Surname Dowdle - Meaning and Origin
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Dowdle: What does the surname Dowdle mean?
The last name Dowdle is an Anglo-Saxon surname, which has its roots in the medieval period of English history. The name likely derives from the Old English word ‘durl’ meaning ‘dark’ or ‘intense’. It may have been originally a nickname bestowed upon a person of a particularly dark hair or complexion.
Dowdles were historically found in Southeastern England, in Devon, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and Lincolnshire. They likely derived these areas during the 11th and 12th centuries, when families were migrating north from Central Europe.
In England today, the Dowdle surname can still be found in Devon and Lincolnshire, as well as in other parts of the United Kingdom. Dowdles may also be found in the United States, having arrived with the settlers of the colonial era. The family has since spread throughout the country, and the name is now well-represented in all 50 states.
In general, the Dowdle surname is a marker of an interesting history, and many people with the last name can trace their family's history back many centuries. Those who can easily trace their roots to England likely carry a family name associated with the long and fascinating history of the British Isles.
Order DNA origin analysisDowdle: Where does the name Dowdle come from?
The last name Dowdle is most commonly found in the United States. It first appeared in the early 19th century in Pennsylvania. According to the 1940 U.S. Census, it was most popular in the Central Appalachian region. In more recent times, however, the name has spread to many other regions.
Today, the last name Dowdle is found in the Great Lakes states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois, as well as in Southern states like Texas and Georgia. In 2019, the United States Census Bureau estimated that Dowdle was the 6,642nd most common surname in the country. Of this population, 39% originated from the Appalachian region and the other 61% came from elsewhere in the United States or from foreign countries.
The last name Dowdle is also found in Canada. According to the Canada 2016 Census, there were 109 Canadians with the last name. The regions with the highest population included Ontario and Quebec, and Ontario alone accounted for 37% of the Canadian population at the time.
Outside of North America, the last name Dowdle is found in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England, though in significantly lower numbers than what is seen in the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname Dowdle
Dowdle is a surname of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the Olde English personal name Dudda which is composed of the elements "dudd" which means "cloak" and "a" which is a diminutive suffix. It is also possible that the name originated from the Welsh surname Dodd which means "dark" or "black".
The variants of Dowdle are Dudle, Duddles, Duddell, Dowdell, Dowell, Dowl, Dowles and Duddleson.
Spelling variants of Dowdle include Daudle, Dowdle, Dudle and Duddel.
Surnames or other variant forms of the name Dowdle which have the same origin include Dudle, Duddell, Dowdell, Dowell, Dowl, Dowles and Duddleson.
Variants of Dowdle which have a completely different origin include Dougal, Doughty, Dougall, Doggett, Duggal and Dughall.
Famous people with the name Dowdle
- John Dowdle: American film director and producer best known for the horror films ‘Quarantine’ and ‘The Poughkeepsie Tapes’.
- Andrew Dowdle: an American business professor and author based in the University of Rochester, New York.
- Eli Dowdle: sibling of John and Andrew, a screenwriter and film producer.
- Quinn Dowdle: daughter of John and screenwriter.
- Ron Dowdle: American television producer.
- Richard Dowdle: journalist and editor of the late 1800’s.
- Dylan Dowdle: American YouTuber and influencer with over one million subscribers.
- Kenneth Dowdle: an American lawyer from Buffalo, New York.
- John Dowdle Jr.: founder of Big Green Marble Records.
- Tiffanie Dowdle: former Miss Colorado.