NameCensus.

UK surname

Bannan

A Scottish surname derived from a place name meaning "broken" or "bare land".

In the 1881 census there were 207 people recorded with the Bannan surname, ranking it #12,555 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 255, ranked #16,576, down from #12,555 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Winwick and Edinburgh. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Sunderland, Townhead and Rochdale.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Bannan is 261 in 2011. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 23.2%.

1881 census count

207

Ranked #12,555

Modern count

255

2016, ranked #16,576

Peak year

2011

261 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Bannan had 207 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #12,555 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 255 in 2016, ranked #16,576.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 207 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established but Challenged.

Bannan surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Bannan surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Bannan 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 119 #15,247
1861 historical 189 #12,570
1881 historical 207 #12,555
1891 historical 181 #16,065
1901 historical 181 #16,107
1911 historical 164 #16,879
1997 modern 220 #16,607
1998 modern 228 #16,706
1999 modern 234 #16,506
2000 modern 242 #16,101
2001 modern 235 #16,147
2002 modern 229 #16,771
2003 modern 222 #16,942
2004 modern 233 #16,471
2005 modern 228 #16,683
2006 modern 245 #15,956
2007 modern 241 #16,341
2008 modern 235 #16,777
2009 modern 250 #16,421
2010 modern 256 #16,523
2011 modern 261 #16,145
2012 modern 250 #16,523
2013 modern 255 #16,551
2014 modern 250 #16,905
2015 modern 250 #16,803
2016 modern 255 #16,576

Geography

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Where Bannans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Winwick, Edinburgh, Manchester 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 Sunderland, Townhead, Rochdale and Dundyvan. 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 Winwick Lancashire
3 Edinburgh Edinburgh
4 Manchester Lancashire
5 Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry Forfar

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Sunderland 016 Sunderland
2 Sunderland 027 Sunderland
3 Townhead North Lanarkshire
4 Rochdale 025 Rochdale
5 Dundyvan North Lanarkshire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Bannan

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Bannan

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

Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce

Group

Established but Challenged

Nationally, the Bannan surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established but Challenged, within Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce. This does not mean every Bannan household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many households in these neighbourhoods comprise separated or divorced single parents with dependent children. Residents are typically born in the UK, and these neighbourhoods have relatively few members of ethnic minorities. The prevalence of children, their parents and those at or above normal retirement age, suggests neighbourhood structures may be long-established. Levels of unpaid care are high, and long-term disability is more common than in the Supergroup as a whole. Use of the social rented sector is common, often in terraced houses. Levels of overcrowding are above the Supergroup average. Unemployment is high, while those in work are employed in elementary occupations such as caring, leisure and customer services. Many residents have low level qualifications. Neighbourhood concentrations of this Group are found in the South Wales Valleys, Belfast, Londonderry and the Central Lowlands of Scotland.

Wider pattern

Living in terraced or semi-detached houses, residents of these neighbourhoods typically lack high levels of education and work in elementary or routine service occupations. Unemployment is above average. Residents are predominantly born in the UK, and residents are also predominantly from ethnic minorities. Social (but not private sector) rented sector housing is common. This Supergroup is found throughout the UK’s conurbations and industrial regions but is also an integral part of smaller towns.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Bannan 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

Bannan is most concentrated in decile 7 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

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

7
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Bannan falls in decile 1 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.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Bannan is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of Over 70 mbit/s.

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

10
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Irish

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

Meaning and origin of Bannan

The surname Bannan has its origins in the Gaelic language and is found primarily in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Mayo, Sligo, and Galway. It is believed to be derived from the Irish word "bánán," which means "white field" or "green field," suggesting a possible connection to an area or place with lush greenery or fertile lands.

The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 16th century, when it appeared in various Irish annals and records. One notable example is the mention of Seán Ó Banáin in the Annals of the Four Masters, a historical chronicle compiled in the early 17th century.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Bannan surname was prevalent in the regions of Connacht and Ulster. During this time, several members of the family held positions of prominence, such as landowners, clergymen, and scholars. One notable individual was Dáibhí Ó Banáin, a 17th-century Irish scribe and poet from County Mayo.

As the name spread across Ireland, it underwent various spelling variations, including Bannon, Banon, and Bannane. These variations were often the result of anglicization or regional dialects. In some instances, the name was also associated with specific place names, such as Baunnontown or Bannonsborough.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the Bannan surname. One example is John Bannan (1798-1847), an Irish-born Catholic priest who served as the first Bishop of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Another prominent figure was Laurence Bannan (1843-1915), an Irish-born Australian politician and member of the New South Wales Legislative Council.

