Origin of the surname Macdowall

This notable Scottish clan surname is recorded in many forms including MacDowal, MacDowall, MacDoual, McDugald, McDougal, McDuall, McDill, McDool, and McCool. It is an anglicized form of the Old Gaelic "MacDubhghaill", a patronymic surname of pre 13th century. The derivation is from the male given name "Dubhghall", composed of the elements "dubh", meaning black or dark, and "gall", a stranger. It is said that this was frequently used as a nickname for Scandinavians, and in particular to distinguish the darker-haired Danes from fair-haired Norwegians.

The McDougall clan are descended from one, Dugall, the eldest son of Somerled of the Isles, a family described by the late Dr. Alexander Carmichael as "one of the most unobtrusive and honoured families in Scotland". Early recordings of the surname include: Robert M'Kowele, Lord of Karsnelohe, Ayrshire in 1370; Fergus Macdowylle of Roxburghshire in 1374; whilst John and Michael McDill were "respited" for murder in 1526. They were followers of the famous earl of Cassilis, who was making an unsuccessful bid for the throne of Scotland. Other recordings include Ewin M'Dougall of Dunaverty, Argyllshire, in 1647, Francis Thomas McDougall, the archdeacon of the Isle of Wight, England in 1874, and Sir Patrick Leonard MacDoughall (1819 - 1894), a distinguished general in the British Army. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Duncan MacKowle, the founder of the Priory of Ardchattan. this was dated 1230, in the "Medieval Records of Argyllshire", during the reign of Alexander 11, King of Scotland, 1214 - 1249.

The surname Macdowall. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname macdowall, and in addition to the original locations of macdowall, we can find out where people with the surname macdowall can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of macdowall.

The surname Macdowall around the world

The mobility of people carrying the surname macdowall has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.

History of Macdowall

The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname macdowall are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname macdowall.

Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname macdowall or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of macdowall.

Notable Figures Named Macdowall

A surname like macdowall can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname macdowall, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname macdowall who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Macdowall and its bibliographic sources

We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname macdowall, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of macdowall.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of macdowall, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Macdowall