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 919
Agricultural Labourer 87
Coal Miner 63
General Labourer 56
Labourer 54
Domestic Servant 46
Dress Maker 37
Farm Labourer 35
General Servant 33
Cotton Weaver 29
General Servant Domestic 23
Laundress 21
Bricklayer 20
Annuitant 19
Charwoman 19
Carpenter 17
House Keeper 15
Potter 13
Silk Weaver 12
Painter 11
Shoe Maker 11
Iron Moulder 11
Draper Assistant 10
Tailoress 10
Cotton Piecer 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

Did you know?

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

Search for the Downs family