NameCensus.

UK surname

Annan

A Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic phrase "anann" meaning "the former" or "the late".

In the 1881 census there were 424 people recorded with the Annan surname, ranking it #7,647 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 797, ranked #6,943, up from #7,647 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Falkland, Govan Combination and Newcastle All Saints. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Northumberland, Paisley East and King's Lynn and West Norfolk.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Annan is 815 in 2015. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 88.0%.

1881 census count

424

Ranked #7,647

Modern count

797

2016, ranked #6,943

Peak year

2015

815 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Annan had 424 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #7,647 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 797 in 2016, ranked #6,943.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 469 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Annan surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Annan surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Annan 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 320 #7,250
1861 historical 330 #7,721
1881 historical 424 #7,647
1891 historical 389 #9,085
1901 historical 469 #8,444
1911 historical 182 #15,859
1997 modern 545 #8,727
1998 modern 577 #8,597
1999 modern 585 #8,587
2000 modern 599 #8,435
2001 modern 581 #8,469
2002 modern 621 #8,244
2003 modern 645 #7,868
2004 modern 675 #7,621
2005 modern 719 #7,169
2006 modern 717 #7,226
2007 modern 738 #7,149
2008 modern 732 #7,244
2009 modern 753 #7,226
2010 modern 793 #7,079
2011 modern 772 #7,149
2012 modern 758 #7,165
2013 modern 799 #6,961
2014 modern 810 #6,917
2015 modern 815 #6,825
2016 modern 797 #6,943

Geography

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Where Annans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Falkland, Govan Combination, Newcastle All Saints, Edinburgh and Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Northumberland, Paisley East, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Newcastle upon Tyne and North Tyneside. 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 Falkland Fife
2 Govan Combination Lanark
3 Newcastle All Saints Northumberland
4 Edinburgh Edinburgh
5 Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry Forfar

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Northumberland 040 Northumberland
2 Paisley East Renfrewshire
3 King's Lynn and West Norfolk 018 King's Lynn and West Norfolk
4 Newcastle upon Tyne 030 Newcastle upon Tyne
5 North Tyneside 030 North Tyneside

Forenames

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First names often paired with Annan

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Annan

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Annan, 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

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Annan surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Annan 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 is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Annan 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

Annan 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

Annan falls in decile 3 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.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Annan is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

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

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Annan

The surname Annan has its origins in Scotland, specifically the region of Dumfriesshire. It is believed to have emerged in the 13th century and is derived from the town of Annan, which lies near the mouth of the River Annan. The name itself is thought to come from the Brittonic word "an-aven," meaning "very cold stream."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Ragman Rolls of 1296, a historical document containing the names of Scottish landowners who swore allegiance to King Edward I of England. The name appears as "Anandia" in this record.

In the 14th century, the name was recorded in various forms, such as "Anand" and "Anante," reflecting the local dialect and spelling variations of the time. During this period, the name was particularly prevalent in the areas around the town of Annan and the surrounding countryside.

The Annan surname has been associated with several notable historical figures over the centuries. One such figure was Sir Robert Annan, a Scottish landowner and member of the landed gentry who lived in the 16th century. Another was William Annan, a Scottish merchant and banker who lived in the 18th century and was influential in the development of the city of Glasgow.

In the 19th century, the surname gained prominence with the birth of Robert Annan (1834-1868), a Scottish photographer known for his pioneering work in the field of photographic reproduction. His contemporary, Thomas Annan (1829-1887), was also a notable Scottish photographer, renowned for his detailed images of the old towns and streets of Glasgow before they were demolished.

Another notable bearer of the Annan surname was Noel Gilroy Annan, Baron Annan (1917-2000), a British scholar, broadcaster, and academic who served as the Provost of University College, London, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London.

Throughout its history, the Annan surname has maintained its connection to the town of Annan in Scotland, as well as the surrounding region of Dumfriesshire. While variations in spelling have occurred over time, the name's roots in the Brittonic language and its association with the local geography have remained constant.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Annan families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Annan 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. Lanarkshire leads with 73 Annans recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.51x.

