NameCensus.

UK surname

Barstow

A locational surname referring to someone from any of the places named Barstow in England.

In the 1881 census there were 518 people recorded with the Barstow surname, ranking it #6,583 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 595, ranked #8,776, down from #6,583 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Halifax, Birstall and Wakefield. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Redcar and Cleveland, Barnsley and Leeds.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Barstow is 659 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 14.9%.

1881 census count

518

Ranked #6,583

Modern count

595

2016, ranked #8,776

Peak year

1911

659 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Barstow had 518 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #6,583 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 595 in 2016, ranked #8,776.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 659 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Barstow surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Barstow surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Barstow 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 292 #7,807
1861 historical 264 #9,385
1881 historical 518 #6,583
1891 historical 466 #7,861
1901 historical 624 #6,856
1911 historical 659 #6,373
1997 modern 584 #8,299
1998 modern 591 #8,481
1999 modern 600 #8,438
2000 modern 593 #8,486
2001 modern 582 #8,461
2002 modern 601 #8,453
2003 modern 595 #8,383
2004 modern 603 #8,322
2005 modern 585 #8,422
2006 modern 579 #8,509
2007 modern 589 #8,477
2008 modern 596 #8,464
2009 modern 617 #8,414
2010 modern 617 #8,604
2011 modern 620 #8,474
2012 modern 592 #8,696
2013 modern 611 #8,623
2014 modern 615 #8,628
2015 modern 600 #8,738
2016 modern 595 #8,776

Geography

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Where Barstows are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Halifax, Birstall, Wakefield, Sheffield and Ashton-under-Lyne. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Redcar and Cleveland, Barnsley, Leeds and Bradford. 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 Halifax Yorkshire, West Riding
2 Birstall Yorkshire, West Riding
3 Wakefield Yorkshire, West Riding
4 Sheffield Yorkshire, West Riding
5 Ashton-under-Lyne Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Redcar and Cleveland 022 Redcar and Cleveland
2 Barnsley 023 Barnsley
3 Barnsley 014 Barnsley
4 Leeds 102 Leeds
5 Bradford 013 Bradford

Forenames

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First names often paired with Barstow

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Barstow

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

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Barstow surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Barstow household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Barstow is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support 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

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

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

Barstow 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

Barstow 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 Barstow 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 Barstow, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Barstow

The surname Barstow is of English origin, tracing its roots back to the medieval period. It is a locational name derived from the town of Barstow in Yorkshire, England. The name itself is believed to have evolved from the Old English words "bere," meaning barley, and "stow," meaning a place or farm.

In the Domesday Book of 1086, a record of landholders in England commissioned by William the Conqueror, the town of Barstow is listed as "Berdestou." This early spelling variation highlights the evolution of the name over time, reflecting the changes in language and pronunciation.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Barstow can be found in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379, where a certain John de Barstow is mentioned. This document provides valuable insight into the prevalence of the surname in the region during the 14th century.

In the 16th century, a notable figure bearing the Barstow surname was William Barstow (1518-1595), an English clergyman who served as the Bishop of Bath and Wells. His tenure as a prominent religious leader during the Elizabethan era underscores the historical significance of the name.

Another prominent individual with the surname Barstow was Sir Samuel Everard Barstow (1788-1854), a British naval officer who rose to the rank of Admiral. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Algiers in 1816, where he commanded a ship that bombarded the city, leading to the eventual surrender of the Dey of Algiers.

In the literary realm, the name Barstow found recognition with the poet and author John M. Barstow (1832-1913). Born in New York, Barstow gained prominence for his works celebrating nature and rural life, reflecting the cultural significance of the surname in the 19th century.

The Barstow family also left its mark in the field of architecture with William Barstow (1804-1882), an English architect known for his contributions to the Gothic Revival style. His designs, including churches and public buildings, can be found across various regions of England.

Throughout history, the surname Barstow has been associated with individuals from diverse backgrounds, ranging from religious leaders and military figures to literary figures and architects. While its origins can be traced back to a specific location in Yorkshire, the name has transcended geographical boundaries and left an indelible mark on various aspects of society.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Barstow families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Barstow 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. Yorkshire leads with 375 Barstows recorded in 1881 and an index of 7.49x.

County Total Index
Yorkshire 375 7.49x
Lancashire 48 0.80x
Middlesex 22 0.44x
Cheshire 15 1.34x
Lincolnshire 10 1.24x
Glamorgan 9 1.02x
Hampshire 9 0.87x
Surrey 6 0.24x
Sussex 6 0.70x
Norfolk 4 0.51x
Derbyshire 3 0.38x
Warwickshire 3 0.24x
Devon 2 0.19x
Durham 2 0.13x
Midlothian 2 0.30x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.15x
Stirlingshire 1 0.54x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Leeds in Yorkshire leads with 41 Barstows recorded in 1881 and an index of 14.50x.

