Dowson is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Anne Lagacé Dowson, Canadian broadcaster and politicianDavid Dowson (born 1988), English footballerDuncan Dowson (born 1928), British engineer and professor emeritus at University of LeedsErnest Dowson (1867–1900), British poetJohn Dowson, historian of IndiaMurray Dowson (1915–?), Canadian TrotskyistPhil Dowson (born 1981), English Rugby playerPhilip Dowson (1924-2014), British architectRoss Dowson (1918-2002), Canadian Trotskyist