NameCensus.

UK surname

Applin

A surname likely derived from a place name referring to someone from a location called Applin.

In the 1881 census there were 308 people recorded with the Applin surname, ranking it #9,542 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 357, ranked #12,953, down from #9,542 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, London parishes and Southampton St Mary. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Test Valley, Colchester and Mid Suffolk.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Applin is 437 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 15.9%.

1881 census count

308

Ranked #9,542

Modern count

357

2016, ranked #12,953

Peak year

1911

437 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Applin had 308 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #9,542 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 357 in 2016, ranked #12,953.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 437 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Communities.

Applin surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Applin surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Applin 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 239 #9,092
1861 historical 211 #11,508
1881 historical 308 #9,542
1891 historical 355 #9,721
1901 historical 405 #9,405
1911 historical 437 #8,698
1997 modern 383 #11,359
1998 modern 391 #11,539
1999 modern 387 #11,722
2000 modern 378 #11,882
2001 modern 368 #11,952
2002 modern 374 #12,040
2003 modern 357 #12,233
2004 modern 363 #12,131
2005 modern 348 #12,410
2006 modern 336 #12,842
2007 modern 332 #13,087
2008 modern 337 #13,068
2009 modern 348 #13,020
2010 modern 356 #13,071
2011 modern 358 #12,883
2012 modern 354 #12,851
2013 modern 354 #13,079
2014 modern 363 #12,908
2015 modern 364 #12,768
2016 modern 357 #12,953

Geography

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Where Applins are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, London parishes, Southampton St Mary, Blandford Town, Pimperne and Iwerne Minster. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Test Valley, Colchester, Mid Suffolk, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Bristol. 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 Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff Gloucestershire
2 London parishes London 3
3 Southampton St Mary Hampshire
4 Blandford Town, Pimperne Dorset
5 Iwerne Minster Dorset

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Test Valley 003 Test Valley
2 Colchester 022 Colchester
3 Mid Suffolk 006 Mid Suffolk
4 Rhondda Cynon Taf 013 Rhondda Cynon Taf
5 Bristol 041 Bristol, City of

Forenames

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First names often paired with Applin

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Applin

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

Baseline UK

Group

Challenged Communities

Nationally, the Applin surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Challenged Communities, within Baseline UK. This does not mean every Applin household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Residents of these neighbourhoods typically live in households with dependent children, and there are fewer-than-average residents of normal retirement age or over. Identification with ethnic minorities, particularly Black, or Mixed or Multiple ethnicities is common. The rate of Christian religious affiliation is low. Housing predominantly consists of semi-detached houses, along with a significant number of terraced properties and flats. Overcrowded social housing is common, and private renting occurs at average UK levels. Those in employment work mainly in caring leisure and other services; process, plant and machine operation; or elementary occupations. Unemployment is high, and few individuals have degree level qualifications. Many of these neighbourhoods occur in commuter towns or less accessible areas of larger towns and cities.

Wider pattern

This Supergroup exemplifies the broad base to the UK’s social structure, encompassing as it does the average or modal levels of many neighbourhood characteristics, including all housing tenures, a range of levels of educational attainment and religious affiliations, and a variety of pre-retirement age structures. Yet, in combination, these mixes are each distinctive of the parts of the UK. Overall, terraced houses and flats are the most prevalent, as is employment in intermediate or low-skilled occupations. However, this Supergroup is also characterised by above average levels of unemployment and lower levels of use of English as the main language. Many neighbourhoods occur in south London and the UK’s other major urban centres.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Applin is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Applin is most concentrated in decile 8 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.

8
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Applin falls in decile 7 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

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

7
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Applin is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

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

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Applin

The surname APPLIN is of English origin, tracing its roots back to the medieval period. It is believed to have originated as a locational name, derived from a place name that no longer exists or has undergone significant changes over time. One theory suggests that APPLIN may have evolved from the Old English words "æppel" and "tūn," which translates to "apple farm" or "apple town."

During the Middle Ages, when surnames were becoming more widespread, it was common for people to adopt names based on their place of origin or residence. The APPLIN surname likely emerged in this context, referring to individuals who hailed from a settlement known for its apple orchards or apple-related activities.

While there are no definitive records of the surname's appearance in historical documents such as the Domesday Book, some of the earliest documented instances of the name can be found in parish records and legal documents from the 16th and 17th centuries. For example, a John Applin was recorded in the parish registers of Worfield, Shropshire, in 1578.

Over the centuries, the APPLIN surname has seen variations in spelling, including Applyn, Appline, and Aplin, reflecting the inconsistencies in record-keeping and regional dialects of the time. These alternative spellings may have originated from different regional pronunciations or scribal errors.

One notable figure bearing the APPLIN surname was Sir Roger Applin (1539-1619), an English lawyer and Member of Parliament who served during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He was appointed as a Justice of the King's Bench and played a significant role in legal proceedings during his time.

Another individual of note was Thomas Applin (1612-1680), a Puritan minister and author who wrote several religious works, including "A Christian's Testimony Against Sin" and "The Heavenly Trade." He was known for his influential sermons and devotional writings.

In the 18th century, William Applin (1720-1791) was a renowned clockmaker from London. His intricate timepieces were highly sought after by the wealthy and aristocratic families of the time, and his work is still celebrated among horological enthusiasts today.

Moving into the 19th century, Mary Applin (1811-1889) was a prominent educator and advocate for women's education. She founded several schools for girls in London and worked tirelessly to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged young women.

