Surname Dockal - Meaning and Origin

Dockal: What does the surname Dockal mean?

The last name Dockal is of Slovakian origin. The name is derived from the term “dokol” which means “out of the woods”. It is believed that this name was given to families who lived in rural areas and sought shelter in the woods for protection during times of danger or unrest.

Dockal is a fairly uncommon name and it is estimated that less than 200 individuals in the United States carry it. Most of the bearers live in northeastern areas of the country, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York.

This name is associated with work ethic and stability. A family with this last name often exemplify strong work values and are often associated with being loyal, reliable, and honest. The history of the Dockal family is one of determination and hard work to make a better life in a new land.

In true Dockal fashion, there are family members who have and continue to serve their country in the military, become successful entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and college graduates. A Dockal family member rarely shirks from a challenge, instead, they are often the first to stand up and take action.

The Dockal name is a symbol of courage, integrity, and perseverance. It stands as a reminder of all those who lovingly left their home countries to create a better life in a new place. It serves as an example of what determination and hard work can help an individual and family accomplish.

Dockal: Where does the name Dockal come from?

The surname Dockal is mostly found in the Czech Republic and other Central European countries such as Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The Czech Republic is home to the highest concentration of Dockal families, with over 1500 people having the surname in the 2020 census.

The name may originally have come from the Old Czech word "dokal," which means "the place where a cattle market was held" or "the place where people could buy food for their livestock." This could suggest that it is derived from a profession of someone involved with livestock, possibly a stockman or butcher.

The Dockal name spread to other parts of Europe mainly through families of Czech-origin who immigrated to other countries in the first half of the 20th century. It is now found in some parts of the US, particularly in the Midwest and South, as well as in Brazil, Australia, and Canada.

In the US, the surname Dockal is most prevalent in California, with over 400 residents having that surname. Other states where the surname is relatively common include Illinois, New York, Michigan, and Minnesota.

Given its predominance in Central Europe, it is likely that the surname Dockal will remain a surname associated with that area for the foreseeable future. It may continue to spread through families of Czech-origin as they move to other countries. Nevertheless, the surname has made its mark in other parts of the world, and it is likely to remain in use amongst various communities for many years to come.

Variations of the surname Dockal

The Dockal surname has a few variants and spellings, stemming mainly from Germany and the Czech Republic.

In Germany, the very old, pre 18th century variant of Dockal was Döckle. This form appears to have become extinct, however, a new form arose in the early 19th century. This was Döckl or Dockl.

In the Czech Republic, the Dockal surname is spelled as Dokal and also as Dockal. The most common spelling today is Dokal.

A further variant of this surname is Döckel, which is found mainly in southwest Germany and is thought to have originated in the Swabian region of Germany.

All of the above surnames are derived from the same root word. It is probable that the Dockal/Dokal/Döckl surnames are all derived from the Middle High German words ‘docke’ meaning ‘dough’, or ‘itzen’ meaning ‘to knead’.

This root may have been further adapted over time, perhaps through dialectic pronouncement and usage, to form the various forms of the Dockal surname, such as Döckle, Dokal and Döckel.

Despite having different spellings, all variants of this surname have the same origin. The Dockal surname is still found in various parts of Europe today and many people still continue to bear this name.

Famous people with the name Dockal

• Petr Dockal: Czech professional football coach and former player. He is best known for his time as the head coach of Sparta Prague from 2013 to 2020.
• Jesse Dockal: American actor, director and producer best known for his roles on the TV series Heartland and the feature film The Edge of Reason.
• Robert Dockal: Czech aviator and conservationist. He became the first Czech pilot to receive a private pilot license in 1919.
• Tomáš Dockal: Czech lawyer and politician who served as the Minister of Justice in 2004–2006 and a member of the Chamber of Deputies in 2001–2006.
• F.C.O. Dockal: German zoologist who is remembered for his 1931 monographic work on the egg shells of diatoms.
• Ivan Dockal: Retired Slovenian professional basketball player who represented the Slovenian national team at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
• Adolph Dockal: Austrian-born conductor and composer. He was music director at the Estates Theater of Prague and later became a conductor with the Vienna State Opera.
• Josef Dockal: Czech glass artist. He is best known for his intricate works of water crystal glass castings and sculptures.
• Pavel Dockal: Czech Paralympic athlete and sprinter who achieved a bronze medal in the 100m T11 category at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• Karel Dockal: Czech former football player. He made his professional debut in the Czech First League in 2004.

Other surnames

Dockalek