Doust Family History

Apparently from Middle English dust doust ‘dust powder’ (Old English dūst possibly with reference to a dust-coloured complexion or hair. Compare Thomas Dustiberd 1229 in Patent Rolls (Somerset) William Dustifot 1221 in Assize Rolls (Worcs), a nickname for a wayfarer, perhaps such as a travelling pedlar).

And the traditional nickname Dusty given to one called Miller. Alternatively, since the Middle English word also denoted ‘a speck of dust’, it may have been used of someone with a small, thin body or slight appearance.