DOWN
Down
The surname "Down" is of Old English origin, derived from the word "dun," meaning a hill or a down. It is classified as a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearer likely hailed from a place named Down or lived near a hill or a down. The surname is predominantly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Northern Ireland.
Historical records show that the name has been present in British society for centuries, with variations in spelling such as "Doun" and "Dune" documented in medieval documents. Over time, the surname has evolved into its present form, "Down."
Individuals bearing the surname Down can be found across various professions and walks of life. The name's prevalence in regions such as Wiltshire, Sussex, and Kent in England, as well as in County Down in Northern Ireland, highlights the geographical roots of the surname.
The Down family name has been borne by notable figures in history, and its legacy continues through descendants who proudly uphold the name. Like many surnames, the name "Down" has likely undergone changes and adaptations as families migrated and settled in different areas, contributing to the rich tapestry of British surname heritage.
There are approximately 6,062 people named Down in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,563rd most common surname in Britain. Around 93 in a million people in Britain are named Down.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.