NameCensus.

UK surname

Battersby

An English habitational surname derived from a place name meaning "the fortified encampment near the wood."

In the 1881 census there were 2,119 people recorded with the Battersby surname, ranking it #2,085 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,074, ranked #3,120, down from #2,085 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Wigan, Manchester and Preston. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Wigan and North Kesteven.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Battersby is 2,924 in 1901. Compared with 1881, the name has stayed broadly stable by 2.1%.

1881 census count

2,119

Ranked #2,085

Modern count

2,074

2016, ranked #3,120

Peak year

1901

2,924 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Battersby had 2,119 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,085 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,074 in 2016, ranked #3,120.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2,924 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Battersby surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Battersby surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Battersby 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 1,218 #2,341
1861 historical 1,246 #2,285
1881 historical 2,119 #2,085
1891 historical 2,289 #2,043
1901 historical 2,924 #1,919
1911 historical 2,703 #1,915
1997 modern 2,312 #2,689
1998 modern 2,336 #2,772
1999 modern 2,378 #2,747
2000 modern 2,361 #2,747
2001 modern 2,320 #2,737
2002 modern 2,328 #2,783
2003 modern 2,259 #2,795
2004 modern 2,183 #2,887
2005 modern 2,140 #2,900
2006 modern 2,115 #2,933
2007 modern 2,133 #2,936
2008 modern 2,168 #2,919
2009 modern 2,167 #2,993
2010 modern 2,201 #3,011
2011 modern 2,161 #3,025
2012 modern 2,090 #3,063
2013 modern 2,129 #3,062
2014 modern 2,119 #3,101
2015 modern 2,096 #3,099
2016 modern 2,074 #3,120

Geography

Back to top

Where Battersbys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Wigan, Manchester, Preston, Leigh and Bolton-le-Moors. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Wigan and North Kesteven. 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 Wigan Lancashire
2 Manchester Lancashire
3 Preston Lancashire
4 Leigh Lancashire
5 Bolton-le-Moors Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Wigan 031 Wigan
2 Wigan 017 Wigan
3 Wigan 037 Wigan
4 Wigan 024 Wigan
5 North Kesteven 003 North Kesteven

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Battersby

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Battersby

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

Rural Amenity

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

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group comprises older parents or retirees, with no resident dependent children, and with the lowest residential densities in this Supergroup. Predominantly UK-born, residents typically live in detached houses, although others do live in semi-detached and terraced properties. The level of multiple car ownership is the highest in this Supergroup. Most houses are owner occupied although social renting is also present. Many concentrations occur in high amenity rural locations, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Battersby 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

Battersby is most concentrated in decile 5 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.

5
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

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

Meaning and origin of Battersby

The surname Battersby is of English origin, with its roots tracing back to the medieval period. It is believed to have emerged from a place name, Battersby, located in the North Riding of Yorkshire. The place name itself is derived from an Old Norse personal name, Bati, combined with the Old Norse word "by," meaning a farm or settlement.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Battersby can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Batesbi." This historical record suggests that the name was already established in the region by the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066.

In the 13th century, a notable figure bearing the name Battersby was Sir William Battersby, a knight who fought alongside King Edward I during the Scottish Wars of Independence. He was recorded as being present at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.

During the 16th century, the Battersby family held lands and estates in the village of Battersby, as well as in the nearby areas of Ingleby Greenhow and Great Ayton. One prominent member of the family was John Battersby, who served as the High Sheriff of Yorkshire in 1564.

In the 17th century, William Battersby, born in 1615, was a renowned English clergyman and scholar. He served as the Vicar of Croft and later became the Archdeacon of Northumberland. His writings on religious topics were widely read during his time.

Another notable figure with the surname Battersby was Sir James Battersby, born in 1737. He was a British naval officer who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, commanding several ships during the conflict.

Thomas Battersby, born in 1818, was a prominent English architect known for his work on churches and other ecclesiastical buildings. His most notable contribution was the design of St. Peter's Church in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.

Throughout history, the Battersby surname has been associated with various professions, including landowners, clergymen, military personnel, and architects. While the name originated in Yorkshire, it has since spread to other parts of England and beyond, carried by individuals and families over the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Battersby families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Battersby 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 1,465 Battersbys recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.98x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 1,465 5.98x
Yorkshire 226 1.11x
Middlesex 64 0.31x
Nottinghamshire 45 1.62x
Cheshire 43 0.94x
Durham 39 0.64x
Lincolnshire 34 1.03x
Lanarkshire 27 0.40x
Derbyshire 26 0.80x
Surrey 18 0.18x
Sussex 14 0.40x
Westmorland 14 3.09x
Staffordshire 11 0.16x
Renfrewshire 10 0.63x
Buckinghamshire 9 0.72x
Shropshire 8 0.45x
Devon 7 0.16x
Essex 7 0.17x
Isle of Man 7 1.83x
Leicestershire 7 0.31x
Kirkcudbrightshire 6 2.01x
Cumberland 5 0.28x
Aberdeenshire 4 0.21x
Worcestershire 4 0.15x
Hampshire 3 0.07x
Kent 3 0.04x
Wigtownshire 3 1.10x
Warwickshire 2 0.04x
Berkshire 1 0.06x
Cambridgeshire 1 0.08x
Gloucestershire 1 0.02x
Royal Navy 1 0.41x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Preston in Lancashire leads with 69 Battersbys recorded in 1881 and an index of 10.53x.

