This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Downsend family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Downsend Family History

Downsend 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: Townsend, Downen, Townshend, Downey, Dowland, Downer, Dowden, Downing

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Downsend family from?

You can see how Downsend families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Downsend family name was found in the USA, and the UK between 1891 and 1920. The most Downsend families were found in USA in 1920, and United Kingdom in 1891. In 1891 there was 1 Downsend family living in Glamorgan. This was 100% of all the recorded Downsend's in United Kingdom. Glamorgan had the highest population of Downsend families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Downsend surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What Downsend family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 403 census records available for the last name Downsend. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Downsend census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Downsend

Passenger Lists

There are 16 immigration records available for the last name Downsend. 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 Downsend immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 10 military records available for the last name Downsend. For the veterans among your Downsend ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Downsend military records

You've only scratched the surface of Downsend family history

Discover More

What is the average Downsend lifespan?

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Downsend 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.

Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Downsend

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Downsend family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial