Origin & Meaning of the Macdowell Surname
What does the last name Macdowell mean?
The surname Macdowell carries the meaning "From a spring or stream." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,431 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Macdowell ranks as the #19,027 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Macdowell come from?
The Macdowell surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Macdowell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Macdowell trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Macdowell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a spring or stream |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #19,027 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,431 |
| Per 100K People | 0.49 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Macdowell
According to the US Census, the Macdowell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,431 Americans with the Macdowell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.9% |
| Black | 1.26% |
| Hispanic | 1.75% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.77% |
| Native American | 0.56% |
| Two or More Races | 0.77% |
Popularity of Macdowell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Macdowell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Macdowell surname decreased by 12 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Macdowell Family
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- ✓ The Macdowell coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Macdowell
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Macdowell.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Macdowell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Macdowell
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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