Dougherty is an Irish surname, a variant of Doherty. The name is derived from the Gaelic Ó Dochartaigh, meaning "descendant of Dochartach"—a personal name thought to signify "obstructive" or "hurtful."Origins and HistoryThe Doherty (and hence Dougherty) family originated as a prominent sept in the region of modern County Donegal, Ireland. The surname is particularly associated with the territory of Inishowen, where the O'Dohertys were chiefs until the Elizabethan era.Notable BearersPaul Dougherty (1877–1947), American artist known for his landscapes and seascapes.Romeo E. Dougherty, a pioneering African-American sports journalist (Jacob, rather? Actually the source mentions Romeo E. Dougherty, but I'll correct: Wikipedia/Romeo Dougherty).Mike Dougherty, American filmmaker and screenwriter (e.g., Trick 'r Treat).Geographic DistributionIn the United States, Dougherty is the 915th most common surname according to the 2010 Census. Variant forms include Daugherty and Ó Dochartaigh.Key FactsMeaning: Descendant of Dochartach ("obstructive")Origin: Irish GaelicType: Surname (patronymic)Usage: Predominantly Irish, English-speaking countries