McDowell is a gallowglass name linking the Hebrides and the north of Ireland.
Where does the McDowell name come from?
McDowell is an anglicised form of the Gaelic Mac Dubhghaill, “son of Dubhghall” — a name meaning “dark stranger,” originally used by the Gaels for the dark-haired Danish Vikings, as opposed to the fair-haired Norwegians. It is the same name as the Scottish MacDougall.
McDowell in Ireland
The McDowells came to Ireland as gallowglass warriors from the Hebrides, serving the great Gaelic chiefs, and became established particularly in Ulster, including counties Down and Roscommon. As a documented gallowglass name, McDowell is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Did you know?
- McDowell comes from the Gaelic Mac Dubhghaill.
- Dubhghall means “dark stranger.”
- It was used for the dark-haired Danish Vikings.
- It is the same name as the Scottish MacDougall.
- The McDowells came to Ireland as gallowglass warriors.
Related Irish family names
You may also like McClure, McDonnell, and Barry.
Frequently asked questions
Is McDowell an Irish surname?
Yes — McDowell is a gallowglass name, from the Gaelic Mac Dubhghaill, established especially in Ulster.
What does McDowell mean?
It means “son of Dubhghall,” “dark stranger,” a term once used for Danish Vikings.
Is there a McDowell family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions.