Downes (surname) facts for kids

A surname, also known as a family name or last name, is a name that people share with other members of their family. It helps to show which family someone belongs to. The name Downes is one such surname.

What is a Surname?

A surname is a part of a person's name that is passed down through generations within a family. It's like a special tag that connects you to your relatives, such as your parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents! Surnames often come from things like where a family lived, what job they did, or even a nickname. The name "Downes" is an old surname, and many interesting people have carried it.

Famous People Named Downes

Many people throughout history and today have the surname Downes. Here are a few examples of individuals who have made a mark in different fields:

People in Music

• Andrew Downes (born 1951) is a British composer. He writes different kinds of music, including pieces for orchestras and choirs.
• Edward Downes (1911–2001) was an American music expert and critic. He was also known for being a quizmaster for the Metropolitan Opera, which is a famous opera company.
• Sir Edward Downes (1924–2009) was a famous British conductor. A conductor is someone who leads an orchestra or choir during a performance. Sir Edward conducted many important concerts and operas around the world.
• Olin Downes (1886–1955) was an American music critic. He wrote about music for newspapers and helped people understand and appreciate different musical performances.
• Ralph Downes (1905–1993) was a British organist. An organist plays the pipe organ, which is a very large musical instrument often found in churches or concert halls.

People in Arts and Sports

• Doris Downes (1905–1993) was an American artist. Artists create beautiful works using paint, sculpture, or other materials.
• Melissa Downes (born 1970) is an Australian news presenter. She helps deliver the news to people watching television.
• Percy Downes (1888–1947) was an English footballer. He played professional football, which is a very popular sport around the world.

People in Education and Thinking

• Andrew Downes (1563–1644) was an English scholar. Scholars are people who study a lot and are experts in certain subjects, often teaching at universities.
• Stephen Downes (born 1959) is a Canadian philosopher. Philosophers think deeply about big questions about life, knowledge, and how we should live.

Images for kids

• 

  A visual representation of the Downes surname.