Stay informed about DOWD Family online & offline events!

See one of our recent Ireland101 Tribe Gatherings

MEET
LEARN
SHOP

DOWD Family History

This is an anglicized form of the Olde Gaelic name O Dubhda. The Gaelic prefix "O" indicates "male descendant of", plus the personal name Dubhda, from "dubh" meaning "black". The sept claim descent from Fiacha, brother of Niall of the Nine Hostages, 4th Century King of Ireland, and for centuries the (O) Dowds were the leading sept in the ancient territory of Ui Fiachrach (comprising North Mayo, Sligo and parts of South Galway). Several clan members were bishops of the see of Killala, (Co. Mayo). In the 17th Century many (O) Dowds fought in the army of King James and their chief at that time, killed in the Battle of the Boyne (1690), is reputed to have been seven feet tall...

Have a free ancestral research assesment by one of our 101 genealogists

Who have we missed?

Tell us about any famous DOWD (or surname variant) you think we should add here. We will get our genealogists to check them out and add them to the list. Thanks!

MEET

Join the conversation with the DOWD tribe

Find your DOWD ancestor
Tell us about your DOWD Family
Tell us about your DOWD ancestors
Ask a question about the DOWD history
Leave a message for DOWD family members

Michael R Dowd

Looking for information on a Rodger Dowd b1800? Married a Mary(Felee) had a son James Dowd B1830, in leitrim?. James immigrated to the US via NY in 1852?. Live and died in MA.

Areas of Origin for DOWD

Sligo 101 page

Invite more DOWD family members!

Write an email address and click 'Invite' to share this page with more members of the DOWD tribe.

Log in or Register to invite others

Family Coat of Arms Generator

Why not see what your family crest could look like based on your own family characteristics?

Create Crest

LEARN

Discover about where the DOWD live around the world

27,485

DOWDs FOUND

Explore where tribe members live today!

Can you support one of our Heritage Pilot Projects in your region of origin or linked to you surname(s)? We have THREE live pilots on now and we just need pledges from people to help with donations and fundraising.

Project one is a smart upgrade to The Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley’s home on Clare Island, County Mayo to make it a ‘must visit’ tourist attraction.
Project two is a new ‘must visit’ Heritage Centre attract more Tourists to Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary.
Project three is a new Enterprise Centre in Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary.

If you would like to help with a donation pledge, or help fundraise, just submit your email here and we will send you more information on the projects and detail on how you can help.