Origin & Meaning of the Downes Surname
What does the last name Downes mean?
The surname Downes carries the meaning "Son of Downes." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,956 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Downes ranks as the #5,806 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Downes come from?
The Downes surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese 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 Downes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Downes trace back to Spanish. 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 | Downes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Downes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,806 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,956 |
| Per 100K People | 2.02 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Downes
According to the US Census, the Downes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,956 Americans with the Downes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 82.47% |
| Black | 12.14% |
| Hispanic | 2.35% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.65% |
| Native American | 0.22% |
| Two or More Races | 2.17% |
Popularity of Downes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Downes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Downes surname increased by 362 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Downes Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Downes ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Downes Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Downes
- ✓ The Downes coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Downes families live today
- ✓ Notable Downes bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Downes
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Downes.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Downes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downes
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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