Downey
A boy's name of Irish origin with 6 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Downey peaked during early twentieth-century America, when 6 babies received this name in a single year (1926). That era was defined by heritage-rooted naming, and Downey has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Downey is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Downey is a boy's baby name, an Irish surname used as a given name. It comes from the Gaelic Ó Dúnadhaigh, meaning 'descendant of the fort-dweller,' or from Ó Dubhanaigh, related to the word for 'dark.' The name gained wider recognition through actor Robert Downey Jr., best known for playing Iron Man in the Marvel films.
With fewer than ten recorded U.S. births as a given name, Downey is a rare surname choice — carrying both Irish heritage and an undeniable pop culture association for fans of the Marvel universe.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Downey belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their bright, approachable ending — giving the name a friendly, informal feel. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Irish naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Irish names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Downey’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Downey has 1+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1926.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 6 | — |
The Story of Downey
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1926, Downey is a name steeped in history. Boys named Downey are most likely born between 1926 and 1926.
How rare is Downey?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Downey is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1926, peaked in the 1920s with 6 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(1 years, 1926–1926)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1926 | 6 | #3829 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downey a boy's or girl's name?
When was Downey most popular?
How popular is the name Downey?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1926–1926