Docherty (surname)

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.