Pronunciation: [dˈə͡ʊti] (IPA) 
Doty is a surname that is pronounced as "doh-tee" [ˈdoʊti]. The first syllable 'do' is pronounced with an open-o diphthong [oʊ], that is a combination of the sound of the long o and short u. The second syllable 'ty' is pronounced with the t sound followed by the short i vowel and the consonant y [ti]. In terms of spelling, the 'o' in the first syllable is spelled as 'o', while the 'y' in the second syllable takes the place of the 'i' sound.
Doty is a surname with multiple origins and meanings. As a patronymic surname of English origin, Doty refers to a person's descent from a male ancestor named "Dodd" or "Dot." In this sense, it is an anglicized version of the Old English personal name "Dodda," meaning "famous ruler." Thus, Doty can signify an individual whose ancestors were associated with nobility, leadership, or governance.
The surname Doty can also have a Dutch or German origin. In Dutch, Doty is believed to be a variant of the name "Dodd," indicating the occupation of a doffer or carder of wool. This suggests that it symbolizes someone skilled in manipulating textiles or involved in the wool industry. Similarly, from a German perspective, Doty may be derived from "Dirtheit," meaning "dirtiness" or "soiling." This connection insinuates an individual associated with uncleanliness or disheveled appearance.
Additionally, the term "doty" can be used as an adjective in the English language to describe something or someone as senile, dotty, or mentally impaired due to old age. This colloquial usage alludes to a state of mental deterioration or forgetfulness associated with advanced age. Such usage is often found in informal conversations or literary works, capturing the notion of someone being forgetful or absent-minded.
The etymology of the surname "Doty" is not entirely certain. It is thought to have originated as a variant spelling of the English surname "Doughty". "Doughty" itself derives from the Middle English word "doughti", meaning brave, valiant, or strong. The name could have been used to describe someone who was courageous or had a bold personality. Over time, the spelling of the name could have changed to "Doty" due to various reasons, such as dialectal shifts, pronunciation changes, or clerical errors. However, it's important to note that tracing the precise origins of surnames can sometimes be challenging due to the complexities of historical linguistics and documentation.