County Total Index
Lanarkshire 73 5.51x
Midlothian 61 11.11x
Fife 50 20.62x
Angus 39 10.28x
Northumberland 38 6.23x
Middlesex 24 0.59x
Staffordshire 19 1.37x
Durham 15 1.23x
Perthshire 15 8.16x
Devon 14 1.64x
Renfrewshire 12 3.78x
Stirlingshire 11 7.28x
Hampshire 10 1.19x
Argyllshire 9 7.89x
West Lothian 6 9.72x
Dunbartonshire 5 4.54x
Aberdeenshire 4 1.05x
Lancashire 4 0.08x
Glamorgan 3 0.42x
Surrey 2 0.10x
Bedfordshire 1 0.47x
Gloucestershire 1 0.12x
Morayshire 1 1.57x
Nairnshire 1 7.99x
Ross-shire 1 0.89x
Yorkshire 1 0.02x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Dundee in Angus leads with 25 Annans recorded in 1881 and an index of 17.64x.

Place Total Index
Dundee 25 17.64x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 23 10.42x
Wolverhampton 18 16.93x
Byker 17 56.42x
Glasgow 17 7.23x
Newcastle On Tyne All Sts 13 35.70x
Barony 12 3.58x
Liff Benvie 11 19.09x
Dunfermline 10 26.82x
Edinburgh Greenside 10 137.93x
Cadder 9 91.93x
Govan 9 2.75x
South Leith 9 14.57x
Bromley London 8 8.88x
Cathcart 8 46.57x
Lanark 8 75.05x
Newburgh 8 259.74x
Portsea 8 4.86x
Bendochy 7 700.00x
Carluke 7 58.19x
Carnwath 7 85.47x
Kirkcaldy 7 58.19x
Stoke Damerel 7 11.73x
Tormoham 7 19.40x
Bathgate 6 44.81x
Duddingston 6 54.45x
Dunoon Kilmun 6 67.49x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 6 11.37x
Bishopwearmouth 5 4.78x
Old Kilpatrick 5 38.43x
Abdie 4 289.86x
Aberdeen St Nicholas 4 5.63x
Bothkennar 4 88.69x
Fulham London 4 6.73x
Gateshead 4 4.38x
Moonzie 4 1904.76x
Newcastle On Tyne St 4 12.66x
Paisley High Church 4 15.82x
Poplar London 4 5.17x
Stirling 4 21.00x
Tulliallan 4 128.21x
Campbeltown 3 21.80x
Elie 3 315.79x
Lasswade 3 23.90x
Llandaff 3 12.64x
Scoonie 3 57.14x
St Marylebone London 3 1.37x
Buchanan 2 259.74x
Cambusnethan 2 6.80x
Cramond 2 48.08x
Dysart 2 12.25x
Edinburgh New North 2 41.84x
Kensington London 2 0.88x
Markinch 2 24.30x
North Leith 2 7.87x
St Andrews 2 18.12x
Strathmartine 2 119.05x
Bedlington 1 4.91x
Bethnal Green London 1 0.56x
Camberwell 1 0.38x
Chorlton On Medlock 1 1.29x
Cowpen 1 7.12x
Cromarty 1 33.22x
Dyke 1 57.47x
Edinburgh St Stephens 1 9.26x
Falkirk 1 2.83x
Falkland 1 26.25x
Govan Church 1 526.32x
Jesmond 1 11.66x
Largo 1 31.75x
Lesmahagow 1 7.14x
Manchester 1 0.46x
Nairn 1 13.18x
Northwood 1 8.36x
Perth West Church 1 11.45x
Sheffield 1 0.77x
St Madoes 1 227.27x
Stoke Upon Trent 1 0.68x
Todmorden Walsden 1 7.68x
Yate 1 56.82x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 14
Sarah 8
Jane 4
Ann 3
Elizabeth 3
Florence 3
Hannah 3
Annie 2
Christina 2
Ellen 2
Isabella 2
Janet 2
Louisa 2
Maggie 2
Abi 1
Dorothy 1
Eleanor 1
Eliza 1
Elizabth. 1
Elsie 1
Emma 1
Eugenie 1
Grace 1
Helen 1
Jessie 1
Julia 1
Kate 1
Margaret 1
Sophia 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 10
James 8
Thomas 6
David 5
Robert 5
Matthew 4
Wm. 4
William 3
Alexander 2
Edward 2
A.P. 1
Arthur 1
Charles 1
Francis 1
Frank 1
Frederick 1
Geo. 1
George 1
Henry 1
Richard 1
Sidney 1
Thos. 1
Walter 1

FAQ

Annan surname: questions and answers

How common was the Annan surname in 1881?

In 1881, 424 people were recorded with the Annan surname. That placed it at #7,647 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Annan surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 797 in 2016. That gives Annan a modern rank of #6,943.

What does the Annan surname mean?

A Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic phrase "anann" meaning "the former" or "the late".

What does the Annan map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Annan 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.