I too am new to this group. I have been researching the surname DONNING which is sometimes spelled DOWNING. Probably confusion from oral spelling of name as "D - O - double N - I - N - G". When my dad first spelled it for me, I thought he said "D - O - W - N - I - N - G" so I could understand others confusing it <grin>. This family is from Belfast, Ireland. Have traced them back as early as 1845. Is anyone else pursuing this ellusive Irish family or have you encountered anyone else pursuing this surname as you've researched the DOWNING surname? Thanks! Iris :) Tim & Iris Read reads@compusmart.ab.ca