Find out how popular the first name Dorman has been for the last 39 years (from 1974 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dorman by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Dorman is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dorman.

The history of the first name Dorman

The name Dorman is believed to have originated from the Old English language, with its roots dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain. It is derived from the Old English words "dor" meaning "door" and "mann" meaning "man," suggesting a possible connection to a gatekeeper or doorman.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dorman can be traced back to the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of land ownership and taxation compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. This historical document lists several individuals with the surname Dorman, indicating the name's presence in medieval England.

During the Middle Ages, the name Dorman was particularly prevalent in the northern regions of England, such as Yorkshire and Northumberland. It was often associated with families involved in trades or professions related to doors, gates, or entry points, reflecting the name's etymological origins.

In religious texts, the name Dorman has been mentioned in various contexts, although its significance is primarily historical rather than scriptural. Some historical records suggest that individuals with the name Dorman may have been involved in religious institutions, such as monasteries or churches, potentially serving as gatekeepers or doorkeepers.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Dorman. One of the earliest was Thomas Dorman (c. 1533–1577), an English Catholic theologian and controversialist who wrote extensively against the Protestant Reformation. Another prominent individual was Robert Dorman (c. 1570–1616), an English poet and playwright who was part of the literary circle around William Shakespeare.

In the 18th century, Dorman Beauclerk (1718–1804) was a renowned English nobleman and patron of the arts, known for his support of literary figures like Samuel Johnson and Joshua Reynolds. Later, in the 19th century, Dorman Bridgman Eaton (1823–1899) was an American lawyer and civil service reformer who played a significant role in establishing the U.S. Civil Service Commission.

The name Dorman has also been associated with notable figures in the arts and sciences. For example, Dorman Steele (1908–1983) was an American illustrator and painter known for his works depicting the American West, while Dorman T. Warren (1899–1981) was a renowned American physicist and inventor who contributed to the development of radar technology during World War II.

While the name Dorman may have declined in popularity in recent times, its rich history and cultural significance remain a testament to its enduring legacy, spanning centuries and crossing various domains of human endeavor.

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 Dorman was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!