NameCensus.

UK surname

Downie

Descriptive surname for someone who lived on or near a downhill slope or in a valley.

In the 1881 census there were 3,521 people recorded with the Downie surname, ranking it #1,290 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 5,492, ranked #1,223, up from #1,290 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Govan Combination, Edinburgh and Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Rosehearty and Strathbeg, Fraserburgh Smiddyhill and Glenmavis and Greengairs.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Downie is 5,492 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 56.0%.

1881 census count

3,521

Ranked #1,290

Modern count

5,492

2016, ranked #1,223

Peak year

2016

5,492 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Downie had 3,521 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #1,290 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 5,492 in 2016, ranked #1,223.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 4,346 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established but Challenged.

Downie surname distribution map

The map shows where the Downie surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Downie surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Downie over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 2,460 #1,210
1861 historical 2,624 #1,120
1881 historical 3,521 #1,290
1891 historical 3,759 #1,274
1901 historical 4,346 #1,304
1911 historical 938 #4,786
1997 modern 5,036 #1,301
1998 modern 5,152 #1,315
1999 modern 5,225 #1,310
2000 modern 5,209 #1,307
2001 modern 5,071 #1,309
2002 modern 5,151 #1,313
2003 modern 5,107 #1,297
2004 modern 5,140 #1,293
2005 modern 5,140 #1,269
2006 modern 5,174 #1,264
2007 modern 5,218 #1,263
2008 modern 5,288 #1,254
2009 modern 5,379 #1,263
2010 modern 5,480 #1,268
2011 modern 5,412 #1,266
2012 modern 5,302 #1,261
2013 modern 5,380 #1,265
2014 modern 5,448 #1,260
2015 modern 5,448 #1,234
2016 modern 5,492 #1,223

Geography

Back to top

Where Downies are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Govan Combination, Edinburgh, Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry, Greenock and Glasgow. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Rosehearty and Strathbeg, Fraserburgh Smiddyhill, Glenmavis and Greengairs, Tweeddale West Area and Fraserburgh Harbour and Broadsea. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Govan Combination Lanark
2 Edinburgh Edinburgh
3 Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry Forfar
4 Greenock Renfrew
5 Glasgow Lanark

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Rosehearty and Strathbeg Aberdeenshire
2 Fraserburgh Smiddyhill Aberdeenshire
3 Glenmavis and Greengairs North Lanarkshire
4 Tweeddale West Area Scottish Borders
5 Fraserburgh Harbour and Broadsea Aberdeenshire

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Downie

These lists show first names that appear often with the Downie surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Downie

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Downie, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce

Group

Established but Challenged

Nationally, the Downie surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established but Challenged, within Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce. This does not mean every Downie household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many households in these neighbourhoods comprise separated or divorced single parents with dependent children. Residents are typically born in the UK, and these neighbourhoods have relatively few members of ethnic minorities. The prevalence of children, their parents and those at or above normal retirement age, suggests neighbourhood structures may be long-established. Levels of unpaid care are high, and long-term disability is more common than in the Supergroup as a whole. Use of the social rented sector is common, often in terraced houses. Levels of overcrowding are above the Supergroup average. Unemployment is high, while those in work are employed in elementary occupations such as caring, leisure and customer services. Many residents have low level qualifications. Neighbourhood concentrations of this Group are found in the South Wales Valleys, Belfast, Londonderry and the Central Lowlands of Scotland.

Wider pattern

Living in terraced or semi-detached houses, residents of these neighbourhoods typically lack high levels of education and work in elementary or routine service occupations. Unemployment is above average. Residents are predominantly born in the UK, and residents are also predominantly from ethnic minorities. Social (but not private sector) rented sector housing is common. This Supergroup is found throughout the UK’s conurbations and industrial regions but is also an integral part of smaller towns.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Downie is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Downie is most concentrated in decile 1 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Downie falls in decile 2 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Downie is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of Over 70 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

10
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Downie, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Downie

The surname Downie has its origins in Scotland, with records dating back to the 12th century. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic words "dun" meaning a hill or fort, and "dunie" meaning a small hill or mound. The name likely referred to someone who lived near a particular hill or fortification.

