Surname Dow - Meaning and Origin

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K. Dow

Dow: What does the surname Dow mean?

Dow is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin. It is believed to come from the Gaelic word "dubh" which means "black." The name might have originally been given to an individual who had a dark complexion or dark hair, as a way to distinguish them from others. It might also have been used to denote a person who was a swarthy or dark individual, possibly indicating Celtic heritage where such physical characteristics were common. The name Dow has variations in spelling as well, including Dowe, Dowes, and others. Over time, as people migrated to different areas, the surname has spread to various parts of the world including North America and Australia. It is important to note that meanings of surnames can vary widely, including geographical, occupational, patronymic or matronymic origins; thus, meanings can differ based on regional factors and historical context.

Dow: Where does the name Dow come from?

The surname Dow is of Scottish, English, or Irish origin, stemming from many different sources. It could come from the Gaelic name Dubh, meaning "black" or "dark", or possibly from the Old English personal names Dowe and Doa. In Scotland, it is often associated with Aberdeen and Angus regions. It could also have been an abbreviation of MacDow. This name could be an Anglicized version of the Irish Ó Dubh. In some instances, it may have derived from the Middle English word "dow", representing the dove, symbolizing purity and love.

As for today, it is fairly common in the United States, particularly in the northeastern states, though it spreads across the country. Due to historic migration patterns, it also has a certain presence in Canada, Australia and the UK. This surname should not be confused with the Dow Jones Industrial Average or Dow Chemical Company, which have their own histories separate from the surname.

Variations of the surname Dow

The surname Dow has several variants, alternative spellings, and related surnames derived from same roots due to regional dialects, misinterpretation, and transcription errors over the years. Some of these include Douw, Dowe, Dowes, Dowse, Dow's, Dau, Daux, and Dou.

In some cases, it is an anglicized version of the Scottish and Irish surname Dhu or Dubh, both of which mean "black" or "dark". Alternative spelling for Dhu includes Duff in Scotland and Dove in England.

Family names similar in origin to Dow include Dowson, Dowd, Dowdy, Dowe, Dowen, and Dowler.

It's also worth mentioning that Dow can be a short form of other surnames, such as Dowling or Dowdall.

Several surnames from other cultures have been anglicized as Dow or sound similar, such as the Chinese name Dao, the Vietnamese Dao, or the Korean Dao.

Each of these surnames has its own history and may or may not be directly related to Dow in all instances. Therefore, a specific genealogical research should be carried out to verify the connection.

Famous people with the name Dow

• Lesley J. McNair: An American Army officer who served in World War I and II.
• Johnny Dow: He was a professional football player in the National Football League (NFL).
• Don Dow: An Aussie Rules footballer who played with Melbourne and St Kilda in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
• Doris Dowling: An American actress known for her roles in movies like "The Lost Weekend" and "Bitter Rice".
• Tony Dow: An American film producer, director, and actor, best known for his role in the TV series "Leave It to Beaver".
• Douglas Dow: An Australian geologist.
• David Dow: A CBS News correspondent who covered major events like the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal.
• Joyce Dow: An Indian writer of children's stories.
• Wallis Dowding: A British air marshal who led the RAF during the Battle of Britain in WWII.
• Bill Dow: A Canadian actor, director and writer, primarily recognized for his roles in TV shows like The X-Files, Da Vinci's Inquest, and the Stargate franchise.
• Arthur Wesley Dow: A revered American artist who played a significant role in developing modern art education practices.
• Herbert Henry Dow: The founder of Dow Chemical Company.

Other surnames

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