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DOWNES Family History
This is an English topographical surname, meaning 'one who lives by the downs'. The derivation is from the Olde English pre 7th century word 'dun' which meant 'down hill, or mountain' and in place names usually signified anything from a hill to a slight rise in the ground. The word 'dun' is of Celtic origin. The name development has included, John atte Doune (1296 Sussex), William Bythedoune (1327 Somerset), and Reginald del Downes (1407 Cheshire), this last being the first recording of 'Downes' as a surname. There is some possibility that a proportion of name bearers descend from holders of the Old English personal name 'Dun' the form Downes meaning 'son of Dun'...Who have we missed?
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Would like to find the Irish Downes family motto
Always interested in more info about our Downes family. Great-great--grandfather was James Downes born 1818 in Dublin, son of Laurence.
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