The sept's historic heartland, highlighted. People moved — a name can be found far from home.
Quick answersIs O'Dowd an Irish name?
O'Dowd is a Gaelic name: it was formed in Irish, from an Irish ancestor, before English was spoken here. In Irish the name is Ó Dubhda.
What does the surname O'Dowd mean?
O'Dowd (Irish: Ó Dubhda) means “descendant of Dubhda, 'the dark'”. Origin: Gaelic dynasty.
Where in Ireland is the surname O'Dowd from?
The historic homeland of the O'Dowd name is Mayo, Sligo. People moved, so the name can be found far beyond it.
What is the Irish for O'Dowd?
Ó Dubhda. Related spellings: Dowd, Doody.
Looking for the O'Dowd family crest? Read this first — arms belong to people, not surnames, and the honest version is more interesting.
Tracing O'Dowd ancestors? The step-by-step guide.