NameCensus.

UK surname

Bembridge

From a place called Bembridge on the Isle of Wight, England.

In the 1881 census there were 367 people recorded with the Bembridge surname, ranking it #8,475 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 614, ranked #8,552, down from #8,475 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, Bulwell and St Werburgh. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include West Lindsey and Derby.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Bembridge is 631 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 67.3%.

1881 census count

367

Ranked #8,475

Modern count

614

2016, ranked #8,552

Peak year

1999

631 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Bembridge had 367 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #8,475 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 614 in 2016, ranked #8,552.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 562 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Bembridge surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Bembridge surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Bembridge 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 282 #8,013
1861 historical 210 #11,551
1881 historical 367 #8,475
1891 historical 431 #8,330
1901 historical 500 #8,060
1911 historical 562 #7,170
1997 modern 614 #8,019
1998 modern 620 #8,202
1999 modern 631 #8,152
2000 modern 630 #8,134
2001 modern 618 #8,104
2002 modern 624 #8,218
2003 modern 605 #8,270
2004 modern 584 #8,508
2005 modern 591 #8,363
2006 modern 596 #8,326
2007 modern 594 #8,418
2008 modern 593 #8,496
2009 modern 606 #8,535
2010 modern 620 #8,568
2011 modern 601 #8,682
2012 modern 588 #8,735
2013 modern 607 #8,662
2014 modern 615 #8,628
2015 modern 618 #8,530
2016 modern 614 #8,552

Geography

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Where Bembridges are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, Bulwell, St Werburgh, Duffield (Turnditch), Ashborne (Hulland) and Chesterfield. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to West Lindsey and Derby. 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 Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard Nottinghamshire
2 Bulwell Nottinghamshire
3 St Werburgh Derbyshire
4 Duffield (Turnditch), Ashborne (Hulland) Derbyshire
5 Chesterfield Derbyshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 West Lindsey 004 West Lindsey
2 Derby 028 Derby
3 West Lindsey 007 West Lindsey
4 West Lindsey 002 West Lindsey
5 West Lindsey 006 West Lindsey

Forenames

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First names often paired with Bembridge

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Bembridge

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

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Bembridge 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

Bembridge 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

Bembridge falls in decile 5 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.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Bembridge

The surname "BEMBRIDGE" is of English origin, derived from the place name "Bembridge" located on the Isle of Wight. The name dates back to the 11th century and is believed to have evolved from the Old English words "bem" meaning "tree trunk" and "brycg" meaning "bridge," suggesting it was initially given to someone who lived near a wooden bridge.

The earliest recorded instance of the name appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is spelled "Bemirige." This entry suggests the name was already well-established in the region by the time of the Norman Conquest.

During the medieval period, variations of the name included "Bemebrigge," "Bembrigge," and "Bembrigg," reflecting the evolution of spelling over time. The name was primarily concentrated in the Isle of Wight and surrounding areas, with some families eventually migrating to other parts of England.

One notable early bearer of the name was John de Bembridge, a 14th-century scholar and theologian who studied at the University of Oxford. He authored several works on philosophy and theology and was active in the academic circles of his time.

In the 16th century, Richard Bembridge (c. 1530-1605) was a prominent merchant and ship owner based in Southampton, England. He played a significant role in the city's maritime trade and was involved in voyages to the Americas and the Caribbean.

During the English Civil War, Captain William Bembridge (1617-1670) was a Royalist officer who fought for King Charles I. He was captured at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 and later released after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660.

In the 18th century, James Bembridge (1738-1811) was a noted English sculptor and carver, known for his intricate woodwork and architectural ornamentation. His works can be found in various churches and public buildings throughout England.

Sir Henry Bembridge (1793-1867) was a British naval officer and explorer who served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars and later led several scientific expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

While the name "BEMBRIDGE" has maintained a presence in England over the centuries, it has also been carried to other parts of the world through migration and exploration, contributing to the rich tapestry of global surnames.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Bembridge families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Bembridge 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. Derbyshire leads with 117 Bembridges recorded in 1881 and an index of 20.88x.

