Family History and Genealogy Resources by Surname
McDowell Surname Origin
(origin Gaelic) The son of Dowell or Dougall, the dark stranger. From dhu, black, and gall, a native of the low country of Scotland; any one ignorant of the Gaelic language; a foreigner, a stranger. The same as McDougall.
Source: An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names With an Essay on their Derivation and Import; Arthur, William, M.A.; New York, NY: Sheldon, Blake, Bleeker & CO., 1857.
McDowell Surname Meaning and Family Facts
McDowell Last Name Meaning
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A McDowell Family History Thought:
'There is no life that does not contribute to history.' --Dorothy West