Downs — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Unknown origin Rank #1,025 in the US 33,922 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#1,025
▼ Down 70 since 2000
People in the US
33,922
11.5 per 100K people
Origin
Unknown
Unknown

Origin & Meaning of the Downs Surname

What does the last name Downs mean?

The surname Downs carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 33,922 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Downs ranks as the #1,025 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Downs come from?

The Downs surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown 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 Downs name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Downs trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

Unknown Unknown

Quick Facts

Surname Downs
Meaning Origin and meaning under research
Origin Unknown
Language Unknown
US Rank (2010) #1,025
US Count (2010) 33,922
Per 100K People 11.5
First Letter D

Ethnic Distribution of Downs

According to the US Census, the Downs surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 33,922 Americans with the Downs last name.

White 83.76%
Black 10.2%
Hispanic 3.03%
Asian/PI 0.62%
Native American 0.66%
Two+ Races 1.73%
Ethnic distribution of the Downs surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White83.76%
Black10.2%
Hispanic3.03%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.62%
Native American0.66%
Two or More Races1.73%

Popularity of Downs Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Downs surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#955
33,494 people
Down 70
Census 2010
#1,025
33,922 people

The number of Americans with the Downs surname increased by 428 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Downs Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Downs ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Downs

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Downs.

Other Unknown Surnames

Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Downs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Downs

The surname Downs is of Unknown origin. Origin and meaning under research
The surname Downs is ranked #1,025 in the United States with approximately 33,922 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Origin and meaning under research. The name has Unknown roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Downs surname is distributed as: 83.8% White, 10.2% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Downs ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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