Place Total Index
Preston 69 10.53x
Pennington In Leigh 65 138.39x
Westleigh 63 113.33x
Ince In Makerfield 55 48.28x
Hindley 52 49.82x
Bedford 45 87.87x
Atherton 41 46.01x
Little Bolton 39 12.39x
Great Bolton 38 11.72x
Lowton 38 228.23x
Leeds 33 2.86x
Parr 30 34.25x
Blackburn 27 4.15x
West Derby 26 3.63x
Lancaster 25 17.16x
Layton With Warbreck 25 27.83x
Cheetham 24 13.14x
Elton 24 28.37x
Liverpool 24 1.61x
Broughton In Salford 23 10.27x
Halliwell 23 25.81x
Manchester 23 2.09x
Pendleton In Salford 22 7.54x
Salford 21 2.92x
Warrington 21 7.24x
Culcheth 20 124.69x
Nottingham St Mary 20 2.78x
Dukinfield 19 9.03x
Oldham 19 2.40x
Sheffield 19 2.92x
Ashton In Makerfield 18 25.82x
Bradford 18 15.71x
Barrow In Furness 17 5.11x
Barton Upon Irwell 17 9.22x
Bury 17 6.08x
Ecclesall Bierlow 17 4.09x
Skerton 17 84.58x
Ashton Under Lyne 16 2.99x
Govan 15 0.91x
Tyldesley Cum Shakerley 15 21.29x
Farnworth 14 9.54x
Westhoughton 14 21.43x
Rotherham 13 11.28x
Warton With Lindeth 13 126.58x
Droylsden 12 15.02x
Everton 12 1.54x
Lea Ashton Ingol 11 67.69x
Openshaw 11 9.59x
Undermilbeck 11 73.58x
Whitwell 11 85.60x
Windle 11 7.99x
Ardwick 10 4.53x
St Giles 10 26.10x
Stockport 10 4.27x
Barony 9 0.53x
Bootle Cum Linacre 9 4.63x
Bromley London 9 1.98x
Gorton 9 3.91x
Islington London 9 0.45x
Kirkdale 9 2.19x
Lewes All Sts 9 64.94x
Nether Hallam 9 3.25x
Newington 9 1.18x
Newton In Makerfield 9 12.00x
Toxteth Park 9 1.09x
Walton On Hill 9 6.79x
Wycombe 9 9.68x
Barnoldswick 8 28.03x
Bingley 8 6.14x
Chadderton 8 6.68x
Chatburn 8 146.52x
Haydock 8 18.97x
Huddersfield 8 2.69x
Lytham 8 21.41x
Manningham 8 3.18x
Pemberton 8 8.20x
Ratcliffe London 8 7.02x
Widnes 8 4.53x
Onchan 7 6.34x
Shrewsbury St Julian 7 15.87x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 180
Elizabeth 100
Ann 69
Sarah 65
Jane 57
Ellen 54
Alice 52
Margaret 36
Annie 31
Hannah 24
Martha 24
Eliza 23
Emma 18
Harriet 15
Clara 10
Edith 9
Agnes 8
Catherine 8
Florence 8
Maria 8
Anne 7
Emily 7
Fanny 7
Isabella 7
Kate 7
Louisa 7
Ada 6
Betty 6
Esther 6
Frances 6
Lucy 6
Rebecca 6
Harriett 5
Nancy 5
Amelia 4
Caroline 4
Charlotte 4
Elizth. 4
Gertrude 4
Grace 4
Amy 3
Betsy 3
Eleanor 3
Henrietta 3
Laura 3
Lillie 3
Margt. 3
Sophia 3
Susannah 3
Winifred 2

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 179
William 114
James 106
Thomas 92
Henry 51
Robert 51
Joseph 49
George 38
Richard 33
Charles 30
Peter 23
Edward 15
Samuel 14
Alfred 12
Arthur 12
Thos. 12
Frederick 11
Walter 11
Albert 9
Harry 8
Wm. 8
Daniel 6
Herbert 6
Christopher 5
Ralph 5
David 4
Edmund 4
Edwin 4
Frank 4
Fredk. 4
Isaac 4
Jno. 4
Nathaniel 4
Benjamin 3
Francis 3
Fred 3
Lewis 3
Robt. 3
Aaron 2
Ellis 2
Jacob 2
Percy 2
Richd. 2
Wright 2
Andrew 1
Bold 1
Caryd 1
Cecil 1
Edwd. 1
Jabez 1

FAQ

Battersby surname: questions and answers

How common was the Battersby surname in 1881?

In 1881, 2,119 people were recorded with the Battersby surname. That placed it at #2,085 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Battersby surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,074 in 2016. That gives Battersby a modern rank of #3,120.

What does the Battersby surname mean?

An English habitational surname derived from a place name meaning "the fortified encampment near the wood."

What does the Battersby map show?

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