NameCensus.

UK surname

Ade

A Yoruba name meaning "crown" or "royalty," denoting a person of noble birth or high status.

In the 1881 census there were 122 people recorded with the Ade surname, ranking it #17,602 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 292, ranked #15,022, up from #17,602 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to St Anne Soho, Jevington, Folkington, Wilmington and Lewisham. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Glenkens, Bexley and Leeds.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Ade is 292 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 139.3%.

1881 census count

122

Ranked #17,602

Modern count

292

2016, ranked #15,022

Peak year

2016

292 bearers

Map years

6

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Ade had 122 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #17,602 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 292 in 2016, ranked #15,022.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 145 in 1851.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Young Families.

Ade surname distribution map

The map shows where the Ade surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Ade surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Ade over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 145 #13,223
1881 historical 122 #17,602
1901 historical 130 #19,649
1997 modern 115 #24,834
1998 modern 119 #24,918
1999 modern 110 #26,315
2000 modern 111 #26,111
2001 modern 105 #26,620
2002 modern 103 #27,443
2003 modern 103 #27,234
2004 modern 107 #26,899
2005 modern 117 #25,433
2006 modern 130 #24,053
2007 modern 138 #23,478
2008 modern 138 #23,763
2009 modern 147 #23,248
2010 modern 160 #22,487
2011 modern 162 #22,101
2012 modern 197 #19,408
2013 modern 219 #18,385
2014 modern 246 #17,079
2015 modern 262 #16,278
2016 modern 292 #15,022

Geography

Back to top

Where Ades are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around St Anne Soho, Jevington, Folkington, Wilmington, Lewisham, London parishes and Lambeth. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Glenkens, Bexley, Leeds, Brent and Southwark. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 St Anne Soho London (Central Districts)
2 Jevington, Folkington, Wilmington Sussex
3 Lewisham London (South Districts)
4 London parishes London 3
5 Lambeth London (South Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Glenkens Dumfries and Galloway
2 Bexley 001 Bexley
3 Leeds 020 Leeds
4 Brent 005 Brent
5 Southwark 018 Southwark

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Ade

These lists show first names that appear often with the Ade surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Ade

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Ade, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Ethnically Diverse Young Families

Nationally, the Ade surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Young Families, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Ade household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group includes many younger parents born overseas (particularly in Africa or EU countries) with children aged 0-4. Individuals identifying as of Mixed or Multiple ethnicities are also common. English may not be the primary language spoken. Accommodation consists principally of flats, and many properties are socially rented and/or overcrowded. Students are also present, unemployment is common, and other adults tend to work in low skilled jobs.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Ade is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Ade is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Ade falls in decile 2 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Ade is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 40-50 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

7
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Black - African

This describes the area pattern most associated with Ade, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Ade

The surname "Ade" is believed to have originated in West Africa, specifically in the Yoruba region of present-day Nigeria. It is thought to derive from the Yoruba word "ade," which means "crown" or "royalty." The name may have been given to individuals associated with royalty or those who held positions of authority and respect within their communities.

The earliest recorded examples of the surname "Ade" can be traced back to the 16th and 17th centuries in various historical records and documents from the region. One notable reference is found in the writings of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba explorer and linguist who lived from 1809 to 1891. He mentioned individuals with the surname "Ade" in his works, providing insight into the cultural and linguistic significance of the name.

In the 18th century, the surname "Ade" appeared in records related to the transatlantic slave trade, as many Yoruba individuals were forcibly taken to the Americas during this period. Some of these individuals likely carried the surname "Ade" with them, contributing to the spread and preservation of the name in various parts of the world.

Ade Akinbiyi, a Nigerian businessman and industrialist born in 1944, is one notable figure who bore the surname "Ade." He played a significant role in the development of Nigeria's manufacturing sector and was recognized for his contributions to the country's economic growth.

Another prominent individual with the surname "Ade" is Ade Adepitan, a British television presenter, and Paralympic athlete born in 1973. He is known for his work in promoting disability awareness and inspiring others through his achievements in sports and media.

Ade Edmondson, born in 1957, is a British comedian, actor, and writer who gained fame as a member of the acclaimed comedy troupe "The Comic Strip." He has had a successful career in television, film, and theater.

Ade Obayori, a Nigerian-American actor and director born in 1980, is also a notable bearer of the surname "Ade." He has appeared in several television shows and films, showcasing his talent and versatility as a performer.

Lastly, Ade Olusekun, a Nigerian politician and diplomat born in 1936, served as the Minister of Mines and Power in Nigeria during the 1970s. He played a crucial role in developing the country's energy sector and representing Nigeria on various international platforms.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Ade families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Ade surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Sussex leads with 58 Ades recorded in 1881 and an index of 28.91x.

County Total Index
Sussex 58 28.91x
Middlesex 22 1.85x
Surrey 17 2.93x
Kent 11 2.71x
Hampshire 8 3.28x
Cheshire 4 1.52x
Staffordshire 2 0.50x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Seaford in Sussex leads with 10 Ades recorded in 1881 and an index of 1470.59x.

Place Total Index
Seaford 10 1470.59x
Brighton 9 22.24x
Lewisham 9 41.57x
Bermondsey 8 22.59x
Lewes All Sts 8 1000.00x
Portsea 8 16.74x
Southwark St George Martyr 8 33.42x
Steyning 7 1029.41x
Wilmington 7 7000.00x
Lewes St Michael 6 1500.00x
Holy Trinity Less London 5 1666.67x
St Marylebone London 5 7.87x
Arlington 4 1666.67x
St Anne Soho London 4 58.91x
Birkenhead 3 14.33x
Fulham London 3 17.38x
Eastbourne 2 21.67x
Lewes St John Southover 2 148.15x
Paddington London 2 4.57x
Stoke Upon Trent 2 4.70x
Alfriston 1 416.67x
Enfield 1 12.80x
Frodsham 1 98.04x
Hackney London 1 1.50x
Hastings St Leonards 1 33.90x
Hastings St Mary 1 20.04x
Rochester St Margaret 1 23.36x
Sittingbourne 1 31.15x
Southwark St John 1 27.47x
Westminster St John 1 6.90x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Ade surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Ade surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
William 6
George 5
Edwin 4
Henry 4
James 4
Thomas 4
Alfred 3
Charles 3
Arthur 2
John 2
Benjamin 1
Edward 1
Ernest 1
Gregory 1
Jesse 1
Moses 1
Murray 1
Nathan 1
Percy 1
Peter 1
Philip 1
Richard 1
Robert 1
Samuel 1
Stanley 1
Stapley 1
Sylvester 1
W. 1

FAQ

Ade surname: questions and answers

How common was the Ade surname in 1881?

In 1881, 122 people were recorded with the Ade surname. That placed it at #17,602 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Ade surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 292 in 2016. That gives Ade a modern rank of #15,022.

What does the Ade surname mean?

A Yoruba name meaning "crown" or "royalty," denoting a person of noble birth or high status.

What does the Ade map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Ade bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.