The earliest known record of the name appears in the Ragman Rolls of 1296, which documented Scottish landowners who swore allegiance to King Edward I of England. An entry lists a "Thomas de Douny" from Stirlingshire. The spelling variations at the time included Downie, Dounny, Douny, and Dunie.

In the 16th century, the Downie name became more widespread in the Scottish Lowlands, particularly in the counties of Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, and Renfrewshire. The town of Kilwinning in Ayrshire has references to a "Downie's Lands" dating back to the 1500s, likely named after a local landowner.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the Downie surname was John Downie, a merchant and burgess of Edinburgh, who was born around 1570. He is mentioned in various legal records and property transactions from that time period.

Another notable figure was Robert Downie (1610-1678), a Scottish minister and theologian who served as the Principal of the University of Glasgow from 1668 until his death. He was a respected scholar and played a significant role in the academic and religious life of 17th century Scotland.

In the 18th century, James Downie (1734-1823) was a Scottish portrait painter known for his works depicting members of the Scottish nobility and gentry. He studied under the renowned artist Allan Ramsay and achieved success as a portraitist in Edinburgh.

The surname Downie also has connections to the maritime history of Scotland. Captain John Downie (1781-1828) was a British naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. He was killed in action during the Battle of Plattsburgh on Lake Champlain in 1814.

In the 19th century, Sir James Downie (1824-1900) was a Scottish-born Australian politician and businessman. He served as a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly and was involved in various business ventures, including mining and the development of the City of Melbourne.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Downie families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Downie surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lanarkshire leads with 787 Downies recorded in 1881 and an index of 7.10x.

County Total Index
Lanarkshire 787 7.10x
Aberdeenshire 371 11.69x
Midlothian 299 6.51x
Fife 290 14.30x
Angus 229 7.21x
Renfrewshire 212 7.98x
Northumberland 153 3.00x
Ayrshire 111 4.33x
Lancashire 97 0.24x
Argyllshire 96 10.06x
Perthshire 89 5.79x
West Lothian 65 12.60x
Middlesex 59 0.17x
Stirlingshire 58 4.59x
Dunbartonshire 54 5.86x
Cumberland 44 1.49x
Yorkshire 43 0.13x
Wigtownshire 40 8.79x
Banffshire 35 4.92x
Nairnshire 30 28.68x
Durham 29 0.28x
East Lothian 27 5.95x
Inverness-shire 22 2.15x
Caithness 21 4.48x
Buteshire 18 8.67x
Cheshire 16 0.21x
Surrey 15 0.09x
Clackmannanshire 14 4.95x
Dumfriesshire 14 1.85x
Hampshire 14 0.20x
Kirkcudbrightshire 14 2.82x
Kinross-shire 13 15.01x
Berwickshire 10 2.41x
Kent 10 0.09x
Kincardineshire 10 2.40x
Orkney 10 2.65x
Ross-shire 9 0.96x
Channel Islands 8 0.79x
Norfolk 8 0.15x
Selkirkshire 7 2.26x
Essex 5 0.07x
Peeblesshire 5 3.10x
Warwickshire 5 0.06x
Cambridgeshire 4 0.18x
Devon 4 0.06x
Dorset 4 0.18x
Glamorgan 4 0.07x
Leicestershire 4 0.11x
Morayshire 4 0.75x
Nottinghamshire 4 0.09x
Staffordshire 4 0.03x
Royal Navy 3 0.73x
Gloucestershire 2 0.03x
Herefordshire 2 0.14x
Roxburghshire 2 0.32x
Suffolk 2 0.05x
Flintshire 1 0.11x
Shetland 1 0.29x
Shropshire 1 0.03x
Sussex 1 0.02x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Govan in Lanarkshire leads with 206 Downies recorded in 1881 and an index of 7.52x.

