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Downly Family History

Downly Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Downey, Dolney, Dorney, Townley, Downer, Down, Downen, Dolly, Downes

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Downly family from?

You can see how Downly families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Downly family name was found in the USA, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Downly families were found in and USA in 1840. In 1881 there was 1 Downly family living in Lanarkshire. This was 100% of all the recorded Downly's in Scotland. Lanarkshire had the highest population of Downly families in 1881.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Downly surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
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What Downly family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 130 census records available for the last name Downly. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Downly census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Downly

Passenger Lists

There are 15 immigration records available for the last name Downly. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Downly immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 15 military records available for the last name Downly. For the veterans among your Downly ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Downly military records

You've only scratched the surface of Downly family history

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What is the average Downly lifespan?

Between 1970 and 1975, in the United States, Downly life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1970, and highest in 1975. The average life expectancy for Downly in 1970 was 58, and 68 in 1975.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Downly

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Downly ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

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