DOWD members around the world

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...