NameCensus.

UK surname

Beasley

Derived from an English place name meaning "the clearing frequented by beasts or wild animals."

In the 1881 census there were 3,245 people recorded with the Beasley surname, ranking it #1,390 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 5,363, ranked #1,254, up from #1,390 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, Halesowen (all except Hunnington, Romsley; partly in Halesowen, Worcestershire) and Birmingham Town: Birmingham. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Sandwell, Wychavon and Dudley.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Beasley is 5,810 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 65.3%.

1881 census count

3,245

Ranked #1,390

Modern count

5,363

2016, ranked #1,254

Peak year

1999

5,810 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Beasley had 3,245 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #1,390 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 5,363 in 2016, ranked #1,254.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 4,513 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Beasley surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Beasley surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Beasley 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 1,377 #2,084
1861 historical 1,583 #1,801
1881 historical 3,245 #1,390
1891 historical 3,357 #1,425
1901 historical 4,155 #1,354
1911 historical 4,513 #1,139
1997 modern 5,547 #1,174
1998 modern 5,783 #1,172
1999 modern 5,810 #1,175
2000 modern 5,727 #1,181
2001 modern 5,576 #1,193
2002 modern 5,669 #1,194
2003 modern 5,535 #1,194
2004 modern 5,544 #1,187
2005 modern 5,406 #1,204
2006 modern 5,379 #1,208
2007 modern 5,412 #1,210
2008 modern 5,441 #1,205
2009 modern 5,594 #1,209
2010 modern 5,694 #1,211
2011 modern 5,584 #1,219
2012 modern 5,400 #1,240
2013 modern 5,491 #1,242
2014 modern 5,522 #1,235
2015 modern 5,423 #1,244
2016 modern 5,363 #1,254

Geography

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Where Beasleys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, Halesowen (all except Hunnington, Romsley; partly in Halesowen, Worcestershire) and Birmingham Town: Birmingham. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Sandwell, Wychavon and Dudley. 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 London parishes London 1
2 London parishes London 3
3 Halesowen (all except Hunnington, Romsley; partly in Halesowen, Worcestershire) Staffordshire
4 London parishes London 2
5 Birmingham Town: Birmingham Warwickshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Sandwell 035 Sandwell
2 Wychavon 015 Wychavon
3 Dudley 033 Dudley
4 Dudley 039 Dudley
5 Wychavon 014 Wychavon

Forenames

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First names often paired with Beasley

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Beasley

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Beasley, 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 Beasley surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Beasley 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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Beasley is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Beasley 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

Beasley falls in decile 7 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

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

7
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Beasley is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

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

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Beasley

The surname Beasley originated in England, specifically in the county of Derbyshire, during the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Old English words "bæcc" meaning "stream" or "brook" and "leah" meaning "meadow" or "clearing." Thus, the name likely referred to someone who lived near a stream in a meadow or clearing.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Beasley dates back to the late 12th century, when it was spelled as "Beckeslea." Over time, the spelling evolved to its modern form of Beasley. The name can also be found in various historical records, such as the Hundred Rolls of Derbyshire from 1273, where it appears as "Bekkesley."

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname Beasley was John Beasley, who was born around 1450 in Derbyshire. He was mentioned in local records as a landowner and farmer. Another notable figure was William Beasley (1529-1593), a prominent merchant and alderman in the city of London during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

In the 17th century, the name Beasley gained recognition through the work of Henry Beasley (1613-1668), an English Puritan minister and author known for his religious writings. His son, also named Henry Beasley (1637-1702), followed in his footsteps and became a Puritan minister as well.

During the 18th century, the Beasley family established themselves as landowners and gentry in various parts of England. One notable member was Sir Jonathan Beasley (1720-1789), a wealthy landowner and Member of Parliament for the borough of Southwark.

In the 19th century, the name Beasley spread beyond England, with individuals bearing the surname migrating to other parts of the world, including the United States and Canada. One notable figure from this period was Samuel Beasley (1811-1876), an American politician who served as the Mayor of Philadelphia from 1858 to 1859.

Throughout its history, the surname Beasley has been associated with numerous individuals from various walks of life, including politicians, clergymen, merchants, and landowners. While the name originated in a specific region of England, it has since spread globally, reflecting the migration patterns and diverse backgrounds of those who carry it.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Beasley families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Beasley 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. Warwickshire leads with 569 Beasleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 7.13x.

County Total Index
Warwickshire 569 7.13x
Middlesex 473 1.49x
Berkshire 230 9.68x
Surrey 207 1.34x
Staffordshire 205 1.92x
Worcestershire 187 4.52x
Yorkshire 159 0.51x
Buckinghamshire 146 7.63x
Leicestershire 137 3.90x
Lancashire 125 0.33x
Northamptonshire 97 3.26x
Oxfordshire 94 4.81x
Kent 91 0.84x
Lincolnshire 62 1.23x
Hampshire 44 0.68x
Gloucestershire 35 0.56x
Essex 32 0.51x
Nottinghamshire 32 0.75x
Wiltshire 32 1.14x
Somerset 29 0.57x
Cambridgeshire 28 1.40x
Rutland 27 11.62x
Sussex 27 0.51x
Cheshire 24 0.34x
Hertfordshire 22 1.01x
Durham 21 0.22x
Dorset 17 0.82x
Norfolk 13 0.27x
Bedfordshire 12 0.73x
Devon 11 0.17x
Glamorgan 9 0.16x
Midlothian 9 0.21x
Northumberland 9 0.19x
Suffolk 5 0.13x
Westmorland 5 0.72x
Derbyshire 4 0.08x
Pembrokeshire 4 0.40x
Channel Islands 3 0.32x
Flintshire 2 0.24x
Herefordshire 2 0.15x
Perthshire 2 0.14x
Ayrshire 1 0.04x
Cumberland 1 0.04x
Montgomeryshire 1 0.14x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Aston in Warwickshire leads with 119 Beasleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.41x.

