Dowd Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Dowd come from? What does the surname Dowd mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Dowd and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Dowd Origin: What does the last name Dowd mean?
The surname Dowd is an Anglicisation of the original √¬ Dubhda, derived from the U√≠ Fiachrach clan in Ireland. The U√≠ Fiachrach were a prominent family in Irish history, with the name Dowd tracing back to the 5th-century pagan king Fiachra. The Dowd surname has ancient royal roots, with the U√¬ Dubhda family holding positions of power in Connacht for centuries. The Dowd name evolved over time, with variations like O'Dowda, O'Dowd, and Doody emerging in different regions.
YourRoots data shows that the Dowd surname first appeared in records from England in the early 16th century, with significant growth in the United States from the 17th to the 19th centuries. By the 20th century, the Dowd surname had become more prevalent in the United States, indicating a wide global spread. The Dowd surname reflects a rich history of Irish heritage and royal lineage, with descendants around the world continuing to carry on this ancient name.
Dowd Last Name History: Where did the last name Dowd come from?
Origin of Dowd Surname: Where does the last name Dowd originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Dowd first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Dowd spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Dowd: What does the Dowd surname history look like in the early days?
The Dowd surname started growing significantly in the United States from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Dowd surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Dowd surname grew significantly in the United States.
Explore Dowd last name heritage and Dowd surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Dowd Surame?
Maureen Dowd
Maureen Brigid Dowd (January 14, 1952 - ) is an American columnist for The New York Times known for her witty and satirical take on politics, Hollywood, and gender-related topics. She received a Pulitzer Prize in 1999 for her columns on the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. Dowd's writing style has been likened to political cartoons for its exaggerated satire. She is also known for her nicknames for political figures, such as "W" for George W. Bush and "Spock" for Barack Obama. Dowd's columns often draw parallels between popular culture and politics, providing a unique perspective on current events.
Ann Dowd
Ann Dowd (January 30, 1956 - ) is an American actress known for her roles in popular films like "Compliance" and "Hereditary." She has also appeared in TV series such as "The Leftovers" and "The Handmaid's Tale," winning a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance. Dowd's talent and versatility have earned her critical acclaim in both film and television, making her a sought-after actress in the entertainment industry.
Nic Dowd
Nicholas Dowd (May 27, 1990 - ) is an American professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Washington Capitals in the NHL. Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, Dowd has played for teams like the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks before joining the Capitals. Known for his skill on the ice, Dowd's career highlights include being a finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award during his college years. Off the ice, he is happily married to Paige Dowd, whom he met while attending St. Cloud State University. Dowd continues to make a name for himself in the world of professional hockey.
Tom Dowd
Thomas John Dowd (October 20, 1925 – October 27, 2002) was an American recording engineer and producer known for his pioneering work at Atlantic Records. He revolutionized the multitrack recording method and worked with a diverse range of artists from Ray Charles to the Allman Brothers Band. Dowd's influence in shaping the sound of the 20th century music industry is immeasurable. His legacy lives on through the countless iconic recordings he helped create, earning him a posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
Matthew Dowd
Matthew John Dowd (May 29, 1961 - ) is an American political pundit and consultant known for his work on the Bush-Cheney 2004 presidential campaign and as an ABC News political analyst. Dowd grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and switched from being a Democrat to a Republican in 1999. He has been involved in various political campaigns and is a founding partner of the strategy consultancy Vianovo. Dowd has authored best-selling books and taught at the University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. He made headlines in 2021 when he announced a run for lieutenant governor of Texas as a Democrat, later ending his campaign in December of the same year.
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