Surname Dower - Meaning and Origin
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Dower: What does the surname Dower mean?
The last name Dower is of English and Scottish origin, and is derived from the Old English ‘duru’, meaning door or gate. The name is generally thought to have referred to a gatekeeper, or one who lived near a gate. In Scotland, it is derived from ‘dorr’, meaning stranger, most likely referencing an outsider who moved to the same area.
The earliest mention of the surname Dower appears to be in Yorkshire in 1273. Four generations of Dowers were listed in the parish of Newburn in Northumberland in the 16th century, and the family expanded their presence across the country.
The variant spellings of Dower, however, are quite common: Dauwe, Dawer, Dowe, Dow, and Dour all appear to have the same origin and have seen similar usage over the centuries.
Today, some descendants of those who took the name Dower may still live in England, particularly in Yorkshire and Northumberland, although the name can be found across the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisDower: Where does the name Dower come from?
The last name Dower is most commonly found in England, both as a surname and as a place name. It is believed that the name originated in County Durham in the north of England, where it is most prevalent today. However, there are also a significant number of people with the surname in Canada, the United States, and Australia.
The most popular explanation is that the surname is derived from the old English 'Dore', which was an ancient name for a bird. A 'Dar', meanwhile, was the term used for a wild animal. Roots from these two words are believed to be the origin for the name, particularly in the north of England.
In more modern times, the name has spread further afield. Those in the United States are likely to be descended from English immigrants, while in Canada and Australia, it's likely that the Dower surname is derived from migrants from England who sought a new life in former British colonies.
Despite its proliferation, the name Dower is still most common in the north of England. Those with family roots in the region will likely be the most conversant with name and its place in English heritage.
Variations of the surname Dower
The surname Dower is a variant of the Old English surname Dowar and the original surname in Old English was Dohwar. It has its origins in the phrase ‘doh weorthan’, meaning ‘to gain ground’. The surname has evolved over time to become the anglicised 'Dower'.
Variant spellings or surnames of the same origin include; Dowar, Dowery, Dowrey, Dowry, Dohwearth, Dohwerth, Dowaroth and Dohwarth.
The surname is linked to a particular profession. Those bearing this surname were known as the 'dowermen', which was a unique role that still exists in the English law system today. The 'dowermen' were appointed by the Lord of the Manor to collect fees and rents from those living on the land and to act on the lord's behalf in disputes. Therefore, the surname is also connected to an old feudal system.
Another related surname is 'Doorbar', which originated from Scotland. In Scotland, 'Doorbar' is thought to be derived from the Old English 'Dohwurth', meaning 'a small piece of land'. Those bearing the name 'Doorbar' are often thought to be related to 'Dower' or 'Dowar' families originally from England or Scotland.
The greatest concentrations of the surname 'Dower' are in England and Scotland, although there are also records of the surname in France, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Dower
- Patrick Dower: Canadian actor, artist, and designer
- Gillian Dower: New Zealand immunobiologist specializing in cancers
- Mary Dower: Australian radio newsreader
- Tom Dower: Australian Paralympic swimmer
- Chris Dower: British Paralympic swimmer
- Philip Dower: Australian contemporary artist
- Nicole Dower: Australian actress
- Oisín Dower: Irish jockey
- John Dower: British historian and filmmaker
- John Dower: British diplomat