This very interesting Olde English name has origins in pre Norman (1066) times but the precise meaning is a matter of some conjecture. The spelling has remained fairly constant and suggests that like Doggett, the derivation is from the English personal name 'Docca' which actually means 'Dog'. The translation of the name is probably 'Son of Dog' with 'ell' being a diminutive meaning 'little'. The etymology of surnames is often complex, in this case, it would appear to mean what is says The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Nicholas Doggerel which was dated 1249,The Warwickshire Assize Court. during the reign of King Henry 111 The Frenchman 1216 - 1272 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.