NameCensus.

UK surname

Beeston

A habitational surname denoting someone from any of the places called Beeston.

In the 1881 census there were 1,260 people recorded with the Beeston surname, ranking it #3,233 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,874, ranked #3,395, down from #3,233 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, Edgmond (Edgmond), Chetwynd, Cheswardine, Hinstock and Market Drayton. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford and Cheshire East.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Beeston is 2,029 in 1998. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 48.7%.

1881 census count

1,260

Ranked #3,233

Modern count

1,874

2016, ranked #3,395

Peak year

1998

2,029 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Beeston had 1,260 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #3,233 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,874 in 2016, ranked #3,395.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,895 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Beeston surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Beeston surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Beeston 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 785 #3,397
1861 historical 648 #4,145
1881 historical 1,260 #3,233
1891 historical 1,276 #3,387
1901 historical 1,624 #3,179
1911 historical 1,895 #2,610
1997 modern 1,764 #3,389
1998 modern 2,029 #3,125
1999 modern 2,026 #3,151
2000 modern 2,025 #3,136
2001 modern 1,964 #3,152
2002 modern 2,000 #3,173
2003 modern 1,922 #3,214
2004 modern 1,887 #3,257
2005 modern 1,874 #3,250
2006 modern 1,880 #3,260
2007 modern 1,881 #3,281
2008 modern 1,895 #3,285
2009 modern 1,925 #3,308
2010 modern 1,933 #3,368
2011 modern 1,899 #3,382
2012 modern 1,876 #3,360
2013 modern 1,885 #3,400
2014 modern 1,895 #3,401
2015 modern 1,877 #3,397
2016 modern 1,874 #3,395

Geography

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Where Beestons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, Edgmond (Edgmond), Chetwynd, Cheswardine, Hinstock, Market Drayton, Market Drayton or Drayton-in-Hales and St Mary Islington. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford, Cheshire East and Cannock Chase. 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 3
2 Edgmond (Edgmond), Chetwynd, Cheswardine, Hinstock Shropshire
3 Market Drayton Shropshire
4 Market Drayton or Drayton-in-Hales Shropshire
5 St Mary Islington London (North Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Newcastle-under-Lyme 013 Newcastle-under-Lyme
2 Stafford 005 Stafford
3 Cheshire East 048 Cheshire East
4 Newcastle-under-Lyme 010 Newcastle-under-Lyme
5 Cannock Chase 009 Cannock Chase

Forenames

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First names often paired with Beeston

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Beeston

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

Beeston 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

Beeston falls in decile 6 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.

6
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Beeston

The surname Beeston is of English origin and can be traced back to the medieval period, specifically to the 12th century. It is a locational surname, derived from the place name Beeston, which is found in various counties across England, including Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, and Cheshire.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Beeston can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Nottinghamshire from 1176, where it appears as "de Bestone." This spelling suggests that the name was originally derived from the Old English words "beo" meaning bee and "tun" meaning enclosure or settlement, indicating that it was likely a place where beekeeping was practiced.

In the Domesday Book of 1086, the village of Beeston in Nottinghamshire is mentioned as "Bestune," further reinforcing the connection between the surname and the place name. This historical record provides valuable insight into the origins of the Beeston surname and its association with this particular location.

As the centuries passed, the surname evolved through various spellings, such as Beston, Beeston, and Beiston. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this surname was Robert de Beston, who was mentioned in the Assize Rolls of Nottinghamshire in 1246.

Another notable figure with the surname Beeston was Sir William Beeston (1605-1677), an English sailor and colonial administrator who served as the Governor of Jamaica from 1663 to 1672. He played a significant role in the development of the island during the early years of British rule.

In the realm of literature, Henry Beeston (1591-1626) was an English dramatist and actor who contributed to the development of Jacobean theater. He is known for his works such as "The Capuchin" and "The Chaste Maid of Cheapside."

Moving forward in time, Sir William Beeston (1784-1854) was a British naval officer and explorer who participated in several expeditions to the Arctic regions. He is credited with discovering and naming several geographical features, including Beeston Point in the Canadian Arctic.

Another notable individual with the surname Beeston was William Beeston (1793-1866), an English cricketer who played for Nottinghamshire. He was a prominent figure in the early days of English cricket and is remembered for his contributions to the sport.

These examples showcase the rich history and diverse backgrounds of individuals who have carried the surname Beeston throughout the centuries, from colonial administrators and naval officers to dramatists and cricketers. The surname's origins can be traced back to medieval England, and its evolution reflects the varied paths taken by those who bore this name over the course of history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Beeston families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Beeston 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. Staffordshire leads with 198 Beestons recorded in 1881 and an index of 4.77x.

County Total Index
Staffordshire 198 4.77x
Shropshire 182 17.14x
Middlesex 105 0.85x
Derbyshire 98 5.09x
Yorkshire 98 0.80x
Lancashire 85 0.58x
Nottinghamshire 83 5.01x
Surrey 61 1.02x
Suffolk 49 3.27x
Cheshire 43 1.58x
Warwickshire 41 1.32x
Lincolnshire 27 1.37x
Norfolk 24 1.27x
Hampshire 23 0.91x
Hertfordshire 23 2.71x
Leicestershire 22 1.61x
Kent 20 0.48x
Monmouthshire 16 1.80x
Northamptonshire 14 1.21x
Cambridgeshire 11 1.41x
Worcestershire 10 0.62x
Glamorgan 6 0.28x
Carmarthenshire 5 0.97x
Essex 5 0.21x
Durham 3 0.08x
Sussex 2 0.10x
Devon 1 0.04x
Gloucestershire 1 0.04x
Midlothian 1 0.06x
Royal Navy 1 0.68x
Somerset 1 0.05x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Newcastle Under Lyme in Staffordshire leads with 46 Beestons recorded in 1881 and an index of 62.66x.

