Docherty is a Scottish surname. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name Dochartach, which itself comes from dochart, meaning "hurtful" or "unlucky." The name was originally a given name and later adopted as a surname.
Origin and History:
The surname Docherty is most common in the west of Scotland, particularly in Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire, and Renfrewshire. The clan or family associated with the name is not a recognised Scottish clan with a formal chief. Instead, Docherty is a surname found amongst families who may have been associated with larger clans or resided in areas associated with certain historical power structures.
Variations:
Common variations of the surname include:
- Dougherty
- Docharty
- Dogherty
- Daugherty
Notable People with the Surname:
- Tommy Docherty: A Scottish football player and manager.
- Jim Docherty: A Scottish professional footballer.
- Helen Docherty: A Scottish author.
Distribution:
The Docherty surname is primarily found in Scotland, Ireland, and other countries with significant populations of Scottish and Irish descent, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.