Don't give up hope just yet on "famous" folks. DNA tests have now shown that the English (Henry Doude's) line is not related at all to the Irish Dowds. However, it has shown that most Irish Dowds (>90%) are genetically related to the semi-legendary "Niall of the Nine Hostages" (for more just Google "R1b1c7").

Famous Irish or Irish descended Dowds? How about columnist Maureen Dowd or ... drum roll please ... how about Boy George!

Aside - Immigrant Henry Doude's father was another Henry, b. c. 1583 and his mother's name was Christian -.

Craig