Place Total Index
Newcastle Under Lyme 46 62.66x
Drayton In Hales 40 182.73x
Lambeth 26 2.43x
Stoke Upon Trent 25 5.68x
Worksop 25 50.89x
Islington London 24 2.01x
Cheswardine 22 485.65x
Kippax 21 196.08x
Derby St Werburgh 19 17.10x
Leeds 18 2.62x
Aston 17 1.99x
St Pancras London 17 1.72x
Wolverhampton 17 5.33x
Leicester St Mary 16 14.53x
Stoke Upon Tern 16 408.16x
Birmingham 15 1.45x
Wolstanton 15 11.90x
Hinstock 14 384.62x
Peterborough 14 16.73x
Newport 13 101.40x
Nottingham St Mary 13 3.03x
Poynton 12 131.58x
Hadleigh 11 75.76x
Accrington 10 7.54x
Childs Ercall 10 540.54x
Hunslet 10 5.27x
Southcoates 10 14.79x
St George Hanover Square 10 4.62x
Trentham 10 28.34x
Wellington 10 16.76x
Austerson 9 3461.54x
Burslem 9 7.57x
Derby St Alkmund 9 15.61x
Heigham 9 8.87x
Kingston On Thames 9 6.26x
Layham 9 398.23x
Long Eaton 9 35.43x
Mucklestone 9 226.13x
Sheriff Hales 9 211.76x
Warsop 9 205.01x
Attercliffe Cum Darnall 8 7.05x
Edgmond 8 68.43x
Hulland 8 963.86x
Hulland Ward 8 487.80x
Manchester 8 1.22x
Newborough 8 291.97x
Newton In Makerfield 8 17.91x
Bow London 7 4.47x
Broxbourne 7 41.69x
Camberwell 7 0.89x
Everton 7 1.51x
Gorton 7 5.11x
Hammersmith London 7 2.31x
Hornsey 7 4.50x
Lower Llanvrechva 7 80.28x
Polesworth 7 47.55x
Upwell 7 122.59x
Anslow 6 372.67x
Audlem 6 93.75x
Boxford 6 216.61x
East Bergholt 6 120.00x
Horsley 6 51.81x
Kirkham 6 31.12x
Muggington 6 731.71x
Nately Scures 6 576.92x
Polstead 6 171.92x
Rhydgwern 6 576.92x
Rotherwick 6 310.88x
Shelton 6 1224.49x
Stretford 6 7.48x
Tyrley 6 186.34x
Walsall Foreign 6 2.80x
Weston 6 168.54x
Yardley 6 14.61x
Edmonton 5 5.05x
Leicester St Margaret 5 1.50x
North Meols 5 3.50x
Rotherhithe 5 3.29x
Shrewsbury St Mary 5 11.93x
Woore 5 177.94x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 86
Sarah 47
Elizabeth 43
Alice 28
Ann 25
Annie 22
Eliza 21
Emma 19
Jane 19
Ellen 18
Hannah 16
Fanny 12
Harriet 12
Martha 10
Florence 9
Anne 8
Catherine 8
Charlotte 8
Clara 8
Edith 8
Emily 8
Frances 8
Ada 7
Maria 7
Louisa 6
Matilda 6
Amelia 5
Lizzie 5
Susan 5
Elizth. 4
Georgina 4
Gertrude 4
Jessie 4
Kate 4
Margaret 4
Rose 4
Agnes 3
Caroline 3
Grace 3
Harriett 3
Isabella 3
Lucy 3
Rebecca 3
Selina 3
Amy 2
Beatrice 2
Esther 2
Lousia 2
Maud 2
Nelly 2

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 82
William 77
George 46
Henry 38
James 32
Thomas 32
Joseph 26
Samuel 24
Robert 16
Alfred 15
Charles 15
Frederick 15
Edward 14
Arthur 13
Richard 12
Harry 8
Benjamin 7
Frank 7
Albert 6
Ernest 6
Francis 6
Isaac 6
Walter 5
Frederic 4
Herbert 4
Peter 4
Thos. 4
Wm. 4
Clement 3
Fred 3
Fredrick 3
Geo. 3
Jabez 3
Jesse 3
Jonathan 3
Matthew 3
Tom 3
David 2
Edmund 2
Edwin 2
Lewis 2
Percy 2
Philip 2
Ruben 2
Willm. 2
Chas.Hy. 1
Clarke 1
Eli 1
Frances 1
Hebert 1

FAQ

Beeston surname: questions and answers

How common was the Beeston surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,260 people were recorded with the Beeston surname. That placed it at #3,233 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Beeston surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,874 in 2016. That gives Beeston a modern rank of #3,395.

What does the Beeston surname mean?

A habitational surname denoting someone from any of the places called Beeston.

What does the Beeston map show?

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