Origin & Meaning of the Mcdowell Surname
What does the last name Mcdowell mean?
The surname Mcdowell carries the meaning "Son of Mcdowell." It is derived from the Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 49,217 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcdowell ranks as the #702 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcdowell come from?
The Mcdowell surname has its roots in Irish/Scottish heritage. Names of Irish/Scottish 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 Mcdowell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcdowell trace back to Gaelic. 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 | Mcdowell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcdowell |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #702 |
| US Count (2010) | 49,217 |
| Per 100K People | 16.68 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcdowell
According to the US Census, the Mcdowell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 49,217 Americans with the Mcdowell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.7% |
| Black | 24.86% |
| Hispanic | 2.25% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 0.62% |
| Two or More Races | 2.09% |
Popularity of Mcdowell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcdowell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcdowell surname increased by 1,691 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Irish/Scottish Surnames
Explore more surnames with Irish/Scottish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Irish/Scottish origin as Mcdowell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcdowell
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