Show ContentsUnderdown History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Underdown family

The surname Underdown was first found in Kent, where the name the first record of the name of a Wulfwinus Vunderdune in 1185. Another record shows that Theobald de Vunderdoune listed in the Feet of Fines of Kent in 1316. [1] The surname roughly translates to "the dweller at the foot of the hill."

Early History of the Underdown family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Underdown research. Another 78 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1566 and 1587 are included under the topic Early Underdown History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Underdown Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Underdown, Underdoun, Underdoune and others.

Early Notables of the Underdown family

Distinguished members of the family include

  • Thomas Underdown (Underdowne) (c. 1566 - 1587), an English translator...


United States Underdown migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Underdown Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Isaac Underdown, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1835
  • S. W. Underdown, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1858
  • William Underdown, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1865

Australia Underdown migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Underdown Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Emanuel Underdown a labourer, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Lloyds" in 1838 [2]
  • Mary Underdown, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Lloyds" in 1838 [2]
  • John Underdown, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Lloyds" in 1838 [2]
  • Lycurgus Underdown, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Lloyds" in 1838 [2]
  • Maria Angola Underdown, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Lloyds" in 1838 [2]

New Zealand Underdown migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Underdown Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • William Underdown, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • William Underdown, aged 20, a farm labourer, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Olympus" in 1841
  • Mr. William Underdown, (b. 1820), aged 20, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Olympus" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 20th April 1841 [3]
  • Miss Hannah Underdown, (b. 1850), aged 20, English general servant, from Sussex travelling from London aboard the ship "Ramsey" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 17th June 1870 [3]

Contemporary Notables of the name Underdown (post 1700) +

  • David Underdown (b. 1925), English historian, Professor Emeritus at Yale University
  • Edward Underdown (1908-1989), English film and television actor


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) LLOYDS from London 1838. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1838Lloyds.htm
  3. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html


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