Summary

DOW is a surname of Scottish origin that can be traced back to the ancient Gaelic name, Mac Dubhghaill. It signifies the 'dark stranger' or the 'black stranger'. The name has a rich history and is believed to have originated in the Highlands of Scotland.
There are
15472
Dows in the USA
Dow is the
2356th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Dow

OwenDowling

Owen Dowling was an Irish poet and playwright known for his satirical works and his contributions to Irish literature in the 19th century.

CatherineDowd

Catherine Dowd was an Australian nurse who served in World War I and was known for her dedication and bravery in treating wounded soldiers.

SamuelDowsett

Samuel Dowsett was a British engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to the development of telegraphy and other electrical technologies in the 19th century.

SarahDowson

Sarah Dowson was an English suffragette and women's rights activist who fought for gender equality and played a significant role in the suffrage movement in the early 20th century.

JohnMcDowall

John McDowall was a Scottish physician and anatomist known for his groundbreaking research in human anatomy and his contributions to medical education in the 18th century.

MaryMcDowell

Mary McDowell was an American social reformer and educator who dedicated her life to improving the lives of immigrants and working-class communities in Chicago in the early 20th century.

JamesDowie

James Dowie was a Scottish entrepreneur and religious leader who founded the city of Zion, Illinois and established the Christian Catholic Church in the late 19th century.

RobertMcDowell

Robert McDowell was an American astronaut and naval aviator who flew on multiple space shuttle missions and played a key role in the development of space exploration technology.

ElizabethDoherty

Elizabeth Doherty was an Irish folk singer and songwriter known for her soulful ballads and her contributions to the Irish music scene in the mid-20th century.

MargaretMegdow

Margaret Megdow was a Scottish historian and genealogist who conducted extensive research on Scottish Clans and their histories in the 19th century.

Dow Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Dow' is of Scottish and Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name 'Dubh', meaning 'black' or 'dark'. The name 'Dow' was initially used as a nickname for someone with dark hair or a dark complexion.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Dow' is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland. It is also present in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to migration and immigration.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Dow' include 'Dowie', 'Day', and 'Doherty'. These variations may reflect regional differences in pronunciation and spelling.
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Dow' have migrated and immigrated to various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Many Scots and Irish people with the surname 'Dow' emigrated due to economic opportunities and political factors.