Surname Dowde - Meaning and Origin

Dowde: What does the surname Dowde mean?

The last name Dowde is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. Its etymology is believed to be derived from the Middle English word "dowde," meaning "inactive," "stunted," or "unproductive." The earliest recorded use of the name can be traced back to 1279 in Essex, England when one "John Dowde" appears in the Subsidy Rolls of that county.

Today, people who bear the surname Dowde are spread across Europe, particularly England, as well as other countries such as Australia and the United States.

Numerous bearers of the surname also notably shares a common ancestry with the Dowdes of East Gresford, Cheshire. According to records, this branch of the family traces their lineage back to the 12th century when one "Hugh de Bradshagh" was documented as the Lord of the Manor at Bradshaw near Altrincham in 1163.

Given the historic context of the Dowde surname, it has been suggested that the name is likely to have been associated with holding land in its early days. While its exact meaning may still remain a mystery, it is believed to be a proud reminder of the family's long and distinguished history, in which they have played an important part in shaping the culture of the British Isles.

Dowde: Where does the name Dowde come from?

The last name Dowde is likely of English origin, and is currently common in the United Kingdom. According to the Office for National Statistics, by the time the 2011 UK Census was taken, the surname was most commonly found in the historic counties of Hampshire and Wiltshire, but there were also above average concentrations of people sharing this surname in Surrey and Kent.

The most recent data found in the US census Bureau lists that Dowde is not a particularly common name, however in 2012, 80 people representatives shared the surname. These people were spread mostly along the east coast, including states such as Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania.

In light of this information, the surname Dowde is commonly seen today in the United Kingdom, with a few instances in the US.

Variations of the surname Dowde

The surname Dowde is most commonly found in England and can be spelled in multiple ways. Variations of the surname spellings typically include Dowed, Dowd, Deved, Dowdes, Dowds, Devedes, Doude, and Dowedes. Dowd can also be spelled Dowde, Duel, Duede, and Doed.

The surname Dowde can be traced back to Gaelic, where duel means “dark” or “black”. The surname can also be traced back to Old English, where it was used to describe a person with dark skin or dark hair. It is likely that at some point in time, the spelling of the surname changed from Dowde to Duel, Duede, Doed, etc. as many surnames have evolved over time.

The name can also be found in other countries, particularly in the United States, where it is often spelled Dowd, Duel, Duede, and Doed. The name Dowde is also found in Ireland and Scotland, but is more common as a tribal name.

In addition to the surname Dowde, other surnames derived from the same origin include Dewdney, Deudney, Dudeney, and Dudney. These surnames are common in England and are believed to have descended from a common ancestor.

Overall, the surname Dowde can be found spelled in multiple forms. However, its origin is derived from Gaelic and Old English and is also found in other countries worldwide.

Famous people with the name Dowde

• Hugh Dowde: British politician
• Robert Dowde: American footballer
• Joshua Dowde: English actor
• Eliza Dowde: American actress
• John Dowde: Canadian politician
• David Dowde: British parachutist
• Steven Dowde: American entrepreneur
• Downtown Julie Brown: British television personality
• Troy Dowde: American racing driver
• Blake Dowde: British cyclist
• Samantha Dowde: Australian singer
• Paul Dowde: Canadian footballer
• Emily Dowde: American model
• Jessica Dowde: British author
• Avery Dowde: Canadian actress
• Chloe Dowde: Australian artist
• Thomas Dowde: British mathematician
• Matthew Dowde: Canadian entrepreneur
• Amber Dowde: American singer
• Samuel Dowde: American film producer

Other surnames

DowdDowdaDowdalDowdallDowdellDowdicanDowdleDowds