Surname Dollittle - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Dollittle: What does the surname Dollittle mean?
The surname Doolittle is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from an occupational name for a lazy or lackadaisical person. The name is formed by combining the Middle English words "do" and "little", thus literally referring to someone who does little. The surname could also have originated from a joking nickname or an ironic reference. This name became common throughout England, specifically in regions like Essex and Herefordshire, before it became more prevalent in the United States. As with many surnames, the exact interpretation can vary and the meaning behind one's surname may not accurately reflect the personalities or occupations of the individuals carrying that name now. It's yet another example of how surnames that began as descriptive epithets, job designations, or geographical identifiers have transformed over the centuries into family names, losing much of their original connotations in the process. The name Doolittle is now carried by thousands of people around the world, most prominently in North America.
Order DNA origin analysisDollittle: Where does the name Dollittle come from?
The surname DoLittle is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from a family that lived in the Lancashire area of England. It is structured from the ancient Old English words Dol and litel which means dol or dull and little respectively. Over time, the literal meanings of names have lost their significance as they evolved into united family names.
The varied spellings of the name are due to the translation of sounds into written form, which was not standardized in the Middle Ages, hence its multiple iterations like Dollitle, Dolittle, DoLittle, and others. Early accounts of the surname are found amongst the tax returns of Lancashire in 1332 and later in counties such as Norfolk as well.
Today, the name DoLittle is most common in the United States, particularly in the midwestern and northeastern parts. It can also be found in the United Kingdom and Canada, though in smaller numbers. Nevertheless, the surname remains quite uncommon globally. It has also gained fame through fictional characters like Dr. Dolittle, a popular character in a series of children's books by Hugh Lofting. It's important to note how the surname spelling varies from source to source.
Variations of the surname Dollittle
The surname Dollittle is not common and its variations are quite limited. Different sources suggest it is of English origin, possibly from a nickname for a lazy person or for those who were considered to perform small tasks. Some of the possible alternate spellings and variations include Doolittle, Dolittle, DoLittle, or even two words, Do Little. It may also appear with additional letters such as Doolitte or Doolitle. Keep in mind that accurate interpretation requires genealogical or historical context.
One should also consider possible transcription errors or shorthand versions recorded by non-family members. For example, it could have been mistakenly registered as 'D Little' or 'Do Lit.'
The surname 'Dolittle' gained some popularity after its use in literature and films, notably the stories of Doctor Dolittle, a character who can talk to animals, created by British author Hugh Lofting. This could prompt some people to adopt or use the name stylized in the same way: "Doctor Dolittle".
As for the surnames of the same origin, it is quite challenging to find such. One could draw a parallel with surnames that describe occupations or characteristics, such as Goodman, Lovejoy, Barefoot, but it is not a direct link.
Famous people with the name Dollittle
- Eliza Doolittle: A British singer-songwriter known for her debut album "Eliza Doolittle", which produced hits like "Pack Up" and "Skinny Genes".
- Dr. John C.B. Doolittle: A former U.S. Congressman who represented California's 4th congressional district from 1991 to 2009.
- Hilda Doolittle: An American poet, novelist, and memoirist known for her work during the Imagist literary movement.
- Sean Doolittle: An American professional baseball pitcher for the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball.
- Drew Doolittle: An American actor known for his roles in movies such as Tales from the Hood and Almost Heroes.
- John Doolittle: An American actor well-known for playing the role of Elwood P. Dowd in the 1950 movie, Harvey.
- Sonny Doolittle: An American football player who played as a guard for the Chicago Cardinals in the National Football League (NFL).
- Kyra Doolittle: An American actress known for her performances in stage dramas and Broadway shows.
- Patricia Doolittle: An American television producer associated with the popular television series "Law & Order". (Note: Eliza Doolittle, the fictional character from George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion" and its musical adaptation "My Fair Lady," is not included as it is not a real person.)