Dow — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Unknown origin Rank #2,356 in the US 15,472 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#2,356
▼ Down 78 since 2000
People in the US
15,472
5.25 per 100K people
Origin
Unknown
Unknown

Origin & Meaning of the Dow Surname

What does the last name Dow mean?

The surname Dow carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 15,472 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dow ranks as the #2,356 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Dow come from?

The Dow surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Dow name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Dow trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

Unknown Unknown

Quick Facts

Surname Dow
Meaning Origin and meaning under research
Origin Unknown
Language Unknown
US Rank (2010) #2,356
US Count (2010) 15,472
Per 100K People 5.25
First Letter D

Ethnic Distribution of Dow

According to the US Census, the Dow surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,472 Americans with the Dow last name.

White 83.14%
Black 9.58%
Hispanic 3.21%
Asian/PI 1.29%
Native American 0.78%
Two+ Races 2.0%
Ethnic distribution of the Dow surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White83.14%
Black9.58%
Hispanic3.21%
Asian/Pacific Islander1.29%
Native American0.78%
Two or More Races2.0%

Popularity of Dow Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dow surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#2,278
14,622 people
Down 78
Census 2010
#2,356
15,472 people

The number of Americans with the Dow surname increased by 850 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Dow Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Dow ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Dow

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Dow.

Other Unknown Surnames

Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Dow.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dow

The surname Dow is of Unknown origin. Origin and meaning under research
The surname Dow is ranked #2,356 in the United States with approximately 15,472 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Origin and meaning under research. The name has Unknown roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Dow surname is distributed as: 83.1% White, 9.6% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Dow ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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