Meaning & History
Dorsey is an English surname originating from the Norman French place name Orsay, referring to the town of Orsay near Paris. The town's name itself derives from the Latin personal name Orcius, with the suffix -acum indicating estate or settlement, thus meaning “estate of Orcius.” The surname likely came to England after the Norman Conquest.
The name appears predominantly in English-speaking countries, though it is not among the most common surnames historically.
In modern times, bearers usually associated with first name Dorsey are more famous, such as the musician Tommy Dorsey (although Tommy is his given name, the surname Dorsey is emblematic of the jazz and big band era). Other notable bearers include key figures in American politics, religion, and sports, offering a varied representation of the name's usage.
Sources: Wikipedia — Dorsey (given name)