Surname Downs - Meaning and Origin

Discovering Scandinavian Roots of the Downs Family through iGENEA DNA Test

Indulging in the advancements of genealogical technology and taking a DNA test can be exhilarating. The iGENEA DNA test is a window into my familial past, particularly the history, migration and development of my family's surname - Downs. The results were shocking, revealing a history rooted in the viking clans of Scandinavia, a notable departure from our presumed English heritage.

F. Downs

Downs: What does the surname Downs mean?

The surname Downs is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English element "dūn," which means hill or elevated place, suggesting that the original bearers lived by such a geographical feature. This surname, therefore, falls into the category of topographic surnames, which were given to people residing near physical features like hills, streams, churches, or types of trees. This name was first found in Sussex where they held a family seat from very ancient times. Variations include Downes, Down, Downe, and others. Over time, the surname has spread to other English-speaking countries such as Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the US. It is important to remember that the name may have different derivations for different families, as surnames developed independently in different regions.

Downs: Where does the name Downs come from?

The last name "Downs" has English origins and derives from an Old English word “dun”, which means “hill”. This topographic surname was initially given to people who lived on or near a hill or a noteworthy hillock. Some of the early records of the family were found in Worcestershire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

Records dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries showings the name at that time with slight variations, such as Down, Downe, Doun, or Dounn, which later evolved to the current form "Downs".

Today, the last name Downs is prevalent in the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. According to recent statistics, it is most common in the United States, followed by England. Even within the U.S, the surname has a pronounced presence in states like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Ohio. Despite its popularity in these countries and states, Downs as a surname, according to the available data, does not rank among the most common surnames in the world.

Variations of the surname Downs

The surname Downs is of English origin and has several variations and related surnames due to geographical distribution, dialectical differences, and personal preferences over centuries. The surname is topographical in nature, deriving from the Old English 'dūn' which means hill. This term was used to refer to someone who lived near a hill or on top of a hill.

Variant spellings of the surname Downs include Down, Downes, Doun, Douns, Doune, Dounes, Duyns, Dune, Dun, and Duns. Some other surnames that may have the same origin are Dounie, Downey, Downie, Douny, and Downy.

The surname could be altered based on regional accents and spelling preferences, leading to a wide range of variations. Sometimes the surname appears with a prefix such as "de", "le", or "at", as in "de Down", "le Down" or "at the Down", which were actually location indicators in the Middle Ages.

Dictation and transcription by clerics and other officials led to the same person's name being spelled in different ways in different documents, creating a variety of surnames from the same origin.

Famous people with the name Downs

• Hugh Downs: An American broadcaster, television host, news anchor, and radio host best known for his work on NBC's "Today Show," "20/20" and the game show "Concentration."
• Robert Downs: An American actor known for his performances in movies such as "Gone Girl" and "Django Unchained."
• Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: Born Shelly-Ann Fraser, now Fraser-Pryce after marriage, she is a Jamaican sprinter considered one of the fastest women in the world.
• Johnny Downs: An American actor and dancer known for his role in the "Our Gang" film series during the 1920s and 1930s.
• Timothy Downs: An American artist and designer renowned for his multidimensional art installations and designs.
• Edward Allen Downs: A former professional baseball player who played as a pitcher for teams such as the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees.
• Phoebe Mary Waller-Bridge (née Downs): An English actress, writer, and producer. She created, wrote, and starred in the critically acclaimed TV series "FleaBag."
• Will Downs: An American actor known for his work in television series like "Black Lightning" and "Nancy Drew."
• Louanne Stephens (née Downs): An American actress, best known for her role as Ruby in the TV series “Longmire.”
• Ralna English (born Ralna Eve English-Downs): An American singer known for her performances on “The Lawrence Welk Show.”

Other surnames

DownDownarDownarowiczDownenDownerDownesDowneyDownieDowningDowny