Wilbur Downes

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Wilbur Downes — Germanic
54K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Wilbur Downes is a name that combines Germanic origins. The first name Wilbur is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. Wilbur is an English and German masculine given name of Germanic origin as well as a surname. The etymology of the name is disputed, however the most accepted theory is that it is composed of the elements wilþī- (Proto-Germanic *wilþijaz-) "wild", and ebur (Proto-Germanic *eburaz) "boar". Another suggestion is that it derives from German willo (Proto-Germanic *wiljô) "will", "wish", "desire", and burg (Proto-Germanic *burgz) "fortress". Notable people with the name include: Surname Cornelia B. The surname Downes: Aaron Downes (born 1985), Australian footballer Aidan Downes (born 1988), Irish footballer Alexander Downes (1868–1950), Australian-born rugby player and cricketer who relocated to New Zealand Andrew Downes (scholar) (c. 1549–1628), English classical scholar Andrew Downes (composer) (1950–2023), British classical composer Arthur Downes (1883–1956), Scottish sailor who competed at the 1908 Summer Olympics Arthur Downes (police officer) (1895–1984), British-born New Zealand soldier, clerk, salesman and policeman Austin Downes (1905–1979), American football player at the University of Georgia Bes. Wilbur is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 54K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Wilbur reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Wilbur

Germanic

Wilbur is an English and German masculine given name of Germanic origin as well as a surname. The etymology of the name is disputed, however the most accepted theory is that it is composed of the elements wilþī- (Proto-Germanic *wilþijaz-) "wild", and ebur (Proto-Germanic *eburaz) "boar". Another suggestion is that it derives from German willo (Proto-Germanic *wiljô) "will", "wish", "desire", and burg (Proto-Germanic *burgz) "fortress". Notable people with the name include: Surname Cornelia B.

Surname: Downes

Irish

Aaron Downes (born 1985), Australian footballer Aidan Downes (born 1988), Irish footballer Alexander Downes (1868–1950), Australian-born rugby player and cricketer who relocated to New Zealand Andrew Downes (scholar) (c. 1549–1628), English classical scholar Andrew Downes (composer) (1950–2023), British classical composer Arthur Downes (1883–1956), Scottish sailor who competed at the 1908 Summer Olympics Arthur Downes (police officer) (1895–1984), British-born New Zealand soldier, clerk, salesman and policeman Austin Downes (1905–1979), American football player at the University of Georgia Bes.

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Geographic Distribution

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

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 10%

Popularity Over Time

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

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Notable People Named Wilbur Downes

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 Wilbur Downes:

3
Expression Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

5
Soul Urge Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

7
Personality Number

Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.

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 Wilbur?
The first name Wilbur originates from Germanic. Wilbur is an English and German masculine given name of Germanic origin as well as a surname. The etymology of the name is disputed, however the most accepted theory is that it is composed of the elements wilþī- (Proto-Germanic *wilþijaz-) "wild", and ebur (Proto-Germanic *eburaz) "boar". Another suggestion is that it derives from German willo (Proto-Germanic *wiljô) "will", "wish", "desire", and burg (Proto-Germanic *burgz) "fortress". Notable people with the name include: Surname Cornelia B.
When was Wilbur most popular?
The name Wilbur reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Downes?
The surname Downes originates from Irish. Aaron Downes (born 1985), Australian footballer Aidan Downes (born 1988), Irish footballer Alexander Downes (1868–1950), Australian-born rugby player and cricketer who relocated to New Zealand Andrew Downes (scholar) (c. 1549–1628), English classical scholar Andrew Downes (composer) (1950–2023), British classical composer Arthur Downes (1883–1956), Scottish sailor who competed at the 1908 Summer Olympics Arthur Downes (police officer) (1895–1984), British-born New Zealand soldier, clerk, salesman and policeman Austin Downes (1905–1979), American football player at the University of Georgia Bes.
What are the origins of the name Wilbur Downes?
The name Wilbur Downes combines two different traditions: the first name Wilbur has Germanic roots, while the surname Downes originates from Irish.
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