Origin & Meaning of the Downer Surname
What does the last name Downer mean?
The surname Downer carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,277 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Downer ranks as the #6,436 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Downer come from?
The Downer surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Downer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Downer trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Downer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,436 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,277 |
| Per 100K People | 1.79 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Downer
According to the US Census, the Downer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,277 Americans with the Downer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.86% |
| Black | 26.61% |
| Hispanic | 2.46% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 0.21% |
| Two or More Races | 2.2% |
Popularity of Downer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Downer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Downer surname increased by 884 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Downer Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Downer
- ✓ The Downer coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Downer families live today
- ✓ Notable Downer bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Downer
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Downer.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Downer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downer
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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