DOW
Dow
Background: Dow is a Scottish and Irish surname that originated as a nickname for someone with dark hair or a swarthy complexion. It is derived from the Gaelic word dubh, meaning "black" or "dark." The surname can also be found in England and Wales, often as a variant of the name Dawe.
Distribution: The surname Dow is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in Aberdeenshire, where it has historical roots. It is also prevalent in the USA, Canada, and Australia, often linked to Scottish or Irish emigration.
Notable Individuals:
- Andrew Dow - A Scottish professional golfer who competed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Sarah Dow - An English author known for her works of historical fiction set in Victorian England.
- Kenneth Dow - A renowned Irish scientist who made significant contributions to the field of microbiology.
Variants: Variants of the surname Dow include Dowe, Dowes, and Dowe. These variations often arose due to phonetic spellings or regional dialects.
Coat of Arms: The Dow family coat of arms features symbols such as a shield with a black background, signifying darkness, and perhaps reflective of the original meaning of the surname. Other elements such as crosses or rampant lions may also be present, indicating attributes such as courage or faith.
Legacy: The surname Dow has a rich heritage rooted in Scotland and Ireland, with branches extending to other parts of the world through migration and settlement. It is a name that holds historical significance and continues to be embraced by individuals proud of their Celtic ancestry.
There are approximately 5,076 people named Dow in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,859th most common surname in Britain. Around 78 in a million people in Britain are named Dow.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Colin
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Robert
- William
Female
- Alison
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Gillian
- Jacqueline
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.