What is the origin of the surname "Dorman"?

Question

My grandparents were from "Novascotia"

Answer 1

It appears it could be from several countries. It appears to be either from Germany, Russia or Britain, but I would say it is more English.

http://surnames.behindthename.com/bb_sur/arcview.php?id=1761
http://www.searchforancestors.com/surnames/origin/d/dorman.php

Answer 2

Dorman
There are two very different possible origins of this interesting
English name. Firstly from the Middle English personal name Dere,
Olde English Deora, meaning "beloved". Secondly, a nickname from
the Olde English deor, wild animal, or from the adjective of the
same form meaning "wild" or fierce". Later, however during the
Middle English period the name took on the more modern meaning -
"deer".

The dialectual variants include, D(e)are, Deer(e), Dearman, Dorman.
The National Biography lists George Deering botonist, envoy to
Queen Anne, and also John Deering as architect famous for his
design of public building in London. The first recorded spelling of
the family name is shown to be that of
Richard Dering, which was dated
circa 1250, in the "Cartularium Monasterii de Rameseia", Norfolk,
during the reign of
King Henry 111