canadian or French-speaking population.
Famous people with the name Dextor
- Debra DexteR: American actress, producer, and singer best known for her role as Debra Barone in the television series Everybody Loves Raymond.
- Dexter Gordon: American jazz saxophonist, one of the first to adapt bebop to the tenor saxophone.
- Rick Dexter: American film actor, best known for his portrayal of “T-Bone” in the television series 21 Jump Street.
- LaDonna Harris: Activist and social entrepreneur of Comanche and African-American descent, and former politician, who was born LaDonna Adrianne DexteR.
- Ferdinand Haven DexteR: American businessman and member of the prominent Dexter family of Massachusetts.
- Franklin Gardner DexteR: American minister, author and historian, known for his work The History of the Dexter Family.
- Wil Adam DexteR: American physician, educator and public health leader, who was credited with creating the modern Union Pacific Railroad.
- Eugene Gardner DexteR: American professor at Harvard Law School who was a leading figure in the American legal profession.
- George Jacob DexteR: American business magnate, historian and philanthropist, known as the ‘Father of Wall Street’ for his business and financial success.
- Edmo John DexteR: American politician, attorney and diplomat, who served as Secretary of the Treasury and was a key figure in the Civil War.