Find out how popular the first name Dodge has been for the last 37 years (from 1987 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dodge by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Dodge is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 16 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dodge.

The history of the first name Dodge

The given name Dodge is an English masculine name that originated as a nickname from the Old English word "docga," which means "a doggy or little dog." The name's origins can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period in England, around the 5th to 11th centuries.

In its early usage, Dodge was not necessarily a formal given name but rather a descriptive nickname used to refer to someone who exhibited characteristics associated with dogs, such as loyalty, playfulness, or a tenacious nature. The nickname eventually evolved into a proper given name as it gained popularity over time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dodge can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landowners and properties in England compiled in 1086 under the orders of William the Conqueror. The name appears as a surname in this document, indicating its use as a descriptive identifier during that period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Dodge. One of the most renowned was Dodge Billingsley (1613-1689), an English merchant and politician who served as a member of the British Parliament during the 17th century. Another prominent figure was Dodge Macknight (1760-1828), an American Revolutionary War veteran and politician who later served as a member of the United States House of Representatives.

In the realm of literature, Dodge Dillingham (1872-1949) was an American author and playwright who wrote several successful Broadway plays in the early 20th century. Dodge Connolly (1885-1962), on the other hand, was an American actor and director best known for his work in silent films and early talkies.

In more recent times, Dodge McFall (1920-2007) was a Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1940s and won the Stanley Cup in 1942.

Despite its historical roots and notable bearers, the name Dodge has become relatively uncommon as a given name in modern times, though it still maintains a presence as a surname in various cultures and regions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Dodge was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Dodge, please contact us.

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