Dorst (surname)

Dorst is a surname with origins primarily in Germany and the Netherlands. It is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word "dorre" or the Middle Dutch word "dor," both meaning "dry" or "barren." As such, the surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived on dry land, a heath, or an infertile piece of land. Alternatively, it may have been used as a nickname for someone who was thin or gaunt.

The surname Dorst is found with varying frequency across different regions. It is more common in parts of Germany and the Netherlands, and also present, though less frequently, in other countries with historical connections to these regions, such as the United States and Canada.

Variations of the surname may include D'Orst, Dorstius, and potentially others depending on regional dialects and historical transcriptions.

Individuals with the surname Dorst have been noted in various fields, including academia, business, and the arts, though no singular, widely recognized individual definitively defines the surname's notability. Genealogical research is recommended for those seeking specific historical information regarding their family lineage related to the Dorst surname.