"Dow" is a traditional Irish surname that likely originally referred to someone who lived by a hill. The name is derived from the Old Irish word "dubh" meaning "black" or "dark," suggesting a connection to the color of a specific hill or land feature. The Dow family name has been found across Ireland, Scotland, and England, with variations in spelling such as "Dowe" or "Dough." In modern times, individuals with the surname Dow can be found throughout the world, with many descendants tracing their ancestry back to Ireland. The name Dow carries a sense of history and heritage, serving as a link to the past for those who bear it.