Down Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Down Name Meaning: May have been taken from the Anglo-Saxon 'dun' meaning down or 'low hill'. May have also originated from the forename 'Dunn'/ 'Donn meaning 'dark'.

Thought to have been a topographical name given to someone who lived by a small hill from the Anglo-Saxon word 'dun'. May have also been a nickname for someone with dark coloured hair.

Discover how your Down 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

Down Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Down family

Profession Census Frequency
Agricultural Labourer 186
Female Servant 135
Independent 70
Male Servant 65
Farmer 56
Labourer 42
Carpenter 38
Mason 19
Shoe Maker 15
Weaver 15
Dress Maker 13
Blacksmith 13
Tailor 12
Sawyer 9
Servant 8
Apprentice 8
Ag Labourer 7
Pauper 7
Cooper 6
Mariner 6
Plumber 6
Independant 5
Milliner 5
Butcher 5
Clerk 5

Down Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Down 100% 30,772
2 Edwin 40% 4,511
3 Downie 67% 3,265
4 Downe 80% 2,678
5 Dawn 75% 2,247
6 Dowen 80% 1,001
7 Dwine 40% 756
8 Dewin 60% 739
9 Dewen 60% 473
10 Dwan 50% 234
11 Dewan 60% 172
12 Dowan 80% 172
13 Dwen 50% 172
14 Dwane 40% 152
15 Dawen 60% 142
16 Adwin 40% 116
17 Dowin 80% 115
18 Dowine 67% 114

Did you know?

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

Search for the Down family