What’s in a Name?
This project is dedicated to exploring genetic origins of and relationships among Downing families. Many Downing family researchers, particularly descending from colonial North American lines, are meeting brick walls in their family research efforts and have only family lore to inform them of the mysteries of their ethnic origins.
Downings from the United Kingdom also are strongly encouraged join the project. In addition to probing the mysteries of their ancient ethnic origins they would provide an invaluable link between British and American Downings as we try to assemble the branches of this fascinating family tree.
Downings from the United Kingdom also are strongly encouraged join the project. In addition to probing the mysteries of their ancient ethnic origins they would provide an invaluable link between British and American Downings as we try to assemble the branches of this fascinating family tree.
The origins of the Downing name commonly trace back to Britain where it may have evolved from the Anglo-Saxon term for dark brown or the Celtic term for fort or hill. One of the earliest English spellings of this name was Downynge, which appears in Norwich, England in the 1500’s. England appears to be the first place this surname was standardized to its modern spelling.
Variations of Downing also appear in Scotland and Ireland where Downing often became the Anglification of various Gaelic names such as Dunoone, O’Dunnin, and Downey. Many lines descending from colonial Scots-Irish immigrants to North America appear to have standardized to the English spelling under conditions dominated by British Magistrates, land patent offices and local governments.
Variations of Downing also appear in Scotland and Ireland where Downing often became the Anglification of various Gaelic names such as Dunoone, O’Dunnin, and Downey. Many lines descending from colonial Scots-
Project Goals
For more information contact the project administrator