MacDowall History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:

Scotland

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The MacDowall family name comes from the personal name Dougal. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Dhughaill and literally means "son of Dougal." The personal name Dougal, meaning "dark stranger." 1 2

"The claim of the Macdowells of Galloway to be descended from the ancient native lords of Galloway can neither be disproved nor can it be satisfactorily established." 3

Early Origins of the MacDowall family

The surname MacDowall was first found in South Ayrshire where "Mactheuel witnessed a charter by Uchtredus filius Fergusi of the church of Colmanele (now known as Colmonell) in the reign of Malcolm IV. Fergus McDuhile in Wigton was juror on inquest at Berwick, 1296, and in same year as Fergus MacDowilt rendered homage [to King Edward I of England.] He is probably the Fergus MacDowile who witnessed a charter by William, lord of Douglas, 1306-29 (RHM., l, p. 13). In 1307 a pardon was granted Elyas de Vaus at the request of Duncan MacDuel, and in same year Dungall MacDouyl, senior, for services rendered, requested for his son Dungal, junior, the marriage of the daughter and heiress of Hugh de Champaigne, deceased, a tenant in capite." 3

Early History of the MacDowall family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacDowall research. Another 372 words (27 lines of text) covering the years 1268, 1312, 1347, 1354, 1359, 1363, 1390, 1416, 1515, 1578, 1590, 1597, 1602, 1603, 1605, 1609, 1621, 1650, 1653, 1666, 1675, 1677, 1684, 1685, 1690, 1708, 1739, 1743, 1744, 1755, 1760, 1766, 1824 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacDowall History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacDowall Spelling Variations

The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years MacDowall has appeared as MacDowall, MacDowell, MacDugald, MacDill, Dowall, Dowler and many more.

Early Notables of the MacDowall family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was

Andrew MacDowall Lord Bankton (1685-1760), Scottish judge, born in 1685, was second son of Robert Macdowal of Logan, by his wife Sarah, daughter of Sir John Shaw of Greenock, bart. He was educated at...

Migration of the MacDowall family to Ireland

Some of the MacDowall family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 59 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacDowall migration to the United States +

Many settled along the east coast of what would become the United States and Canada. As the American War of Independence broke out, those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these hardy Dalriadan-Scottish settlers began to recover their collective history in the 20th century with the advent of the vibrant culture fostered by highland games and Clan societies in North America. Highland games, clan societies, and other organizations generated much renewed interest in Scottish heritage in the 20th century. The MacDowall were among the earliest of the Scottish settlers as immigration passenger lists have shown:

MacDowall Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Andrew MacDowall and his wife settled in Charleston in 1821

MacDowall migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

MacDowall Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mary MacDowall, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Rajah" in 1849 4

MacDowall migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

MacDowall Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

William MacDowall, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" in 1840 5
Clementina MacDowall, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" in 1840 5
Jessie MacDowall, aged 4, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" in 1840 5
Robert MacDowall, aged 1, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" in 1840 5
Mr. Macdowall, British settler travelling from London, UK aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" arriving in Port Nicholson, (Wellington Harbour), New Zealand on 20th February 1840 6
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name MacDowall (post 1700) +

Robert MacDowall, British Physiologist

The MacDowall Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Vincere vel mori
Motto Translation: Victory