Dowd

Dowd is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Dubhda," meaning "descendant of Dubhda." The name is predominantly found in Ireland but also has a presence in regions such as the United Kingdom, particularly in areas with historical Irish populations.

Origins:

The Dowd surname is primarily associated with County Mayo in Ireland, where the Ó Dubhda clan held prominence. The clan was influential in the province of Connacht and played significant roles in the region's history, particularly during medieval times.

Distribution:

While the Dowd surname is more commonly found in Ireland, particularly in regions with strong Irish heritage, there are also Dowd families in the United Kingdom. The surname can be found in England, Scotland, and Wales, often as a result of Irish migration.

Notable Individuals:

  • John Dowd: A renowned Irish artist known for his landscape paintings depicting the beauty of the Irish countryside.
  • Mary Dowd: A prominent academic and researcher in the field of Irish history, specializing in the culture of County Mayo.
  • Patrick Dowd: A successful entrepreneur who founded one of the leading Irish breweries in the UK, known for its traditional brewing methods.

Variants:

The surname Dowd has various derivatives and spellings, including Dowda, Dowde, and Dowdy, reflecting the phonetic variations that have arisen over time.

References:

For individuals interested in tracing their lineage or learning more about the Dowd surname, genealogical records, local archives, and historical sources related to Irish clans and migration patterns can provide valuable insights into the origins and evolution of the name.

There are approximately 2,798 people named Dowd in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,196th most common surname in Britain. Around 43 in a million people in Britain are named Dowd.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • James
  • John
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Denise
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Julie
  • 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.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.