Surname Dodge - Meaning and Origin

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B. Dodge

Dodge: What does the surname Dodge mean?

The surname Dodge is of English origin and is derived from the personal name Roger. It was used in medieval times as a pet form of Roger, becoming popular in the Middle Ages. The word 'Roger' itself is composed of two parts: "hrod" meaning 'fame' and "geri" meaning 'spear', indicating a warrior or someone illustrious or famous in battle. So indirectly, Dodge might carry the meaning 'famous warrior'. The name is primarily associated with the South West region of England. Over time, various spellings such as Hodge, Lidge, and Podge have been related to Dodge. It's also worth noting that in Middle English, 'dodge' means 'to move to and fro', but this does not seem to be connected to the surname's origin.

Dodge: Where does the name Dodge come from?

The last name Dodge is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from the Old English personal name "Dod", which is itself a shortened version of the given name Dodda or Dodd, indicating son of Dod. Hence, it's a patrynomic surname. It is also believed that Dodge may have geographical origins, as a shortened version of Dodridge or Dodsworth. Some other sources also suggest that it was a nickname for a clever or wily person, referring to someone who 'dodges' or avoids danger. Hence, the interpretation varies between authors.

It was first found in Staffordshire, England before spreading to the New England region in North America with the Pilgrim Fathers in the 17th century. With the growth of British colonies worldwide, the surname also spread to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, Dodge is common in the United States. Approximately 158,000 people with this surname live in the US, making it the 982nd most common surname there. After the US, Dodge is the most common in Canada and then in England. Notably, the surname gained wider recognition in America through the famous Dodge brothers, who formed the Dodge Motor Company in the early 20th century.

Variations of the surname Dodge

The surname Dodge is of English origin. It is derived from the Medieval English personal name, Roger, and originated from the nickname, “Dod,” a contraction of Roger.

Variants of the surname Dodge include Dodgson, Dodson, Dodds, and Dods. These variants are likely due to regional pronunciation differences and phonetic spellings taking hold over generations. As surnames moved through regions and countries, they often changed to fit the local language and dialect.

In addition to these, other spellings of the name can include Dodgeson, Dodgin, and Dodging. The "son" ending in Dodgson and Dodgeson indicates "son of Dodge," a common method of surname creation in English-speaking countries.

Dodge is a relatively uncommon surname, but is most frequently encountered in the United States, England, and Canada. It is believed that the first recorded spellings of the family name might be that of Richard Dodge in the county of Wiltshire, England, in the year 1272.

Lastly, because surnames often indicate a geographical location, occupation, or characteristic of an individual, it’s possible that others with the Dodge surname may not be related, if the name originated from different individuals or families.

Famous people with the name Dodge

• Eden Dodge: An actress known for her roles in popular films such as "A Light in the Darkness" and "The Exception".
• Theo Dodge: An actor famous for his roles in "Believe" and "After Ever After".
• Andy Dodge: A music artist recognized for his discography in the country music genre.
• John Dodge: Co-founder of the Dodge Brothers Company which later became the Dodge Division of Chrysler Corporation.
• Horace Dodge: Co-founder of the Dodge Brothers Company with his brother John. They are famous for producing the Dodge car.
• Delia Dodge: An actress appearing in notable films like “Midnight Alibi” and “The Voice in the Fog”.
• William de Leftwich Dodge: A celebrated American artist best known for his murals.
• Frances Dodge: A renowned horsewomen and automotive heiress.
• David Dodge: An author and playwright well known for his mystery novels, in particular those featuring his character 'Al Colby'.
• Trevor Dodge: An author mostly known for writing books related to technology and its social impact.
• Mary Mapes Dodge: A children's writer most known for "Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates".

Other surnames

DodgDodgson