NameCensus.

UK surname

Balsom

A variant spelling of the English surname Balsam, referring to a balsam tree or fragrant evergreen.

In the 1881 census there were 187 people recorded with the Balsom surname, ranking it #13,407 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 227, ranked #17,992, down from #13,407 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Greenwich and Exeter St David (including Castle Yard). In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include West Dorset, Shepway and Shropshire.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Balsom is 263 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 21.4%.

1881 census count

187

Ranked #13,407

Modern count

227

2016, ranked #17,992

Peak year

1911

263 bearers

Map years

8

1861 to 2016

Key insights

  • Balsom had 187 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #13,407 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 227 in 2016, ranked #17,992.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 263 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Spacious Rural Living.

Balsom surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Balsom surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Balsom 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 82 #19,317
1861 historical 105 #20,298
1881 historical 187 #13,407
1891 historical 157 #17,778
1901 historical 217 #14,381
1911 historical 263 #12,473
1997 modern 231 #16,049
1998 modern 231 #16,555
1999 modern 238 #16,308
2000 modern 226 #16,840
2001 modern 231 #16,365
2002 modern 229 #16,771
2003 modern 224 #16,859
2004 modern 231 #16,591
2005 modern 230 #16,583
2006 modern 215 #17,441
2007 modern 218 #17,477
2008 modern 217 #17,693
2009 modern 218 #18,015
2010 modern 233 #17,606
2011 modern 233 #17,426
2012 modern 222 #17,921
2013 modern 229 #17,816
2014 modern 230 #17,872
2015 modern 230 #17,795
2016 modern 227 #17,992

Geography

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Where Balsoms are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Greenwich, Exeter St David (including Castle Yard), Tormoham with Torquay and London parishes. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to West Dorset, Shepway, Shropshire, Bracknell Forest and Mid Suffolk. 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 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
2 Greenwich London (South Districts)
3 Exeter St David (including Castle Yard) Devon
4 Tormoham with Torquay Devon
5 London parishes London 3

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 West Dorset 002 West Dorset
2 Shepway 011 Shepway
3 Shropshire 005 Shropshire
4 Bracknell Forest 009 Bracknell Forest
5 Mid Suffolk 002 Mid Suffolk

Forenames

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First names often paired with Balsom

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Balsom

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

Retired Professionals

Group

Spacious Rural Living

Nationally, the Balsom surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Spacious Rural Living, within Retired Professionals. This does not mean every Balsom household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These predominantly ageing households typically have no resident dependent children. Most are owner-occupiers and live in detached houses in low density residential developments (although renting is more common than in the rest of the Supergroup). White ethnicity predominates. Residents are typically beyond retirement age but those still in work have managerial, professional or skilled trade occupations. White ethnicity and Christian religious affiliation predominate. Neighbourhoods are located throughout rural UK.

Wider pattern

Typically married but no longer with resident dependent children, these well-educated households either remain working in their managerial, professional, administrative or other skilled occupations, or are retired from them – the modal individual age is beyond normal retirement age. Underoccupied detached and semi-detached properties predominate, and unpaid care is more prevalent than reported disability. The prevalence of this Supergroup outside most urban conurbations indicates that rural lifestyles prevail, typically sustained by using two or more cars per household.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Balsom is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. 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

These scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Balsom 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

Balsom falls in decile 8 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

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

8
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Balsom 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 Balsom, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Balsom

The surname Balsom has its origins in England, dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old English words "balu" and "sumor," which together translate to "bale summer" or "evil summer." This could suggest that the name was originally given as a nickname to someone who endured a particularly difficult summer season, perhaps due to crop failure or other hardships.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Balsom name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire from 1275, where a certain Robert Balsum is mentioned. The name also appears in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire in 1279, which lists a William Balsham. These early spellings, Balsum and Balsham, indicate the variations that existed before the modern form of Balsom became standardized.

During the 14th century, the Balsom name continued to be documented in various records. The Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire from 1379 include an entry for a Johannes Balsom. Additionally, the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield, dated 1317, reference a Richard Balsom, suggesting that the name had spread to different regions of England by that time.

In the 15th century, the Balsom surname can be found in historical documents such as the Feet of Fines for Essex, which mentions a John Balsom in 1428. Another notable individual from this era was Thomas Balsom, who was born in Oxfordshire around 1450 and served as a member of the local gentry.

As the centuries progressed, the Balsom name continued to be associated with notable individuals. In the 16th century, there was a prominent family of Balsoms in the village of Balsham, Cambridgeshire. One member of this family, Richard Balsom (1520-1591), was a successful merchant and landowner who played a significant role in the local community.

Other notable Balsoms include:

1. William Balsom (1630-1692), a Puritan minister and author from Berkshire. 2. Elizabeth Balsom (1745-1823), a prominent philanthropist and advocate for women's education in Suffolk. 3. James Balsom (1780-1856), a renowned architect who designed several notable buildings in London. 4. Henry Balsom (1825-1899), a British explorer and naturalist who made significant contributions to the study of flora and fauna in South America. 5. Margaret Balsom (1865-1944), a pioneering female physician who worked tirelessly to improve healthcare access in rural areas of Scotland.

