Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.

First name (Optional)

Middle name (Optional)

Last name* (Required)

Advanced Search Options

Exact match

(Show only records that exactly match the information entered.)

Birth year (Optional)

Death year (Optional)

Birth location (Optional)

Death location (Optional)

Dow Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Dow Surname

The Dow surname traces its origins back to England, appearing in historical records as early as the 15th century. This surname, with its English roots, has been carried through generations, establishing a significant presence in both historical and genealogical contexts. Originally, the Dow name was connected to families who began to form distinct identities, marking their place in history and laying the foundation for a rich lineage that would evolve over the centuries.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the Dow surname spread across England, branching into various regions. This expansion was facilitated by the flourishing agricultural and trade sectors, allowing Dow families to integrate into different communities. By the 19th century, the Dow name had crossed the Atlantic, establishing a strong presence in the United States. This migration was part of a broader movement seeking new opportunities, leading to the Dow family's significant growth in the early 20th century and its continued global spread in subsequent decades.

YourRoots data provides valuable insights into the Dow family's genealogical journey. It confirms the surname's early presence in England, aligning with historical records that trace its emergence to the 15th century. As documented, the Dow family tree expanded significantly during the 19th century, particularly with the migration to America, enriching the historical tapestry of Dow genealogy. These insights are crucial for understanding the interconnectedness of Dow family histories across different regions and time periods.

For those interested in exploring their Dow lineage further, the YourRoots database offers a wealth of Dow records, supporting genealogical research and helping individuals uncover their family's past. This resource serves as a bridge between historical and contemporary records, providing a comprehensive view of the Dow family tree for genealogists and family history enthusiasts alike.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Dow Family Tree

Search more Dow trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Dow for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Dow Family Lineage

Origin of the Dow Family: Where does the Dow surname come from?

The Dow surname first emerged in England during the early 15th century, marking the beginning of a rich family lineage. This initial appearance in the records signifies the earliest roots of families who would carry the Dow name through generations, establishing a foundational connection to their genealogical origins. Such early records are essential for tracing the lineage and understanding how these families began to form their unique identities.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Dow

Throughout the subsequent centuries, families bearing the Dow surname began to spread significantly across England, particularly in regions where agriculture and trade flourished. In the 16th century, the Dow family lines began to branch out, forming distinct family trees as they settled in various parts of the country, each adapting to their local environments and contributing to the broader community. The 17th century saw further expansion, with these families establishing their presence in both rural and urban settings, thereby intertwining their legacies with the history of England.

Tracing the Dow Family Tree Through the Centuries

As the centuries progressed, the Dow surname began to traverse beyond England’s borders, notably expanding to the United States in the 19th century where many families sought new opportunities. This migration led to a significant increase in the presence of the Dow name, particularly in the early 20th century, as descendants of English Dows established their roots in various American communities. By the late 20th century, the global spread of the Dow surname had become evident, with families continuing to evolve and branch out in multiple countries, reinforcing the interconnectedness of their genealogical histories.

Where to Find Dow Genealogy Records Today

In contemporary times, the Dow surname can be found across a variety of regions, reflecting its rich and diverse heritage. Families continue to explore their genealogical roots, with ample resources available for tracing family trees in the 21st century. Those interested in uncovering their own connections to the Dow lineage are encouraged to explore the YourRoots database, which offers a wealth of records to aid in their family history research.

Famous People with Dow (and Their Family Tree)

Tony Dow

Tony Dow, born Anthony Lee Dow, was an acclaimed American actor, director, and sculptor, best known for his iconic role as Wally Cleaver on the TV sitcom "Leave It to Beaver" from 1957 to 1963. Dow's career highlights include reprising this role in the 1980s series "The New Leave It to Beaver," directorial work on shows like "Babylon 5" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," and receiving the Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. In addition to his screen career, Dow was a talented sculptor, showcasing his abstract bronze works internationally.

Tony Dow was born in Hollywood, Los Angeles, to Muriel Virginia (Montrose), a stuntwoman, and John Stevens Dow, a designer and contractor. His early life included training as a Junior Olympics diving champion. Dow's family background in Hollywood likely influenced his eventual career in the entertainment industry.

Nancy Dow

Nancy Maryanne Dow was an American actress known for her roles in television and film, enhancing her visibility in the entertainment industry. She appeared in notable TV series such as "The Beverly Hillbillies" in 1966 and "The Wild Wild West" in 1967, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Dow also made her mark in cinema with her role in the 1969 film "The Ice House," and later featured in the 2004 Canadian film "Pure." Her career extended beyond acting, as she was also a model and author, contributing to her diverse professional portfolio.

Nancy Dow was born in West Hartford, Connecticut, to Louise (née Grieco) and Gordon McLean Dow. She was one of six daughters, with her maternal grandfather, Louis Grieco, being an Italian immigrant. Her ancestry included Italian, English, Scottish, and Irish roots, providing a rich cultural background. Dow had five sisters: Linda, Martha, Sally, Joan, and Jean, highlighting her strong family connections. She was married twice and was the mother of actress Jennifer Aniston, adding to her family’s prominence in the entertainment world.

Charles Dow

Charles Henry Dow was a pioneering American journalist and financial analyst, best known for co-founding Dow Jones & Company and The Wall Street Journal, two cornerstones of financial news and analysis. His groundbreaking work led to the creation of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a key stock market index still in use today. Dow's development of market analysis principles, later known as Dow Theory, laid the foundation for modern technical analysis, significantly impacting stock market predictions and understanding.

Herbert Henry Dow

Herbert Henry Dow, an influential American chemical industrialist, founded Dow Chemical, a multinational conglomerate known for its innovative chemical processes. A Case School of Applied Science graduate, Dow was a pioneering inventor, notably developing a cost-effective bromine extraction method that challenged a German monopoly. His strategic business maneuvers, including his role in breaking the bromine cartel, showcased his entrepreneurial acumen and significantly impacted the chemical industry.

Herbert Henry Dow was born in Belleville, Ontario, to American parents Joseph Henry Dow, an inventor and mechanical engineer, and Sarah Bunnell from Derby, Connecticut. The family returned to the U.S. shortly after his birth, eventually settling in Cleveland as Joseph pursued opportunities with Derby Shovel Manufacturing Company.

Neal Dow

Neal Dow, born on March 20, 1804, in Portland, Maine, was a prominent American Prohibition advocate and politician, famously known as the "Napoleon of Temperance" and the "Father of Prohibition." As a key figure behind the Maine law, Dow served twice as the mayor of Portland and was integral in banning alcohol sale and production. He later joined the Union Army during the Civil War, achieving the rank of brigadier general. Despite retiring after a financial scandal, Dow continued his lifelong dedication to the prohibition movement, even running for President on the Prohibition Party ticket in 1880.

Neal Dow was born to Josiah and Dorcas Allen Dow, both Quakers, in Portland, Maine. His father, originally from New Hampshire, was a successful farmer and tannery owner. Neal was the middle child and only son in the Dow family. His mother, Dorcas, came from a prosperous Maine family, guided by her grandfather, Hate-Evil Hall. Despite struggling with some Quaker tenets, Neal adopted virtues like thrift and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco early in life. In 1830, he married Maria Cornelia Maynard and together they had nine children, five of whom survived infancy.

Dow Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Dow" is associated with various notable individuals across different fields, including politics, sports, arts, and business. It is particularly recognized in America and the UK, with figures like Charles Dow, the founder of Dow Jones & Co, and Herbert Henry Dow, the founder of Dow Chemical Company, highlighting its prominence in industry and finance.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Dow

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Dow family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Dow surname to learn more.