In the literary realm, Seán Bannan (1870-1952) was an Irish writer and journalist known for his works on Irish history and culture. Additionally, John Joseph Bannan (1892-1962) was a Scottish-born Canadian politician who served as a member of the House of Commons of Canada for nearly two decades.

While the name has its roots in Ireland, it has since spread to other parts of the world, particularly through emigration and diaspora communities. However, the rich history and cultural significance of the Bannan surname remain deeply rooted in its Irish origins and the stories of the individuals who have carried this name throughout the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Bannan families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Bannan 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. Lancashire leads with 64 Bannans recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.54x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 64 2.54x
Lanarkshire 30 4.36x
Yorkshire 24 1.14x
Kent 19 2.62x
Cumberland 13 7.10x
Isle of Man 11 27.86x
Durham 10 1.58x
Renfrewshire 7 4.25x
Angus 6 3.05x
Midlothian 6 2.11x
Northumberland 5 1.58x
Warwickshire 4 0.75x
East Lothian 3 10.65x
Glamorgan 3 0.81x
Banffshire 2 4.53x
Middlesex 2 0.09x
Surrey 2 0.19x
Buteshire 1 7.76x
Cheshire 1 0.21x
Derbyshire 1 0.30x
Devon 1 0.23x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.35x
Stirlingshire 1 1.28x
West Lothian 1 3.12x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Woodchurch in Kent leads with 18 Bannans recorded in 1881 and an index of 2000.00x.

Place Total Index
Woodchurch 18 2000.00x
Haydock 13 298.85x
Elton 11 126.15x
Manchester 11 9.69x
Bradford 10 19.60x
Liverpool 8 5.22x
West Derby 8 10.84x
Caldewgate 7 69.79x
New Monkland 7 34.43x
Blackburn 6 8.94x
Bowling 6 28.75x
Burnley 6 28.24x
Distington 6 638.30x
Glasgow 6 4.91x
Govan 6 3.53x
Lonan 6 251.05x
Eastwood 5 49.26x
Barony 4 2.30x
Chirton 4 55.87x
Huddersfield 4 13.03x
Liff Benvie 4 13.37x
Old Monkland 4 14.66x
Tunstall 4 126.98x
Birmingham 3 1.68x
Birtley 3 116.28x
Edinburgh Tron Church 3 225.56x
Horton In Bradford 3 9.12x
Merthyr Tydfil 3 8.43x
North Leith 3 22.76x
Stenton 3 697.67x
Aberlour 2 142.86x
Cathcart 2 22.42x
Dundee 2 2.72x
Hammersmith London 2 3.82x
Malew 2 57.97x
Shettleston 2 32.47x
Aston 1 0.68x
Bishopwearmouth 1 1.84x
Camberwell 1 0.74x
Darlington 1 4.09x
Derby St Peter 1 9.43x
Exeter St Sidwell 1 9.86x
German 1 46.51x
Kilsyth 1 20.00x
Longbenton 1 7.46x
Maryhill 1 7.43x
Monkwearmouth Shore 1 8.10x
Newington 1 1.27x
Nottingham St Mary 1 1.35x
Onchan 1 8.80x
Prescot 1 21.93x
Ramsey 1 3333.33x
Rotherham 1 8.42x
Rothesay 1 16.03x
Tranmere 1 5.80x
Uphall 1 28.41x
Walmer 1 31.75x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 23
Catherine 9
Margaret 7
Elizabeth 4
Ellen 4
Jane 4
Alice 3
Ann 3
Maria 3
Sarah 3
Emily 2
Harriet 2
Kate 2
Ada 1
Anie 1
Anna 1
Bridget 1
Caroline 1
Catharine 1
Cecilia 1
Eliza 1
Ethel 1
F.Berry 1
Fanny 1
Isabella 1
James 1
Johana 1
Minnie 1
Olive 1
Pheobe 1
Susannah 1
Teresa 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 14
James 12
Thomas 6
William 6
Joseph 4
Edward 3
Thos. 3
Charles 2
Daniel 2
George 2
Henry 2
Hugh 2
Matthew 2
Alexander 1
Frederick 1
Joshua 1
Lincoln 1
Michael 1
Nicholas 1
Patsey 1
Peter 1
Richard 1
Robert 1
Terence 1
Washington 1

FAQ

Bannan surname: questions and answers

How common was the Bannan surname in 1881?

In 1881, 207 people were recorded with the Bannan surname. That placed it at #12,555 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Bannan surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 255 in 2016. That gives Bannan a modern rank of #16,576.

What does the Bannan surname mean?

A Scottish surname derived from a place name meaning "broken" or "bare land".

What does the Bannan map show?

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