County Total Index
Derbyshire 117 20.88x
Lincolnshire 83 14.50x
Warwickshire 57 6.31x
Nottinghamshire 39 8.08x
Lancashire 34 0.80x
Yorkshire 11 0.31x
Northumberland 6 1.13x
Middlesex 5 0.14x
Norfolk 5 0.91x
Hampshire 3 0.41x
Northamptonshire 3 0.89x
Fife 1 0.47x
Midlothian 1 0.21x
Rutland 1 3.81x
Shropshire 1 0.32x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Birmingham in Warwickshire leads with 41 Bembridges recorded in 1881 and an index of 13.63x.

Place Total Index
Birmingham 41 13.63x
Carlton Scroop 17 6071.43x
Ripley 16 230.88x
Chesterfield 14 66.63x
Bulwell 13 123.93x
Derby St Werburgh 12 37.08x
Radford 11 44.88x
Newton 9 27.49x
North Kyme 8 941.18x
Pentrich 8 253.97x
Woodthorpe 8 800.00x
Aston 7 2.82x
Counthorpe 7 7777.78x
Monyash 7 1428.57x
New Sleaford 7 190.74x
Welby 7 1458.33x
Wigan 7 11.79x
Long Eaton 6 81.08x
Mercaston 6 5454.55x
North Seaton 6 269.06x
North Wingfield 6 240.00x
Walcott 6 659.34x
Ashborne 5 131.23x
Boulton 5 2000.00x
Brailsford 5 625.00x
Ecclesfield 5 19.22x
Edgbaston 5 17.86x
Great Ponton 5 862.07x
North Meols 5 12.03x
Beeston 4 72.20x
Gorton 4 10.02x
Heckington 4 183.49x
Lakenham 4 51.15x
Little Eaton 4 344.83x
Newbold Dunston 4 75.05x
Spittlegate 4 50.51x
Sutton On Hill 4 800.00x
Basford 3 13.49x
Bradford 3 15.09x
Brading 3 30.77x
Caythorpe 3 272.73x
Manchester 3 1.57x
Mansfield 3 17.96x
Nottingham St Mary 3 2.40x
Sheffield 3 2.66x
Syston 3 1111.11x
Anwick 2 465.12x
Barnack 2 277.78x
Brightside Bierlow 2 2.87x
Burton Pedwardine 2 800.00x
Coventry Holy Trinity 2 7.42x
Donington 2 97.56x
Honington 2 909.09x
Milverton 2 75.47x
Newark Upon Trent 2 11.53x
Offcote Underwood 2 344.83x
Ardwick 1 2.61x
Ashwell 1 333.33x
Bakewell 1 32.57x
Beckingham 1 238.10x
Bethnal Green London 1 0.64x
Clerkenwell London 1 1.18x
Derby St Peter 1 5.60x
Eckington 1 7.34x
Ercall Magna 1 45.25x
Great Bolton 1 1.78x
Harrow 1 18.28x
Hulland Ward 1 208.33x
Irnham 1 285.71x
Kirkcaldy 1 9.51x
Liberton 1 13.51x
Longford 1 196.08x
Old Sleaford 1 156.25x
Pendleton In Salford 1 1.98x
Peterborough 1 4.10x
Potter Newton 1 15.97x
Scopwick 1 204.08x
St George Hanover Square 1 1.59x
Thorpe Next Norwich 1 17.15x
Whitechapel London 1 2.83x

Top female names

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

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 27
William 24
George 14
Thomas 14
Henry 13
Charles 10
James 10
Samuel 8
Alfred 5
Benjamin 5
Edward 5
Joseph 5
Albert 3
Arthur 3
Francis 3
Geo. 3
Thos. 3
Edwin 2
Emmanuel 2
Ernest 2
Frank 2
Fred 2
Frederick 2
Harry 2
Robert 2
Aaron 1
Chas. 1
Frederic 1
Fredk. 1
G.William 1
Geo.B. 1
Herbert 1
Isac 1
Job 1
Luke 1
Mathew 1
Nicholas 1
Robt.Hy. 1
Sampson 1
Simpson 1
Stanley 1
Stephen 1
Tom 1
Walter 1
Wm.Hy. 1

FAQ

Bembridge surname: questions and answers

How common was the Bembridge surname in 1881?

In 1881, 367 people were recorded with the Bembridge surname. That placed it at #8,475 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Bembridge surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 614 in 2016. That gives Bembridge a modern rank of #8,552.

What does the Bembridge surname mean?

From a place called Bembridge on the Isle of Wight, England.

What does the Bembridge map show?

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