Find out how popular the last name Dorris is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Dorris.

Dorris, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Dorris surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Dorris in America

Dorris is the 5251st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Dorris surname appeared 6,644 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 2 people would have the surname Dorris.

We can also compare 2010 data for Dorris to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Dorris

The surname Dorris is believed to have originated in England, with roots tracing back to the medieval era. It is thought to be a variant of the Old English word "dor," meaning door or gate, potentially suggesting an association with a gatekeeper or someone who lived near a notable entrance.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Dores" or "Dores," referring to a location or individual. This ancient manuscript, commissioned by William the Conqueror, provides valuable insights into the distribution of surnames across various regions of England.

In the 13th century, the name took on the spelling "Doris," which was commonly used in areas such as Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. This spelling variation is believed to have emerged as a result of local dialects and the evolution of language over time.

Among the notable individuals who bore this surname is John Dorris, a prominent merchant and alderman in the city of London during the 15th century. His name appears in various civic records and chronicles of the time, reflecting the influence and standing of his family within the mercantile circles of medieval England.

Another historical figure associated with this surname is Sir Richard Dorris, a distinguished military commander who fought alongside King Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. His bravery and leadership earned him recognition and land grants, solidifying the Dorris family's status among the English gentry.

In the 16th century, the name underwent further spelling variations, including "Dorrys" and "Dorriss," as evidenced in parish records and legal documents from various counties across England. This period also saw the emergence of notable Dorris families in regions like Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

One of the most renowned individuals with this surname was Sir William Dorris (1562-1631), a prominent lawyer and judge who served as Lord Chief Justice of England during the reign of King Charles I. His legal acumen and reputation for integrity left a lasting impact on the English judicial system.

Another noteworthy figure was Elizabeth Dorris (1633-1698), a renowned author and poet whose works explored themes of love, nature, and spirituality. Her literary contributions earned her acclaim and recognition among the intellectual circles of 17th-century England.

As the centuries passed, the Dorris surname continued to spread across various regions of the British Isles, with different branches establishing themselves in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. The name's enduring presence in historical records and its association with notable individuals reflects its deep-rooted heritage within the tapestry of British history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Dorris

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Dorris.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Dorris was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Dorris has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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