Place Total Index
Aston 119 5.41x
Birmingham 118 4.44x
Cradley 62 165.86x
Reading St Mary 44 23.12x
Hinckley 40 48.05x
Lambeth 40 1.45x
Bethnal Green London 38 2.76x
Camberwell 38 1.88x
West Bromwich 38 6.21x
Rowley Regis 37 12.43x
Nuneaton 35 37.85x
Stewkley 35 240.38x
Islington London 34 1.11x
Kensington London 32 1.82x
St Pancras London 32 1.26x
Leicester St Margaret 30 3.51x
Battersea 27 2.32x
Reading St Giles 27 11.58x
Rugby 27 25.00x
Clewer 26 26.71x
St Marylebone London 26 1.54x
Kings Norton 23 6.21x
Attercliffe Cum Darnall 22 7.53x
Stoke Lyne 22 366.06x
Shoreditch London 21 1.53x
Chilvers Coton 20 60.92x
Greenwich 20 3.97x
Norton 20 448.43x
Paddington London 20 1.72x
St George Hanover Square 20 3.59x
Blewbury 19 233.70x
Coventry St Michael 19 7.41x
Hammersmith London 19 2.44x
Leamington Priors 19 9.67x
West Ham 19 1.38x
New Windsor 18 22.53x
Coventry Holy Trinity 17 7.13x
Hackney London 17 0.96x
Mile End Old Town London 17 2.52x
Northampton St Giles 17 14.99x
St Andrewthe Less 17 7.42x
North Moreton 16 454.55x
Northampton St Sepulchre 16 10.56x
Chertsey 15 15.05x
Newington 15 1.28x
St Giles In Fields London 15 9.66x
Tipton 15 4.58x
Widnes 15 5.54x
Aylestone 14 50.60x
Chard 14 22.68x
Crick 14 139.17x
Great Grimsby 14 4.36x
Hillingdon 14 13.87x
Kimberworth 14 8.04x
Barugh 13 49.08x
Bicester Market End 13 36.21x
Chelsea London 13 1.36x
Clee With Weelsby 13 11.73x
Harbury 13 100.31x
Wednesbury 13 4.87x
Bilton 12 65.22x
Long Wittenham 12 197.04x
Old Stratford 12 26.55x
Southwark St George Martyr 12 1.88x
Swinton In Rotherham 12 14.47x
Upton Cum Chalvey 12 15.74x
Brightside Bierlow 11 1.79x
Burslem 11 3.59x
Edgcott 11 533.98x
Farnham Royal 11 97.09x
Ladbrooke 11 405.90x
Norwood 11 15.20x
Oldbury 11 5.41x
Warwick St Mary 11 15.87x
Wycombe 11 7.71x
Yardley 11 10.40x
Crowland 10 31.50x
Foleshill 10 11.91x
Nottingham St Peter 10 21.02x
Rickmansworth 10 16.65x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 210
Sarah 125
Elizabeth 111
Jane 67
Eliza 66
Ann 63
Emma 62
Annie 56
Ellen 56
Alice 52
Emily 44
Florence 31
Martha 31
Louisa 30
Caroline 27
Hannah 26
Harriet 26
Fanny 24
Ada 23
Lucy 22
Maria 20
Charlotte 19
Clara 19
Margaret 18
Harriett 16
Catherine 15
Edith 14
Kate 13
Minnie 13
Anne 12
Julia 12
Rose 12
Sophia 11
Agnes 9
Amy 9
Frances 8
Maud 8
Susan 8
Susannah 8
Beatrice 7
Matilda 7
Amelia 6
Elizth. 6
Gertrude 6
Rosa 6
Esther 5
Ethel 5
Henrietta 5
Lydia 5
Nelly 5

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 211
John 180
George 124
Thomas 118
James 93
Charles 73
Henry 71
Joseph 60
Frederick 40
Alfred 37
Edward 36
Arthur 34
Richard 33
Robert 27
Benjamin 26
Harry 25
Albert 21
Samuel 20
Walter 18
Ernest 15
Frank 11
Francis 10
Edmund 9
Wm. 8
Herbert 7
Thos. 7
Anthony 6
Edwin 6
Fred 6
Isaac 6
Peter 6
Stephen 6
Amos 5
Matthew 5
Philip 5
Alexander 4
Chas. 4
David 4
Leonard 4
Andrew 3
Daniel 3
Frederic 3
Fredk. 3
Geo. 3
Horace 3
Jesse 3
Mark 3
Solomon 3
Tom 3
Vincent 3

FAQ

Beasley surname: questions and answers

How common was the Beasley surname in 1881?

In 1881, 3,245 people were recorded with the Beasley surname. That placed it at #1,390 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Beasley surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 5,363 in 2016. That gives Beasley a modern rank of #1,254.

What does the Beasley surname mean?

Derived from an English place name meaning "the clearing frequented by beasts or wild animals."

What does the Beasley map show?

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