Dow is a name of Welsh origin, meaning "dark" or "black". It is believed to have been brought over to Wales by the Normans during their conquest in the 11th century. The name Dow was originally given as a nickname to people who had dark hair or complexion, or who were particularly serious and somber in character.
The name Dow has not traditionally been very popular in Wales or other English-speaking countries. However, it has gained some popularity in recent years among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children.
There are no significant historical figures named Dow, but the name has appeared in literature throughout history. In William Shakespeare's play "Henry IV, Part 1," for example, there is a character named Sir John Falstaff who refers to himself as "Doll" or "Dow" as a nickname.
Overall, Dow is an uncommon but interesting name with a unique origin and meaning. While it may not be particularly popular, those who bear the name can take pride in its Welsh roots and distinctive history.
The name Dow has been given to a total of 1091 babies in the United States over the past century and a half. While it was quite popular during the early to mid-1900s, with peaks such as 23 births in 1959 and 26 births in 1962, its popularity has since waned. In fact, there were only 5 births each year from 2003 onwards, indicating that the name Dow is now quite rare. Despite this decline in popularity, it is still a unique and distinctive name with a rich history behind it.