Surname Doveston - Meaning and Origin
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Doveston: What does the surname Doveston mean?
The last name Doveston is a topographical name that originated from the Old English word for 'dove's town.' It is believed that the original bearers of this name lived in a town or hamlet near dovecotes, high places for keeping doves. This surname was first recorded in the 13th century, and was likely used as an additional name for a person who lived at one of those dovecotes.
The surname is recorded in various spellings, such as Duveston, Deuveston, Doveston, Doveton, Duerton, and Dovetun, which suggests that variants of the name could have been in use over a wide geographical area.
The use of this name may have been derived from the Old English word for dove, or as an occupational name for a keeper of doves or dovecotes to provide food or feathers.
The spelling of the name changed over generations, and so it is not easy to trace the early history of the people who bore the Doveston name. Nonetheless, research suggests that this surname is generally associated with West Sussex and central Cheshire in England. Additionally, it may have been formed by immigrants in to the region from the continent, particularly Germany and Jersey.
Doveston continues to be an uncommon surname and there is still a small population with the Doveston name in England. It now also extends beyond England, into Ireland, Wales, Canada, Australia, and the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisDoveston: Where does the name Doveston come from?
The last name Doveston is most commonly found in England and the United Kingdom today. It is well-represented in areas like the City of London and the counties of Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire, to name but a few. According to a 2018 family name study, the name Doveston is more common in Britain than in any other part of the world.
The Doveston surname can be traced back to the Anglo-Norman period of British history. Some early recorded spellings of the name include Doveton (found often in Lancashire during the 13th century) as well as Dovestone and Djvsston (both very rare spellings recorded in the 14th century).
The source of the name Doveston is thought to be derived from a combination of two old English words. The first element ‘dove’ is thought to mean ‘dove’ and the second element ‘ton’ to mean ‘town’, suggesting that the name referred to those who lived near a place where doves were abundant.
Due to emigration, the Doveston surname can now also be found in parts of the United States, particularly in New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. With the Doveston name having a long and proud history, it looks likely to continue to live on for many more generations to come.
Variations of the surname Doveston
The surname DOVESTON is derived from an English surname of local origin, a habitational name from Daveston in Lancashire, and is thought to have been derived from the Old English elements ‘dofu’ meaning dove, and ‘tun’ meaning settlement or homestead.
Variants of the surname include:
Doveston, Dofstown, Doveton, Dovston and Daweston.
Spellings of the surname vary widely, including:
Dovston, Dovsten, Dovstone, Dovesten, Doveston, Dovestone, Doveston, Dobston, Dawston and Dawstone.
Variations of the surname Doveston include Devaston, Dovestan, Dowstan, Dovestyne, Devasten, Dowstin, Dovetin, Dowsten andmore.
Surnames related to Doveston include Daviseon, Dowseon, D’Oveston, Dovetton, Deveston, Dovseon, Deweston andDowestone.
Doveston is also sometimes recorded in earlier records as Dewston, Daviston, Dovistone, Davistone, Diviston, Doveistan, Dovistone, Devstock, Devestock, Devastock and Darton.
Famous people with the name Doveston
- David Doveston: David is a professional horn player and was the founder of the Paris Horns. He has worked with a variety of bands, orchestras and composers including The Who, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Abba, and Elton John.
- Nicky Doveston: Nicky is a professional saxophonist and flautist who has performed as a solo artist and with various bands in venues throughout the UK.
- Zoe Doveston: Zoe is an award-winning classically trained pianist and vocalist. She toured with The Uttersons and performed on BBC Radio 3's "Live at The Apollo" show in 2017.
- Alec Doveston: Alec is a composer and musical director from London who specializes in developing original music for television and film. He has composed music for the BBC, Channel 4, and recently won an IVCA award for Best Music at the London International Documentary Festival.
- Brian Doveston: Brian is a professional guitarist from the UK who has played with various bands, including Thee Cornshed Sisters, and is currently working with his solo project, Dream Priest.
- Hayley Doveston: Hayley is an actress best known for her role as Lady Elizabeth in Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice". She has starred in numerous film and television shows.
- Daryl Doveston: Daryl is a veteran British actor who has starred in various UK television series including "EastEnders" and "The Bill". He has also been in several movies, including "Bend It Like Beckham".