This name derives from the diminutive of the Medieval English 'dogge' meaning 'dog' and was originally given as a nickname to one having dog-like characteristics i.e. faithfulness, friendliness etc. It is first recorded as Dogget in 1199 - the Pipe Rolls of Huntingdonshire and as Doget in the Pipe Rolls of Herefordshire 1203. It became a surname three years later. In the modern idiom the name has two spelling variations: Doggett and Dockett. An interesting name bearer was Thomas Doggett, author of a comedy 'Country Wake' in which he acted himself (1696). He was joint manager of the Haymarket (1709) and subsequently of Drury Lane until his death in 1721. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William Doget. which was dated 1206 The Assize Court Rolls of Lincolnshire during the reign of King John nickname Lackland 1199-1216. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.