UK surname
Topographic surname indicating someone living near marshes or meadows.
In the 1881 census there were 25 people recorded with the Arnes surname, ranking it #30,077 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 12, ranked #37,385, down from #30,077 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Ringwood, Burton-on-Trent and St Pancras. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Arnes is 112 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 52.0%.
1881 census count
25
Ranked #30,077
Modern count
12
2016, ranked #37,385
Peak year
1861
112 bearers
Map years
1
1861 to 1861
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Arnes surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Arnes surname density by area, 1861 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe 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 | 53 | #23,739 |
| 1861 | historical | 112 | #19,279 |
| 1881 | historical | 25 | #30,077 |
| 1891 | historical | 97 | #24,447 |
| 1901 | historical | 36 | #30,099 |
| 1911 | historical | 21 | #31,179 |
| 1997 | modern | 17 | #36,181 |
| 1998 | modern | 12 | #36,790 |
| 1999 | modern | 11 | #36,917 |
| 2000 | modern | 8 | #37,264 |
| 2001 | modern | 9 | #36,980 |
| 2002 | modern | 8 | #37,206 |
| 2003 | modern | 7 | #37,397 |
| 2004 | modern | 9 | #37,213 |
| 2005 | modern | 12 | #36,936 |
| 2006 | modern | 10 | #37,224 |
| 2007 | modern | 10 | #37,335 |
| 2008 | modern | 12 | #37,143 |
| 2009 | modern | 17 | #36,753 |
| 2010 | modern | 15 | #37,038 |
| 2011 | modern | 13 | #37,191 |
| 2012 | modern | 12 | #37,292 |
| 2013 | modern | 11 | #37,435 |
| 2014 | modern | 11 | #37,462 |
| 2015 | modern | 12 | #37,371 |
| 2016 | modern | 12 | #37,385 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Ringwood, Burton-on-Trent, St Pancras, Gateshead and Burnham. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ringwood | Hampshire |
| 2 | Burton-on-Trent | Staffordshire |
| 3 | St Pancras | London (North Districts) |
| 4 | Gateshead | Durham |
| 5 | Burnham | Somerset |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Arnes surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Arnes, 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
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Arnes surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Arnes household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Arnes is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Arnes is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Arnes, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname "Arnes" is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word "ærn," meaning "place of eagles" or "eagle's nest." The name was likely given to someone who lived near a prominent eagle's nest or in an area known for its abundance of eagles.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name "Arnes" can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of landowners and properties in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The book mentions an individual named "Aernulf de Arnes," suggesting that the name was already in use during the late 11th century.
In the 13th century, the name appeared in various historical records, such as the Pipe Rolls of Northamptonshire, which mentioned a "Richard de Arnes" in 1230. Additionally, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed a "Johannes de Arnes," indicating the name's continued use in different regions of England.
Several historical figures bore the surname "Arnes," including Sir John Arnes (1460-1518), a prominent English soldier and politician who served as a Member of Parliament during the reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII. Another notable individual was Thomas Arnes (1680-1745), an English clergyman and author who wrote several theological works.
The surname "Arnes" also had variations in spelling over time, with some records showing it as "Arness," "Ernes," or "Earnest." These variations likely arose due to regional dialects and the inconsistencies in spelling and record-keeping during earlier periods.
While the name "Arnes" is not as common today as it once was, it has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history, including:
1. William Arnes (1728-1796), an English poet and playwright known for his satirical works. 2. Robert Arnes (1810-1888), a British naval officer who served during the Crimean War and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery. 3. Elizabeth Arnes (1845-1922), an American educator and suffragist who advocated for women's rights and education reform. 4. Arthur Arnes (1875-1944), a British architect known for his designs of several notable buildings in London. 5. Margaret Arnes (1920-2002), an Australian artist and sculptor whose works were displayed in various galleries and museums.
The surname "Arnes" has a rich history rooted in England's medieval era, with its origins linked to the Old English word for "eagle's nest." Over the centuries, it has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, from soldiers and politicians to writers and artists, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural and historical tapestry of several nations.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Arnes surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Kent leads with 7 Arnes' recorded in 1881 and an index of 8.42x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Kent | 7 | 8.42x |
| Norfolk | 6 | 16.02x |
| Lincolnshire | 3 | 7.70x |
| Nottinghamshire | 3 | 9.14x |
| Middlesex | 2 | 0.82x |
| Cambridgeshire | 1 | 6.48x |
| Lancashire | 1 | 0.35x |
| Somerset | 1 | 2.55x |
| Yorkshire | 1 | 0.41x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Norwich St Simon St Jude in Norfolk leads with 6 Arnes' recorded in 1881 and an index of 20000.00x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Norwich St Simon St Jude | 6 | 20000.00x |
| Elham | 5 | 5000.00x |
| Radford | 3 | 179.64x |
| Deptford St Paul | 2 | 31.20x |
| Great Grimsby | 2 | 80.97x |
| Chelsea London | 1 | 13.62x |
| Chorlton On Medlock | 1 | 21.79x |
| Holton | 1 | 10000.00x |
| Holy Trinity | 1 | 17.21x |
| St Andrewthe Less | 1 | 56.82x |
| St Marylebone London | 1 | 7.69x |
| Whaplode Drove | 1 | 1428.57x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Arnes surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Arnes surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Arnes households.
| Occupation | Count |
|---|---|
| Scholar | 4 |
| Bricklayer 2 Men 1 Boy | 1 |
| Clerk Civil Service Colonial Office | 1 |
| Coal Miner | 1 |
| Dock Laborer | 1 |
| Domestic Servant | 1 |
| Farmer Servent (Indoor) | 1 |
| Housekeeper | 1 |
| Mate | 1 |
| Nurse Child | 1 |
| Plumber | 1 |
| Retired Bakers Widow | 1 |
| Retired Forewoman | 1 |
| Watchmaker & Jeweller | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 25 people were recorded with the Arnes surname. That placed it at #30,077 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 12 in 2016. That gives Arnes a modern rank of #37,385.
Topographic surname indicating someone living near marshes or meadows.
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Arnes bearers relative to the surrounding population.
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.