James Downey

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

James Downey — supplanter
5.0 million People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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James Downey is a name that combines Hebrew origins. The first name James is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. English form of the Late Latin Jacomus, from Jacobus, from Hebrew Ya'akov (Jacob), meaning "supplanter." Name of two apostles and many kings. The surname Downey: Downey is an Irish surname that means in English “belonging to a fort”. The name is found from ancient times in areas of Ireland's modern County Galway, southwest Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Ulster and Leinster and is believed to be the surname of three distinct families. In Ulster, Downey (I. Ó Duibheanaigh) were the chiefs of the Ulaid petty-kingdom of Cinel Amhalgaidh, now known in the Anglicised form as Clanawley in County Down. James is one of the most widespread first names worldwide, carried by approximately 5.0 million people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name James reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: James

Meaning: supplanter

Hebrew

English form of the Late Latin Jacomus, from Jacobus, from Hebrew Ya'akov (Jacob), meaning "supplanter." Name of two apostles and many kings.

Surname: Downey

Irish

Downey is an Irish surname that means in English “belonging to a fort”. The name is found from ancient times in areas of Ireland's modern County Galway, southwest Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Ulster and Leinster and is believed to be the surname of three distinct families. In Ulster, Downey (I. Ó Duibheanaigh) were the chiefs of the Ulaid petty-kingdom of Cinel Amhalgaidh, now known in the Anglicised form as Clanawley in County Down.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name James is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 15%
Australia 8%
Canada 9%
Brazil 10%
Israel 6%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name James by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Name Variants & Related Names

The name James has several variants and related forms across different languages and cultures:

  • Jim
  • Jimmy
  • Jamie
  • Jacques
  • Diego
  • Giacomo
  • Hamish

Notable People Named James Downey

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for James Downey:

8
Expression Number

Ambition and material success. Represents power, business acumen and the drive to achieve significant goals.

8
Soul Urge Number

Ambition and material success. Represents power, business acumen and the drive to achieve significant goals.

9
Personality Number

Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name James?
The first name James originates from Hebrew. English form of the Late Latin Jacomus, from Jacobus, from Hebrew Ya'akov (Jacob), meaning "supplanter." Name of two apostles and many kings.
When was James most popular?
The name James reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Downey?
The surname Downey originates from Irish. Downey is an Irish surname that means in English “belonging to a fort”. The name is found from ancient times in areas of Ireland's modern County Galway, southwest Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Ulster and Leinster and is believed to be the surname of three distinct families. In Ulster, Downey (I. Ó Duibheanaigh) were the chiefs of the Ulaid petty-kingdom of Cinel Amhalgaidh, now known in the Anglicised form as Clanawley in County Down.
What are the origins of the name James Downey?
The name James Downey combines two different traditions: the first name James has Hebrew roots, while the surname Downey originates from Irish.
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