The English and Irish surname Downs is a  name for a downland dweller, from the Old English term dun meaning “a down, or a low hill.’ When found in Ireland it is a reduced anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Dubháin, found mainly on counties Clare and Limerick. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas de la Duna. which was dated C.1170, 'Middle English Local Names', Sussex. John Downes, sat for Arundel in the Long Parliament of 1642 and was one of those who signed Charles I's death-warrant.

DOWNS FAMILY CREST CUFFLINKS ( VARIANT SPELLING )