Show ContentsDohr History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Similar to many Austrian family names, the distinguished surname Dohr is a proud sign of a rich and ancient ancestry. The earliest forms of hereditary surnames in Austria were the patronymic surnames, which are derived from the father's given name, and metronymic surnames, which are derived from the mother's given name. Austrian and German patronymic names emerged as early as the mid-9th century and the most common patronymic suffix is ez. The patronyms were derived from a variety of given names that were of many different origins. The name Dohr is derived from the ancient Germanic personal name Thor, meaning thunder.

Early Origins of the Dohr family

The surname Dohr was first found in the province of Tyrol in Austria, where the name became identified in early mediaeval times with the feudal society which would play a prominent role throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its participation in social, economic and political affairs.

Early History of the Dohr family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dohr research. Another 160 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1165 and 1755 are included under the topic Early Dohr History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dohr Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Dohr include Thor, Thorer, Thoren, Thorn, Torr, Thorr, Thorre and many more.

Early Notables of the Dohr family

Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dohr Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Dohr migration to the United States +

Austria was made a republic after the First World War. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was broken up by the Treaty of Versailles and many of its people found themselves in the new nation of Czechoslovakia. Many other Austrians and expatriate Austrians made their way to North America in the 20th century. Most landed in Philadelphia, later continuing on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Some Austrian settlers also went to western Canada and Ontario. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Dohr or a variant listed above:

Dohr Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Joachim Dohr, who arrived in New York, NY in 1850 1
  • Peter Dohr, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1872 1
  • A Marg Dohr, aged 29, who arrived in Wisconsin in 1872 1
  • Anna Margareta Dohr, who landed in America in 1872 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Dohr (post 1700) +

  • William F. Dohr, American Republican politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from California 38th District, 1982


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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