Summary
The surname Downing is of English origin and is derived from the Old English personal name Dunninc, meaning 'hill' or 'hill settlement'. It is an occupational surname, often given to individuals who lived near or worked on a hill or in a hill settlement. Downing has a rich history and is associated with various notable individuals throughout the centuries.28880
Downings in the USA1225th
most common last name in the USAHistorical figures and celebrities called Downing
SirGeorge
Sir George Downing (1623–1684) was an Anglo-Irish statesman who served as a Member of Parliament and became known for his role in the Restoration of Charles II, as well as his work on the Treaty of Breda.AndrewJackson
Andrew Jackson Downing (1815–1852) was an American landscape designer, horticulturist, and writer, known for his contributions to the development of landscape architecture in the United States.A.J.
A. J. Downing (1857–1923) was an American journalist and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania and played a significant role in the development of the United States Railways Administration during World War I.WillieDowning
Willie Downing is a former professional rugby union player from Ireland who played as a prop for the Irish national team and for various club teams including Leinster and London Irish.RichardDowning
Richard Downing (1815–1878) was an English botanist and geologist who conducted significant research on the flora of Australia, particularly in the state of Victoria.DavidDowning
David Downing is a British author known for his series of World War II espionage novels featuring protagonist John Russell, including the 'Berlin' and 'Station' series.ReggieDowning
Reggie Downing was an American football player who played as a running back for the University of Southern California and the NFL's Chicago Bears in the 1940s.EmilyDowning
Emily Downing is a Canadian singer-songwriter and producer based in Nashville, Tennessee, known for her soulful vocals and folk-infused alternative country sound.SamDowning
Sam Downing is an Australian journalist and writer known for his work in the field of health and wellness, including contributions to popular publications such as Men's Health Australia.MeganDowning
Megan Downing is a British model and beauty queen who won the title of Miss England in 2018 and represented her country at the Miss World competition.Downing Genealogy
OriginsThe surname 'Downing' is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word 'dūn', meaning 'hill', and 'ing', indicating 'belonging to'. The name likely originated as a locational surname for someone who lived near or on a hill.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Downing' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the northeastern states of Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. It is also fairly common in the United Kingdom, particularly in the southern regions of England.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Downing' include 'Downen' and 'Downan'.