Surname MacDowell - Meaning and Origin
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MacDowell: What does the surname MacDowell mean?
The last name MacDowell is of Scottish origin. It is a topographic name for someone who lived near a dark stream or was derived from the Gaelic "Mac Dhuill" meaning "son of the dark stream". MacDowell can also be an Anglicised form of the Gaelic "Mag Dubhghaill", which is a patronymic name meaning "son of the black foreigner" derived from a nickname for an immigrant.
The associated coat of arms of the MacDowell family can be blazoned as follows: Gules, a saltire engrailed between twenty cross crosslets or, on a chief argent threeitems sable. The crest is described as a dexter arm in armour, embowed, the hand grasping a saltire surmounted of a sheaf of arrows.
The name MacDowell was first found in Aberdeenshire. The family held a seat in two ill-fated rising against the English at Sauchieburn, and man named Angus MacDowell was given the lands of Buchan by Robert the Bruce. It is likely that the MacDowells who were also associated with the Scots in Ireland were descended from this line of MacDowells in Aberdeenshire.
In modern times, the MacDowell surname is still prominent in Scotland and in parts of the United States. It is a proud testament to a strong and loyal family heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMacDowell: Where does the name MacDowell come from?
The last name MacDowell is most commonly associated with Scotland and Ireland in the present day, although there are also pockets of MacDowell families all over the world. In Scotland, the family name is linked to the old Clan of McDougall, and appeared in various forms such as McDowell, McDowall, McDugall, and MacDougal. In Ireland, MacDowell families are found mainly in the Counties of Ulster and Leix, as well as Donegal and Mayo in the West of the country.
The modern MacDowell clan is made up of many different family branches, often split into different spelling variations. Some of the more widespread variants in Scotland include MacDowall, McDougall and McDowel, to name just a few. In Ireland, the family name is often seen written as McDowell, MacDowell, MacDowel and Macdowall.
It is also worth noting that any behavior concerning the modern MacDowell family is unlikely to be attributed to all variants of the family name, as the different branches often have their own individual historical ties and beliefs. While there is no definitive answer to the prevalence of the last name MacDowell, it seems that many family members today are proud of their heritage and continue to live by the values handed down to them by their ancestors.
Variations of the surname MacDowell
The variants, spellings and surnames of same origin for the surname MacDowell are MacDowall, MacDowel, MacDowelll, MacDoule, MacDoul, MacDouwel, McDougal, MacDouall, MacDougall, McDouel, McDowell, MacDugall, MacDuell, Macduel, and MacDuell.
MacDowell is an Irish surname, derived from the first name Mac Dúghaill which is thought to have ultimately come from the Irish Gaelic first-name, Dúghall, meaning dark stranger. This name was made up of Mac ("son of") and then the name Dúghall.
The name Mac Dúghaill evolved into phonetically similar variants such as MacDowell, MacDowall, and MacDowel over time. These variants have been popularized over the years by Anglocised spellings.
Variants including MacDoule, MacDoul, MacDouwel, McDougal, MacDouall, MacDougall, McDouel, MacDugall, MacDuell, MacDuel, and MacDuell are also used interchangeably.
Spelling variants are the result of errors in hand-writing manuscripts, which were later passed down through generations. It is possible that a single family may have several spelling variants of their surname. For example, some of the MacDowell variants might have originated in Scotland, while other MacDowells may have English roots.
Variants of the same surname often lead to different interpretations of historical records. Therefore, it is important for researchers to visit original records to ensure accuracy when tracing the lineage of a particular surname.
Famous people with the name MacDowell
- Andie MacDowell: actress (known for iconic roles in movies such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Groundhog Day, and Sex Lies and Videotape).
- Sarah Jane MacDowell: daughter of Andi MacDowell, author and educator.
- Zedric MacDowell: actor, appeared in The List.
- Brett MacDowell: America's Got Talent contestant.
- Hisam MacDowell: former professional soccer player.
- William MacDowell: American-born architect.
- David MacDowell: British actor.
- Solomon MacDowell: former Canadian Football League player.
- Julian MacDowell: inventer.
- Herminio MacDowell: Cal Ripken Jr Jr's baseball coach.
- Brad MacDowell: former college football player.
- Dr. Ashley MacDowell: Doctor and researcher.
- Lord MacDowell of Glenshee: late, Scottish noble.
- Marianne MacDowell: principal dancer.
- Don MacDowell: former professional golfer.
- Dan MacDowell: former professional hockey player.
- Maj. Gen. Gordon MacDowell: international leader in pastoral leadership education.
- Capt. William MacDowell: member of the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
- William MacDowell: Willamette Valley winery owner.
- Jax MacDowell: British stage actress.