Lastly, John Applin (1876-1952) was a British architect who gained recognition for his innovative designs and contributions to the Art Deco movement. Some of his most notable works include the Hoover Building in London and the Savoy Theatre in Cape Town, South Africa.

While the APPLIN surname may have evolved from humble beginnings, it has left an indelible mark on various fields throughout history, from law and religion to craftsmanship and architecture, testament to the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of those who have borne this name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Applin families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Applin 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. Dorset leads with 79 Applins recorded in 1881 and an index of 38.93x.

County Total Index
Dorset 79 38.93x
Middlesex 62 2.00x
Hampshire 39 6.15x
Gloucestershire 19 3.13x
Devon 13 2.02x
Surrey 13 0.86x
Lancashire 10 0.27x
Somerset 10 2.01x
Channel Islands 9 9.82x
Kent 9 0.85x
Warwickshire 9 1.15x
Cambridgeshire 7 3.57x
Buckinghamshire 6 3.21x
Lincolnshire 6 1.21x
Staffordshire 6 0.57x
Nottinghamshire 4 0.96x
Wiltshire 4 1.46x
Cheshire 3 0.44x
Yorkshire 2 0.07x
Derbyshire 1 0.21x
Durham 1 0.11x
Glamorgan 1 0.19x
Hertfordshire 1 0.47x
Monmouthshire 1 0.45x
Sussex 1 0.19x
Worcestershire 1 0.25x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Blandford Forum in Dorset leads with 18 Applins recorded in 1881 and an index of 450.00x.

Place Total Index
Blandford Forum 18 450.00x
Bow London 11 27.94x
Aston 9 4.19x
Christchurch 9 65.50x
St Peter Port 9 53.10x
Bridport 8 191.39x
Deptford St Paul 8 9.83x
Fordingbridge 8 231.88x
Hackney London 8 4.61x
St Botolph Bishopsgate 8 182.65x
Sturminster 8 406.09x
Bere Regis 7 514.71x
Iwerne Courtnay 7 510.95x
Millbrook 7 43.86x
St Giles Cambridge 7 276.68x
Caistor 6 304.57x
Honiton 6 168.54x
St George Hanover Square 6 11.01x
Twickenham 6 45.25x
Wimborne 6 243.90x
Wolverhampton 6 7.48x
Chertsey 5 51.33x
Clifton 5 16.31x
Holdenhurst 5 30.08x
Milton Abbas 5 505.05x
Paignton 5 102.04x
Portland 5 45.83x
Thornham 5 252.53x
Bethnal Green London 4 2.98x
Gloucester St Mary Lode 4 281.69x
Hammersmith London 4 5.25x
Little Bolton 4 8.48x
Nottingham St Mary 4 3.71x
Southampton St Mary 4 10.04x
Bollin Fee 3 99.01x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 3 5.25x
Bromley London 3 4.41x
Croydon 3 3.59x
Denham 3 225.56x
Downton 3 83.80x
Glastonbury 3 73.89x
Manston 3 1500.00x
Wolverton 3 77.52x
Beddington 2 34.31x
Bristol St George 2 7.13x
Bristol St Peter 2 92.17x
Hampstead London 2 4.15x
Hendon 2 17.97x
Hinton St Mary 2 645.16x
Lambeth 2 0.74x
Netherbury 2 119.05x
Southampton Holy Rood 2 312.50x
St Katherine Creechurch 2 377.36x
St Marylebone London 2 1.21x
Winterborne Whitechurch 2 444.44x
Wiveliscombe 2 72.20x
Beaminster 1 44.25x
Bridgewater 1 7.40x
Bristol St James In 1 11.21x
Bristol St James St Paul 1 4.95x
Cardiff St Mary 1 3.37x
Cudham 1 92.59x
Dorchester All Sts 1 103.09x
Dorking 1 9.88x
Islington London 1 0.33x
Kensington London 1 0.58x
Longburton 1 250.00x
Melcombe Regis 1 11.89x
Milford 1 54.05x
Pitcombe 1 222.22x
Poole St James 1 13.11x
South Stoneham 1 7.27x
Southampton All Sts 1 9.19x
St Giles In Fields London 1 6.59x
Stratfieldsaye 1 163.93x
Wells St Cuthbert 1 29.41x
West Hallam 1 158.73x
Westbury On Trym 1 4.87x
Weston Super Mare 1 7.96x
Worcester St Clement 1 38.91x

Top female names

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

Name Count
William 17
Henry 12
George 11
Thomas 9
John 8
James 7
Arthur 5
Edward 5
Frederick 5
Joseph 5
Charles 4
Robert 4
Herbert 3
Frank 2
Fred 2
Harry 2
Reginald 2
Richard 2
Sidney 2
Tom 2
Vincent 2
Albert 1
Alfred 1
Anthy.Richd. 1
Ben 1
Benjamin 1
Charley 1
Chas. 1
Edmund 1
Fredric 1
Fredrick 1
G. 1
H. 1
Harold 1
Infant 1
J.J. 1
Jno. 1
Phillip 1
Richrd. 1
Rob. 1
Robt. 1
Samuel 1
Silvester 1
Sydney 1
W.H. 1
W.L. 1
Walter 1
Willm. 1
Wm. 1
Wm.G. 1

FAQ

Applin surname: questions and answers

How common was the Applin surname in 1881?

In 1881, 308 people were recorded with the Applin surname. That placed it at #9,542 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Applin surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 357 in 2016. That gives Applin a modern rank of #12,953.

What does the Applin surname mean?

A surname likely derived from a place name referring to someone from a location called Applin.

What does the Applin map show?

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