Dow Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Dow come from? What does the surname Dow mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Dow and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Dow Origin: What does the last name Dow mean?
The Dow surname originated in England around the early 15th century and has since spread globally, particularly in countries like the United States. Derived from common knowledge, the name "Dow" is associated with notable individuals such as Charles Dow, founder of Dow Jones & Co, and Herbert Henry Dow, founder of Dow Chemical Company. The surname's history reveals a growing presence in England during the 15th century, with YourRoots data indicating its continued expansion in various countries over the centuries.
YourRoots data further confirms the widespread distribution of the Dow surname by the 20th century, with significant records in the United States, England, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. The surname's prominence among diverse cultures and regions reflects its enduring legacy and global impact, making it a symbol of heritage and history for many families around the world.
Dow Last Name History: Where did the last name Dow come from?
Origin of Dow Surname: Where does the last name Dow originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Dow first appeared in records from England around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Dow spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Dow: What does the Dow surname history look like in the early days?
The Dow surname started growing in England during the 15th century and continued to gain frequency in subsequent centuries, particularly in countries like the United States. YourRoots data also shows Dow family records in various countries, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Dow surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Dow surname grew significantly in the United States. The Dow surname remains prominent in England and the United States. It appears in many countries, including Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Explore Dow last name heritage and Dow surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Dow Surame?
Tony Dow
Anthony Lee Dow (April 13, 1945 – July 27, 2022) was an American actor known for his role as Wally Cleaver in the iconic television sitcom Leave It to Beaver. He later reprised his role in a television movie and The New Leave It to Beaver series. In addition to acting, Dow was a film producer, director, and sculptor, creating abstract bronze sculptures. He also served in the California Army National Guard during the Vietnam War. Dow's work in the entertainment industry spanned decades, earning him recognition and awards, including the Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award. He continued to contribute to the arts until his passing.
Nancy Dow
Nancy Maryanne Dow (July 22, 1936 – May 27, 2016) was an American actress known for her roles in TV shows like "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "The Wild Wild West." She was also the mother of famous actress Jennifer Aniston. Dow had a diverse ancestry, including Italian, English, Scottish, and Irish roots. Despite facing health challenges later in life, she left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry through her work on screen. Dow's personal life, marked by marriages and reconciliations, also captured the public's attention. Her legacy lives on through her contributions to film and television.
Charles Dow
Charles Henry Dow (November 6, 1851 – December 4, 1902) was an American journalist and co-founder of Dow Jones & Company, creator of The Wall Street Journal, and inventor of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. He developed Dow theory, a foundation for technical analysis in the stock market. Dow's work revolutionized financial journalism and market analysis, shaping the way we understand and predict stock price movements today. His legacy lives on in the Dow Jones indexes and his influential writings on market behavior.
Herbert Henry Dow
Herbert Henry Dow (Feb 26, 1866 – Oct 15, 1930) was an American chemical industrialist known for founding Dow Chemical. A graduate of Case School of Applied Science, he excelled in inventing chemical processes, notably bromine extraction from sea water. His business acumen and innovative research led to the establishment of Dow Chemical Company, breaking a German monopoly on bromine supply. Despite challenges from competitors, Dow's determination and strategic tactics revolutionized the chemical industry. His legacy as a pioneering entrepreneur and inventor continues to influence the field of chemistry and business today.
Neal Dow
Neal Dow (Mar 20, 1804 – Oct 2, 1897) was an American Prohibition advocate and politician known as the "Napoleon of Temperance" and the "Father of Prohibition." Born in Portland, Maine, Dow led the movement to ban alcohol through legislation. As mayor, he enforced the Maine law, banning alcohol sales. Dow's efforts led to violence and opposition, but he continued to fight for prohibition, even running for President in 1880. After a long life dedicated to the cause, Dow passed away at 93, leaving a lasting legacy in the temperance movement.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.