Show ContentsDoddridge History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Doddridge

What does the name Doddridge mean?

The name Doddridge first arose amongst the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is derived from their having lived close to a region called Dodda's ridge. The name is derived from the local of Dodridge, likely in Devon or the southwest country. 1

Early Origins of the Doddridge family

The surname Doddridge was first found in Devon where the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list Richard de Doderig as holding lands there at that time. 2 Later Richard Doderugge was listed in Devon in 1353. 3

Early History of the Doddridge family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Doddridge research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1218, 1555, 1610, 1621, 1625, 1628, 1646, 1650, 1656 and 1666 are included under the topic Early Doddridge History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Doddridge Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Doddridge has appeared include Dodderidge, Doderidge, Dodderige, Doderige, Dotteridge and many more.

Early Notables of the Doddridge family

Notables of this surname at this time include:

  • Sir John Doddridge (1555-1628), an English lawyer, justice of the king's bench, Member of Parliament. He was son of Richard Doddridge, merchant, of Barnstaple. 4


Doddridge migration to Australia +

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

Doddridge Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • William Doddridge, aged under 35, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "South Australian" in 1837 5
  • Thirza Doddridge, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "South Australian" in 1837 5
  • Benjamin Doddridge, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "South Australian" in 1837 5
  • John Doddridge, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "South Australian" in 1837 5
  • Olinda Doddridge, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "South Australian" in 1837 5
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Doddridge (post 1700) +

  • Philip Doddridge (1773-1832), American politician, Member of Virginia State Legislature; U.S. Representative from Virginia 18th District, 1829-32 6
  • James M. Doddridge, American politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from Indiana 6th District, 1906 6
  • Philip Doddridge (1702-1751), English nonconformist clergyman
  • William Doddridge McFarlane (1894-1980), American Democratic Party politician, Member of Texas State House of Representatives, 1923-27; Member of Texas State Senate, 1927-31; U.S. Representative from Texas 13th District, 1933-39 7
  • Philip Doddridge McCulloch Jr. (1851-1928), American Democratic Party politician, Chair of Lee County Democratic Party, 1875-93; Presidential Elector for Arkansas, 1888; U.S. Representative from Arkansas 1st District, 1893-1903 8


  1. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  4. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  5. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The SOUTH AUSTRALIAN 1837-1838. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1837SouthAustralian.htm
  6. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, February 2) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  7. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 21) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  8. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 20) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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