Surname Dowler - Meaning and Origin
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Dowler: What does the surname Dowler mean?
The surname Dowler has its origins in England, with records of the name found as early as the 12th century. There are several possible meanings for the surname, though its true etymology is not known. One theory suggests that the name is associated with the Old English word “dol,” meaning an enclosing hedge or a barrier and would have been given to someone who lived near such a structure. The name might also be derived from the Old English words “doh” and “sceat,” meaning a hollow or an area of land which dips below a higher level. Alternatively, the name could also refer to geographic locations or settlements in England such as Darlow in Gloucestershire, or Dowlas in Herefordshire.
In more recent times, the name Dowler has been found in other parts of the world due to emigration. It has been commonly found in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, some people with the surname Dowler are also found in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Overall, the last name Dowler is a proud and longstanding part of English history, though its true origin is unknown. It is a meaningful surname that many people of English descent are proud to bear, and one which is likely to be around for many generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisDowler: Where does the name Dowler come from?
The last name Dowler is most commonly found in English-speaking countries. The United Kingdom has the largest concentration of people with the surname Dowler, particularly in the Midlands and South of England. Polls conducted in 2019 found the surname to be among the 100 most common surnames in England, Wales, and Scotland.
The surname Dowler is derived from the Old English personal name Doullere, which was brought over to Britain by Scandinavian settlers. The meaning of the name is believed to be "fixed;" although, it can also be interpreted as "the bear's man." In the Middle Ages, it was customary to give a nickname to someone based on their appearance or character.
The Dowler surname has spread to all corners of the English-speaking world since its arrival in Britain. In North America, it is most commonly found in the US states of Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. In Australia, the vast majority of people with the Dowler surname live in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Canada also has a large number of people with the last name, with the majority inhabiting Ontario and Alberta.
The Dowler surname is also common in countries outside of the English-speaking world, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Germany. Other countries where Dowler is found include France, Norway, and Chile.
Variations of the surname Dowler
The surname Dowler has various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The primary spellings are Dowler, Dowle, Dole, Dooler, and Dauler.
Dowler is a patronymic name derived from the Old English name Dudda, meaning man of great strength and courage. Variations of this name include Dudda, Duda, and Dodo. The surname Dowler first appeared in early medieval records of England in the 12th century.
Other variations ofthe surname include Dower, Dane, Dow,Doner,Dale,Eaver,Deler,Dally,Door,Dauce,Daller,Duler,Doaler,Doolen,Dowell, and Doer. These surnames all have the same origin, but have evolved separately over the centuries.
The Welsh surname Dewer is also believed to derive from this same root. This surname is believed to have developed in Wales before the Norman Conquest and is also thought to have developed independently from other forms of Dowler.
The Irish surname Doyle is also believed to derive from the same root. This is the anglicized form of 'O Dubhghaill', meaning "descendant of Dubhghall". The original form of the Irish surname comes from the Old Gaelic name 'Dubhghaill', meaning 'dark stranger'.
Variants of the surname Doyle also include Dole, Dollard,Doolan,O'Dowley, Dunleavy,Dool,Dolley,Doyle,Doule,Dolby,Duley,Daly, and Duble. As with the variants in England and Wales, these names all have the same root source, but have evolved independently over the centuries.
Famous people with the name Dowler
- Harry Dowler: former English cross-country skier
- John Dowler: British playwright and theatre director
- David Dowler: British journalist and author
- Ellyn Dowler: US professional golfer
- Mike Dowler: English footballer
- Bob Dowler: CEO of Dowler Construction Corporation
- Alexandra Dowler: British actress
- Emily Dowler: Canadian singer-songwriter
- Julia Dowler: American artist
- Chris Dowler: Australian rules footballer