Downs Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Downs Name Meaning: The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a patronymic variant of 'Dunn'/ 'Donn meaning 'dark'. Dunn 'dark-colored'.

May have been a nickname for someone with dark coloured hair or a swarthy complexion.

Discover how your Downs ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Downs Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Downs family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 635
Agricultural Labourer 100
Labourer 88
General Servant 44
Domestic Servant 40
Coal Miner 37
Cotton Weaver 34
Dress Maker 28
Servant 26
House Keeper 25
Silk Weaver 17
Gardener 17
Tailor 16
Miner 16
Shoe Maker 16
Worsted Weaver 16
Farm Labourer 15
Laundress 15
Annuitant 13
Charwoman 13
Farm Servant 12
Iron Moulder 11
Errand Boy 10
No Occupation 10
Brick Layer 10

Downs Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Downs 100% 31,148
2 Downes 83% 26,648
3 Edwins 50% 576
4 Dawns 80% 516
5 Dawnes 67% 365
6 Dowens 83% 200
7 Douns 80% 155
8 Dounes 67% 144

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The surname Downs is the most popular version of all its varients

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