Dover History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 


The name Dover is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from when the family lived beside a small stream that emptied into a harbour. The surname Dover originally derived from the Old English word Dofre.

Early Origins of the Dover family

The surname Dover was first found in Dover, a town and major ferry port in the county of Kent. The surrounding chalk cliffs have become known as the White Cliffs of Dover are known worldwide and the subject of the famous Vera Lynn wartime song so named. During the war, the cliffs were the last sight of mainland seen and then the first mainland seen by most of the returning soldiers. However, the town has a long history in its own right that dates back to at least the 4th century when it was first listed as Dubris 1 or Portus Dubris. By the Domesday Book of 1086, the local was known as Dovere 2 and derives its name from the stream there now called Dour. 1

Today Dover Castle in Kent survives as a major tourist attraction attracting over 350,000 people annually. Beginnings of the present structure were founded in the 11th century. It has been a defensive stronghold through the centuries including through World War I and II. As the largest castle in England, it has a unique vantage point overlooking the harbour below. The Roman lighthouse at Dover Castle attests to the importance of the position since ancient days.

Early History of the Dover family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dover research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1575, 1612, 1641, 1660, 1720, 1742, 1852 and 1965 are included under the topic Early Dover History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dover Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Dover are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Dover include: Dover, Dovar, Dovir and others.

Early Notables of the Dover family

Notables of the family at this time include

Dover Ranking

In the United States, the name Dover is the 3,547th most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 3


Dover migration to the United States +

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Dover or a variant listed above:

Dover Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Dover Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Dover Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Dover Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Dover migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Dover Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Dover migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Dover Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Dover (post 1700) +
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