Holding steady.
Popularity of Dow since 1880
Babies named Dow per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1962, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Dow's real moment was 1893.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 31 |
| 1890s | 47 |
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 130 |
| 1920s | 174 |
| 1930s | 145 |
| 1940s | 125 |
| 1950s | 153 |
| 1960s | 149 |
| 1970s | 61 |
| 1980s | 29 |
| 1990s | 18 |
| 2000s | 18 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Dow is a rare given name that saw its peak usage in the late 19th century, specifically reaching its highest rank in 1893 before steadily declining. The name has remained stable in its rarity since the mid-20th century, with no recorded resurgence. It is overwhelmingly used for boys, and its origin as a transferred surname adds a layer of historical interest. While the exact meaning is uncertain, the name's connection to the Gaelic word for 'black' or 'dark' provides a plausible etymological link. Dow's trajectory reflects a classic pattern of surname adoption in the 19th century, followed by a slow fade from common usage.
Dow is most likely a transferred use of the English surname Dow, which has several possible origins. It may be an anglicization of the Gaelic 'dubh' meaning 'black' or 'dark', or a nickname for a person with dark hair or complexion. Alternatively, it could be a variant of the name 'Dowe', derived from a medieval personal name. As a given name, Dow saw its peak usage in the late 19th century, particularly in the 1890s, before falling out of common use.
Sibling names for Dow
Names that share Dow's style, for a brother or sister.
