Downey Surname Forum

Downeys In Ireland

Ancestors of Patricia Margaret Downey

Possible Origins of the Downey Surname: According to the Downey book published by Cairncross Carson Downey, the Downey(or Downie) name may have two origins (This surname information is from Ernest Weekley, an author of “Surnames” – University Cottage, Nottingham, England). He says the purely English Downeys comes from an ancestor with fluffy hair (like a nickname). He also says there is a “John Downeyhead” on the Writs of Parliment. He can give no date but thinks the name could be as old as the 14th century.

He goes on to say the majority of Downeys are of Scotch or Irish descent. He says it is of Gaelic orign and “Downey” is one of the translations. The main counties in Ireland to find the surname are Cork, Kerry, Antrim, Galway, and Limerick.

Also in the Downey book is an excerpt from a book of Irish names by William O’Byrne and he gives several variations on the name Downey (and associated names). The four main original Gaelic surnames are: O’Dunadhaigh, MacDunadhaigh, O’Maoldomhnaigh, and Mac Giolla Domhnaigh.