Place Total Index
Govan 206 7.52x
Barony 193 6.88x
Glasgow 155 7.88x
Pitsligo 115 379.16x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 108 5.85x
Dunfermline 84 26.93x
Dundee 82 6.92x
Linlithgow 60 90.66x
Liff Benvie 56 11.62x
West Greenock 55 11.54x
Aberdeen St Nicholas 49 8.25x
Old Monkland 48 10.91x
Aberdeen Old Machar 46 6.94x
Kinghorn 43 99.86x
Tynemouth 33 12.09x
Kirkintilloch 30 23.98x
Nairn 30 47.27x
Abbey 29 7.16x
East Greenock 28 11.17x
New Monkland 28 8.55x
Newbiggin In Morpeth 28 171.67x
Lismore Appin 27 85.07x
Campbeltown 25 21.72x
Blantyre 24 20.80x
Fraserburgh 24 26.86x
Dalziel 23 19.29x
Aberdour 22 107.68x
South Leith 22 4.26x
Bothwell 21 6.99x
Kirkcaldy 21 20.87x
Pendleton In Salford 21 4.33x
Shettleston 21 21.16x
Cathcart 20 13.92x
Abbotshall 19 25.07x
Colinton 19 37.12x
Inveresk 18 14.48x
Wick 18 11.88x
North Leith 17 8.00x
Strathdon 17 110.18x
Elswick 16 3.93x
Kilmory 16 52.89x
Campsie 15 21.63x
Eastwood 15 9.17x
Hamilton 15 4.85x
Salford 15 1.25x
St Pancras London 15 0.54x
St Vigeans 15 8.75x
Dysart 14 10.25x
Edinburgh Buccleuch 14 12.89x
Monquhitter 14 42.61x
Avondale 13 20.06x
Earsdon 13 31.34x
Falkirk 13 4.39x
Westminster St John 13 3.12x
Bedlington 12 7.05x
Crail 12 57.97x
Kilwinning 12 14.49x
Kinross 12 40.40x
Lasswade 12 11.43x
Logie Coldstone 12 112.68x
Neilston 12 9.00x
Perth West Church 12 16.44x
Rattray 12 33.52x
Beeston 11 32.02x
Hurdsfield 11 23.63x
Keswick 11 29.17x
Paisley Middle Church 11 7.11x
Portpatrick 11 72.13x
Stirling 11 6.90x
Turriff 11 21.47x
Whitby 11 9.61x
Alloa 10 7.29x
Auckinleck 10 12.60x
Belhelvie 10 46.08x
Dunoon Kilmun 10 13.44x
Edinburgh Canongate 10 8.56x
Fowlis Easter 10 273.97x
Kirkcolm 10 45.85x
Muirkirk 10 16.61x
Renfrew 10 11.40x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Downie surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 38
Elizabeth 19
Margaret 19
Sarah 16
Annie 12
Jane 11
Isabella 9
Ellen 8
Ann 7
Emily 7
Hannah 7
Janet 6
Christina 5
Alice 4
Catherine 4
Eliza 4
Kate 4
Martha 4
Agnes 3
Harriet 3
Maria 3
Robina 3
Clara 2
Emma 2
Florence 2
Frances 2
Helen 2
Jessie 2
Lucy 2
Maud 2
Amy 1
Anita 1
Beatrice 1
Bertha 1
Bessie 1
Caroline 1
Edith 1
Elara 1
Elisabeth 1
Elizabetha 1
Elizbth. 1
Elizh. 1
Elizh.R. 1
Elizth. 1
Henrietta 1
Isabel 1
Isabele 1
Jannie 1
Jeanette 1
Theodore 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Downie surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 47
James 35
Thomas 19
William 18
George 17
Robert 14
Alexander 12
Charles 12
David 9
Andrew 6
Henry 6
Colin 5
Frederick 5
Edward 4
Albert 3
Archibald 3
Ernest 3
Patrick 3
Walter 3
Arthur 2
Collon 2
Donald 2
Matthew 2
Peter 2
Richard 2
Samuel 2
Thos. 2
Wm. 2
Basilio 1
Clarence 1
Danl. 1
Fairbairn 1
Francis 1
Geo. 1
Geo.Randolph 1
Harold 1
Harrison 1
Harry 1
Hay 1
Hugh 1
Laurence 1
Leonard 1
Lewis 1
Malcom 1
Pat 1
Pierce 1
Ronald 1
Rudolph 1
Stavers 1
Steven 1

FAQ

Downie surname: questions and answers

How common was the Downie surname in 1881?

In 1881, 3,521 people were recorded with the Downie surname. That placed it at #1,290 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Downie surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 5,492 in 2016. That gives Downie a modern rank of #1,223.

What does the Downie surname mean?

Descriptive surname for someone who lived on or near a downhill slope or in a valley.

What does the Downie map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Downie bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.