Place Total Index
Leeds 41 14.50x
Ashton Under Lyne 29 22.13x
Southowram 23 150.52x
Thornhill 22 150.58x
Gomersal 21 89.86x
Dewsbury 20 38.95x
Ecclesall Bierlow 19 18.66x
Halifax 15 20.41x
Castleford 14 76.80x
Cleckheaton 13 70.50x
Barnsley 12 23.23x
Horbury 12 136.99x
Elland Cum Greetland 11 48.76x
Stanley Cum Wrenthorpe 11 47.29x
Attercliffe Cum Darnall 9 19.29x
Colne 9 50.39x
Marple 9 117.49x
Morley 9 34.58x
Llandaff 8 27.33x
Mirfield 8 29.10x
South Stoneham 8 35.60x
Stansfield 8 43.41x
Batley 7 14.71x
Hunslet 7 8.97x
Northowram 7 19.94x
Sheffield 7 4.39x
Tankersley 7 187.67x
Gainsborough 6 31.50x
Horton In Bradford 6 7.67x
St Pancras London 6 1.48x
Bilton Cum Harrogate 5 29.21x
Carlton In Wharfedale 5 3125.00x
Hunsworth 5 190.11x
Pontefract 5 46.34x
St Marylebone London 5 1.85x
Tanshelf 5 125.00x
Thames Ditton 5 97.85x
Brighton 4 2.33x
Clayton 4 32.65x
Longwood 4 49.57x
Newton In Ashton Under 4 36.33x
Wroxham 4 606.06x
Gate Fulford 3 25.66x
Leamington Priors 3 9.57x
Soothill 3 16.58x
Wetherby 3 92.02x
Windle 3 8.89x
Bradford 2 1.65x
Broadwater 2 10.24x
Dawlish 2 25.48x
Edinburgh St Stephens 2 15.02x
Hartington Upper 2 53.05x
Islington London 2 0.41x
Manningham 2 3.24x
Mile End Old Town London 2 1.86x
Nether Hallam 2 2.95x
Oldham 2 1.03x
Spotland 2 3.00x
St George Hanover Square 2 2.25x
St Peterat Gowts Lincoln 2 17.61x
Stockton On Forest 2 259.74x
Stranton 2 3.95x
Wakefield 2 5.20x
Wyke In Bradford 2 22.35x
Asgarby 1 270.27x
Aslackby 1 126.58x
Bakewell 1 23.09x
Birkenhead 1 1.12x
Bredbury 1 15.50x
Failsworth 1 7.29x
Headingley Cum Burley 1 3.10x
Knaresborough 1 12.72x
Langfield 1 11.42x
Nottingham St Mary 1 0.57x
Openshaw 1 3.56x
Skircoat 1 5.06x
Swansea Town 1 1.39x
Westminster St James 1 1.93x
Westminster St John 1 1.63x
Westminster St Margaret 1 4.10x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 32
Elizabeth 23
Sarah 16
Jane 14
Ann 11
Annie 11
Eliza 9
Hannah 9
Martha 9
Ada 6
Florence 6
Alice 5
Emma 5
Ellen 4
Harriet 4
Louisa 4
Maria 4
Emily 3
Ethel 3
Francis 3
Gertrude 3
Nancy 3
Beatrice 2
Bertha 2
Catherine 2
Charlotte 2
Clara 2
Frances 2
Isabella 2
Julia 2
Laura 2
Lily 2
Matilda 2
Rose 2
Ruth 2
Selina 2
Amy 1
Betsy 1
Betty 1
Caroline 1
Effie 1
Elizh. 1
Elyn 1
Emiline 1
Esther 1
Infant 1
Isabell 1
Jenny 1
Julea 1
Zillia 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 28
George 21
William 21
Thomas 16
Joseph 13
Henry 11
Charles 10
James 9
Alfred 6
Herbert 5
Arthur 4
David 4
Frank 4
Fred 4
Samuel 4
Walter 4
Abraham 3
Edward 3
Edwin 3
Jonathan 3
Albert 2
Benjamin 2
Christopher 2
Ernest 2
Geo. 2
Harry 2
Jacob 2
Lewis 2
Percy 2
Richard 2
Robert 2
Willie 2
Beaumont 1
C. 1
Fred. 1
Fredric 1
Fredrick 1
Friend 1
Geo.William 1
Hedley 1
Jerry 1
Joshua 1
Jubb 1
Leion 1
Leonard 1
Mathew 1
Matthew 1
Maurice 1
Milner 1
Wright 1

FAQ

Barstow surname: questions and answers

How common was the Barstow surname in 1881?

In 1881, 518 people were recorded with the Barstow surname. That placed it at #6,583 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Barstow surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 595 in 2016. That gives Barstow a modern rank of #8,776.

What does the Barstow surname mean?

A locational surname referring to someone from any of the places named Barstow in England.

What does the Barstow map show?

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