Downing
A boy's name of Old English origin with 13 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
At 7 letters and two syllables, Downing hits the middle ground most parents look for: long enough to feel complete, short enough for everyday use. It has been used as a boy's name in the U.S. since 1915, with 13 total recorded births.
Downing is not in the current top 1,000, which means your child is unlikely to share the name with a classmate — a plus for parents who value distinctiveness.
Downing is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Downing is an English surname occasionally used as a masculine given name, derived from the Old English personal name Dun with the -ing suffix (meaning son or descendant of). Downing is most famously associated with Downing Street in London, the official residence of British Prime Ministers — a street named after Sir George Downing.
As a first name, Downing carries the aristocratic, surname-as-first-name quality that has been fashionable in American naming for decades. The Downing Street association gives it a quietly distinguished register, a name that sounds like it belongs to someone who will one day lead something.
EtymologyShow more
The ending of a name often carries more etymological information than the beginning. Downing's final sounds are sharp, distinct — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. In English-language naming, masculine names frequently end on harder consonants or closed syllables, creating a sense of decisiveness and strength. Downing follows that masculine pattern.
Explore the ending-based name pages on this site to find names that share Downing's suffix pattern — names with similar endings often share a style and era, even when they come from different linguistic backgrounds.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Downing has 2+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1915.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 13 | — |
The Story of Downing
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1915, Downing is a name steeped in history. Boys named Downing are most likely born between 1915 and 1919.
How rare is Downing?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Downing is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1915, peaked in the 1910s with 13 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(2 years, 1915–1919)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1919 | 6 | #3843 |
| 1915 | 7 | #3160 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downing a boy's or girl's name?
When was Downing most popular?
How popular is the name Downing?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1915–1919