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![Show Contents]() Downn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The name Downn is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in an area that was described by a downward slope. The surname was originally derived from the Anglo-Saxon word dun which means a hill. Early Origins of the Downn familyThe surname Downn was first found in Sussex. Another branch was located at Roosdown in Devon. "This place, which was formerly a parish, was anciently called Ralphdown, from its owner, Ralph de Downe, in the reign of Henry II." 1 Early History of the Downn familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Downn research. Another 329 words (24 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1226, 1270, 1327, 1350, 1379, 1407, 1445, 1549, 1570, 1609, 1619, 1628, 1631, 1662, 1666, 1710, 1779, 1805, 1810 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Downn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Downn Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Downn has been spelled many different ways, including Down, Downe, Downer, Doune, Douner, Dounner, Downner and many more. Early Notables of the Downn familyDistinguished members of the family include Andrew Downes, also known as Dounaeus, (c. 1549-1628), English classical scholar, one of the seven translators of the Apocrypha for the King James Version of the Bible.
John Downe (1570?-1631), was an English divine, son of John Downe, by his wife, Joan, daughter of John...
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Downn Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Downn family to Ireland
Some of the Downn family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Downn familyThousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Downns to arrive in North America: Robert Downe arrived on St. Christopher Island, in the West Indies in 1635. John Downe crossed over in 1663 and landed in Virginia. Later he sailed south in 1685 to Barbados. Branches of the family later colonized the eastern seaboard..
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
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England
Ireland
