Type Surname (from given name)
Gender Masculine
Usage English
Other Forms Formsdoncastle, Doncanstar, Doncast
Meaning & History
Doncaster's name originates from the Roman fort called Danum, established around 71 AD. The term "caster" derives from the Latin castra, meaning military camp, while "Don" comes from the Old English word Dunne, referring to the nearby River Don. Over centuries, Doncaster evolved from a Roman settlement to a significant medieval market town, gaining a charter from King Richard I in 1194. Its historical significance is reflected in its growth during the Middle Ages, becoming one of southern Yorkshire's wealthiest towns by the 14th century