Down

“A name associated with softness or feathers, commonly seen in phrases like 'down feathers'.” — Symbolize softness or comfort

USA origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1668US 2023

532Births / yr

→Stable

17All-time births

📅 Since 196300

How to pronounce Down

DOWN

/ˈdaʊn/ · stress on DOWN · 1 syllable

“A name associated with softness or feathers, commonly seen in phrases like 'down feathers'.”

Symbolize softness or comfort · USA origin

What does Down mean and where does it come from?

Down is an unconventional name that may symbolize softness or comfort, as in down feathers which are light, soft, and insulating. It's a name potentially derived from nature but is very rare as a first name and often more commonly found in surnames or nicknames. Because of the rarity of this name, t

Cultural significance

Down has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a name associated with softness or feathers, commonly seen in phrases like 'down feathers'..

Peak popularity

Reached #5751 in 1966 — currently #1668 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Down?

Down works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Down Grace

How popular is Down right now?

Holding steady — currently #1668 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#1668 · Top 1.2%

1970

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1668	532	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1673	512	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2021	#1678	482	▲ up 7072 · +9540% births
1970	#8750	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Down

Best Year2023Rank #1668

Peak Count532

Average Rank#3442

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1970 - 20234 years

The story of Down

Down is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1963. With 17 total births recorded, Down remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8750 in 1970 to #1668 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Down in 1966:

Lisa Kimberly Mary Michelle Karen

💎Down has only 17 total recorded births since 1963 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Down?

Common

What names sound and feel like Down?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Down also consider these

Germanic · A beloved name

Donn

Ireland · Brown-haired

Don

American · English

Daown

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Downe

Latin · A Latin name

Common questions about the name Down

What does the name Down mean?

Down means "A name associated with softness or feathers, commonly seen in phrases like 'down feathers'." — a name rooted in USA tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Down?

Down is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Down?

Down originates from USA tradition. USA names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Down?

Down is a one-syllable name pronounced D AW1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Down sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Down flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Down ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.