While the Balsom surname may have originated from a humble nickname, it has since become associated with individuals from various walks of life, reflecting the rich tapestry of English history and the enduring legacy of this ancient name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Balsom families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Balsom 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. Devon leads with 93 Balsoms recorded in 1881 and an index of 22.67x.

County Total Index
Devon 93 22.67x
Dorset 23 17.79x
Kent 23 3.42x
Channel Islands 15 25.69x
Gloucestershire 11 2.85x
Denbighshire 7 9.40x
Hampshire 7 1.73x
Cornwall 5 2.24x
Middlesex 5 0.25x
Somerset 5 1.58x
Surrey 2 0.21x
Essex 1 0.26x
Glamorgan 1 0.29x
Hertfordshire 1 0.74x
Lincolnshire 1 0.32x
Monmouthshire 1 0.70x
Norfolk 1 0.33x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Bristol St Philip Jacob in Gloucestershire leads with 11 Balsoms recorded in 1881 and an index of 30.23x.

Place Total Index
Bristol St Philip Jacob 11 30.23x
Tormoham 11 63.40x
Greenwich 9 28.69x
Stoke Damerel 9 31.35x
Exeter St Edmund 8 909.09x
Longburton 8 3076.92x
Exeter St Sidwell 7 74.55x
St Peter Port 7 64.81x
Wolborough 7 135.14x
Wrexham Regis 7 126.58x
Exeter Heavitree 6 196.08x
Exeter St Mary Steps 6 645.16x
Lenham 6 447.76x
Plymouth St Andrew 6 18.99x
Arne 5 6250.00x
Corscombe 5 1136.36x
Exeter St David 5 142.86x
Exeter St Mary Major 5 202.43x
Faversham 5 78.00x
Hursley 5 531.91x
Shobrooke 5 1162.79x
Bathwick 4 113.96x
Exeter St Mary Arches 4 1052.63x
Grouville 3 184.05x
St Helier 3 15.78x
Stoke Climsland 3 211.27x
Tavistock 3 64.24x
Bovey Tracey 2 139.86x
Brampford Speke 2 606.06x
Halberton 2 208.33x
Kensington London 2 1.83x
Lambeth 2 1.16x
Lillington 2 2222.22x
St Peter 2 119.05x
Teynham 2 165.29x
Antony 1 46.51x
Barking 1 8.79x
Bethnal Green London 1 1.17x
Cheriton Fitzpaine 1 192.31x
Clee With Weelsby 1 14.49x
Crediton 1 25.71x
Dartford 1 14.56x
Exeter St George The 1 222.22x
Exeter St Leonard 1 89.29x
Fordington 1 35.84x
Holdenhurst 1 9.44x
Kenninghall 1 120.48x
Melbury Bubb 1 1000.00x
Portsmouth 1 10.75x
St Budeaux 1 78.13x
St George Hanover Square 1 2.88x
St Luke London 1 3.16x
St Paul Walden 1 144.93x
St Woollos 1 6.29x
Stratton 1 82.64x
Walcot 1 5.92x
Wareham St Martin 1 204.08x
Ystradyfodwg 1 3.32x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Elizabeth 13
Mary 11
Ellen 8
Hannah 6
Jane 6
Sarah 6
Annie 5
Ann 4
Emily 4
Alice 3
Emma 3
Harriet 3
Ada 2
Charlotte 2
Eliza 2
Louisa 2
Agnes 1
Alberta 1
Aleecia 1
Allice 1
Amy 1
Annia 1
Annis 1
Bessie 1
Cavinice 1
Elsie 1
Emley 1
Florence 1
Frances 1
Francis 1
Hendra 1
J. 1
Jessie 1
Levinyard 1
Lilley 1
Lucy 1
Marianne 1
Matilda 1
Maud 1
Mercey 1
Rachel 1
Rhoda 1
Rosa 1
Rose 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 18
James 11
John 8
Ernest 5
Frederick 5
Henry 4
Alfred 3
George 3
Richard 3
Thomas 3
Arthur 2
Charles 2
Edward 2
Edwin 2
Harry 2
Joseph 2
Samuel 2
Tom 2
Walter 2
Wm. 2
Clement 1
Elias 1
Fred 1
Fredrick 1
Jno. 1
Lewis 1
Morgan 1
Robert 1
Stephen 1
Willm. 1
Winifred 1

FAQ

Balsom surname: questions and answers

How common was the Balsom surname in 1881?

In 1881, 187 people were recorded with the Balsom surname. That placed it at #13,407 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Balsom surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 227 in 2016. That gives Balsom a modern rank of #17,992.

What does the Balsom surname mean?

A variant spelling of the English surname Balsam, referring to a balsam tree or fragrant evergreen.

What does the Balsom map show?

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