O'DOWD
Also recorded as O Dowd, O' Dowd, O'dowd, Odowd
O'Dowd
Origin and Meaning O'Dowd is a prominent Irish surname that traces its roots to the Gaelic language. The name O'Dowd is an anglicised form of the original Gaelic surname "Ó Dubhda", which translates to "descendant of Dubhda". The Gaelic word "Dubhda" means "black", indicating a person with dark features or a dark complexion. The O'Dowd surname is primarily associated with people of Irish descent.
History The O'Dowd clan originated in the province of Connacht in Ireland, with their main stronghold situated in County Mayo. They were recognised as one of the leading noble families in this region and were known for their warrior-like nature. The O'Dowd family played a significant role in Irish history, engaging in various battles and conflicts throughout the centuries.
Notable Individuals Several notable individuals bear the surname O'Dowd, including:
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Chris O'Dowd - An acclaimed Irish actor and comedian known for his roles in television shows and films such as "The IT Crowd" and "Bridesmaids".
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Mark O'Dowd - An esteemed Irish artist renowned for his contemporary paintings and sculptures that explore themes of identity and heritage.
Popularity The surname O'Dowd remains prevalent among people of Irish descent, particularly those with ancestral ties to County Mayo and other regions in Connacht. The O'Dowd name has also spread beyond the shores of Ireland, with individuals of Irish heritage bearing this surname residing in various parts of the world, especially in countries with significant Irish immigrant populations.
Coat of Arms The O'Dowd family crest typically features symbols and imagery that reflect the clan's history and values. Details of the coat of arms may vary depending on different branches of the family and the specific heraldic traditions associated with them.
In conclusion, the surname O'Dowd holds a rich history within Irish culture and is emblematic of the resilience and heritage of the people associated with it.
There are approximately 1,480 people named O'Dowd in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,413th most common surname in Britain. Around 23 in a million people in Britain are named O'Dowd.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Christopher
- Darren
- David
- James
- John
- Martin
- Michael
- Mick
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Remi
- Thomas
- Tony
Female
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Susan
- Victoria