Dobbs

Dobbs is a surname of English origin and is also used as a place name in the United States. As a surname, it is typically described as patronymic, indicating descent from an ancestor named Dob, with historical spellings that have included Dob, Dobb, and Dobbs in various records.

In geography, Dobbs appears in place names such as Dobbs Ferry, a village in Westchester County, New York, located along the Hudson River. The name is part of the region’s historical and cultural landscape, reflecting the common pattern of English-origin names appearing in American settlements.

In law, the name Dobbs is best known for its association with Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a 2022 United States Supreme Court decision. The ruling held that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion and thus allowed states to regulate or prohibit abortion, effectively overturning the earlier framework established by Roe v. Wade. The decision had widespread legal and political repercussions, influencing abortion policy and judicial discourse across the United States.

Notable individuals with the surname Dobbs have been recognized in various fields, including politics, sports, science, and the arts, though no single figure dominates the public record. The name Dobbs continues to appear in academic, legal, and cultural contexts, reflecting its long-standing presence in English-speaking societies.