Surname Down - Meaning and Origin
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Down: What does the surname Down mean?
The surname Down is of English and Irish origin. In terms of English origin, this topographic surname is derived from the Old English word "dun," meaning hill. It was originally given to those who lived near or on a hill. The Irish surname O’Dowd, originally O Dubhda, Anglicized as Dowd, is occasionally further transformed to Down. This name meaning is ‘black’ or ‘dark complexioned’. Both derivations suggest the name was likely descriptive, either based on a person's dwelling location or physical features. The surname Down was first found in Sussex in Southern England and County Mayo in Ireland. It is also prevalent across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Like many surnames, the exact meaning can sometimes be somewhat uncertain as it often changed over centuries and may have different meanings in different regions or countries.
Order DNA origin analysisDown: Where does the name Down come from?
The surname Down originates from Ireland among the Gaelic people. As a topographic surname, it was initially given to someone who lived by a hill, as the word "dun" in Gaelic means "hill" or "fort". The name also relates to the County Down in Northern Ireland. The variant spellings for Down include Downe, Downes, Downs among others.
Today, the surname Down is fairly common in English-speaking countries like Ireland, the UK, the USA, Canada, and Australia. The surname is most abundant in England and it's also prevalent in Wales according to data provided by Forebears. Furthermore, it has a significant presence in Northern Ireland, aligning with its historical origins. The distribution of the Down surname in the United States shows the highest concentrations in California, Texas, and Florida, as per data from Ancestry. However, the name is not very common compared to other surnames.
Variations of the surname Down
The surname Down has several variants and spellings that are closely related to it. Some of these variants include Downe, Downes, Downs, Doun, Doune, Douns, Douwn, Doune, and Dounes. The surname is primarily of Anglo-Saxon origin and sprang up in various parts of England. Occasionally, there are instances where an additional ‘s’ may be added at the end of Down, hence Downes and Downs.
In some cases, the surname may also be prefixed with “Atten”, which is a contraction of the Norman French "atten", meaning "at the", hence "Atten-Down" or "Atten-Doune". Over time, this prefix has been dropped leaving just the Down or Downe surname.
The surname is also believed to have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a hill or a 'down'. Hence, the surname ‘Down’ is extremely prevalent in areas or regions with significant elevations or hills.
In Ireland, it has been used as a translation of the Gaelic Ó Dúnáin 'descendant of Dúnán', a personal name composed of the elements dún 'fort' and a diminutive suffix. It is also found in Scotland as a reduced form of the surname Macildownie.
Famous people with the name Down
- Lesley Down: She is an English actress best known for her roles in "Upstairs, Downstairs" and "North and South."
- Hugh Down: He was a popular American television host known for his work on "20/20," "Concentration," and "Today."
- Sarah-Jane Down: She is British actress known for her role in the TV series "Holby City."
- Robert Down Jr.: He is an American actor and film producer famous for his role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Jonathan Down: He is an Australian actor who gained fame from the TV series "Life Support."
- Sharni Vinson Down: She is an Australian model, dancer, and actress who rose to fame from the Australian soap opera "Home and Away."
- Sherie Rene Scott Down: She is an American actress, singer, and writer who has acted in several Broadway musicals.
- Will Down: He is an English actor known for his roles in TV series like "Reckless" and "The Flip Side of Dominick Hide."
- Jerry Doyle Down: He was an American talk radio host and television actor, best known for his role as Michael Garibaldi in the series "Babylon 5." These are just a few examples. Individuals may not go by these full names in their professional lives.