Mcdowall Surname

The History of the Surname McDowall

The surname McDowall has a rich and fascinating history that spans across the globe. With a total incidence of 2217 in Scotland, 1294 in England, 1049 in the United States, and significant numbers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and various other countries, the name McDowall has left its mark on numerous nations.

Origins of the Surname

The surname McDowall is of Scottish origin, with the prefix "Mc" denoting "son of" or "descendant of" in Gaelic. The name is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Dubhghaill, meaning "son of Dubhghall." The personal name Dubhghall itself is a combination of the Gaelic words "dubh," meaning "black," and "gall," meaning "stranger" or "foreigner." This suggests that the original bearers of the surname McDowall may have been descended from a dark-haired or swarthy individual of foreign descent.

The McDowall clan is said to have originated in Galloway, a historical region in southwest Scotland. The clan has a long and storied history, with members playing prominent roles in Scottish politics, military campaigns, and society over the centuries.

Migration and Spread of the Surname

As with many Scottish surnames, the McDowall name spread beyond the borders of Scotland due to factors such as migration, trade, and military service. The incidence of the surname in England, the United States, Australia, and other countries can be attributed to the movement of individuals and families seeking new opportunities and adventures.

In the United States, the surname McDowall can be found primarily in areas with significant Scottish immigrant populations, such as New England, the Mid-Atlantic states, and the Midwest. Many McDowall families in the US can trace their roots back to Scottish immigrants who arrived in the country in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

In Australia and New Zealand, the surname McDowall is also present, thanks to Scottish settlers who made the long journey to the Southern Hemisphere in search of a better life. The incidence of the name in these countries highlights the enduring ties between Scotland and its former colonies, as well as the global nature of Scottish migration.

Notable Bearers of the McDowall Surname

Throughout history, individuals with the surname McDowall have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, the arts, academia, and more. One notable bearer of the name is Sir John McDowall, a prominent Scottish politician and landowner who played a key role in the development of Galloway in the 18th century.

In the arts, actress Roddy McDowall gained fame for his performances in films such as "Planet of the Apes" and "Cleopatra." McDowall's talent and versatility as an actor earned him critical acclaim and a lasting place in Hollywood history.

Academically, Professor Elizabeth McDowall is a leading expert in the field of psychology, with a focus on child development and education. McDowall's research and publications have helped shape our understanding of how children learn and grow, making her a respected figure in her field.

Conclusion

The surname McDowall is a name with a rich and diverse history that has left its mark on numerous countries and cultures around the world. From its Scottish origins in Galloway to its spread across England, the United States, Australia, and beyond, the name McDowall represents a legacy of resilience, ambition, and achievement. As individuals and families with the surname continue to make their mark in various fields and endeavors, the legacy of the McDowall name will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

The surname Mcdowall in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent takes place in the case of Mcdowall, which as you can corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that can be found in all of the countries associated with globe. In the same manner you can find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people using the surname Mcdowall is more than in other countries.

The map of this Mcdowall surname

View Mcdowall surname map

The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Mcdowall on the planet, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves in the map, for a tangible country, we are able to begin to see the tangible number of people using the surname Mcdowall, to acquire in this way the precise information of all Mcdowall that one can presently find in that country. All this also assists us to comprehend not only in which the surname Mcdowall comes from, but also in what manner the individuals that are initially the main household that bears the surname Mcdowall have moved and moved. In the same way, you can see by which places they have settled and grown up, which explains why if Mcdowall is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other nations associated with the globe it will be possible that certain of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Mcdowall worldwide

  1. Scotland Scotland (2217)
  2. England England (1294)
  3. United States United States (1049)
  4. Australia Australia (795)
  5. Canada Canada (590)
  6. New Zealand New Zealand (496)
  7. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (293)
  8. Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago (66)
  9. South Africa South Africa (63)
  10. Wales Wales (47)
  11. Nothern Ireland Nothern Ireland (29)
  12. Guernsey Guernsey (22)
  13. British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands (17)
  14. Netherlands Netherlands (12)
  15. Bermuda Bermuda (12)
  16. Switzerland Switzerland (12)
  17. Barbados Barbados (11)
  18. Zimbabwe Zimbabwe (10)
  19. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka (9)
  20. Norway Norway (9)
  21. Cayman Islands Cayman Islands (8)
  22. Anguilla Anguilla (8)
  23. Bahamas Bahamas (6)
  24. France France (6)
  25. Chile Chile (4)
  26. China China (4)
  27. Philippines Philippines (3)
  28. Spain Spain (3)
  29. Jersey Jersey (3)
  30. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates (2)
  31. Peru Peru (2)
  32. Isle of Man Isle of Man (2)
  33. Japan Japan (2)
  34. Saint Lucia Saint Lucia (1)
  35. Malaysia Malaysia (1)
  36. Nigeria Nigeria (1)
  37. Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda (1)
  38. Austria Austria (1)
  39. Poland Poland (1)
  40. Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (1)
  41. Portugal Portugal (1)
  42. Russia Russia (1)
  43. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia (1)
  44. Sweden Sweden (1)
  45. Suriname Suriname (1)
  46. Cyprus Cyprus (1)
  47. Thailand Thailand (1)
  48. Germany Germany (1)
  49. Greece Greece (1)
  50. Ireland Ireland (1)
  51. Jamaica Jamaica (1)