NameCensus.

UK surname

Bennion

A surname derived from a place name in England.

In the 1881 census there were 676 people recorded with the Bennion surname, ranking it #5,331 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,204, ranked #4,939, up from #5,331 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Over, Davenham and Whitchurch. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Forest of Dean, Wrexham and Cheshire West and Chester.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Bennion is 1,309 in 1998. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 78.1%.

1881 census count

676

Ranked #5,331

Modern count

1,204

2016, ranked #4,939

Peak year

1998

1,309 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Bennion had 676 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,331 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,204 in 2016, ranked #4,939.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,106 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Spacious Rural Living.

Bennion surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Bennion surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Bennion 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 422 #5,779
1861 historical 392 #6,536
1881 historical 676 #5,331
1891 historical 689 #5,686
1901 historical 963 #4,878
1911 historical 1,106 #4,197
1997 modern 1,199 #4,714
1998 modern 1,309 #4,541
1999 modern 1,297 #4,605
2000 modern 1,274 #4,661
2001 modern 1,245 #4,660
2002 modern 1,298 #4,578
2003 modern 1,274 #4,560
2004 modern 1,273 #4,572
2005 modern 1,238 #4,633
2006 modern 1,224 #4,700
2007 modern 1,241 #4,688
2008 modern 1,244 #4,699
2009 modern 1,269 #4,718
2010 modern 1,267 #4,817
2011 modern 1,243 #4,846
2012 modern 1,223 #4,835
2013 modern 1,244 #4,838
2014 modern 1,232 #4,902
2015 modern 1,214 #4,918
2016 modern 1,204 #4,939

Geography

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Where Bennions are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Over, Davenham, Whitchurch, Hawarden and Barthomley. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Forest of Dean, Wrexham, Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East and North West Leicestershire. 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 Over Cheshire
2 Davenham Cheshire
3 Whitchurch Shropshire
4 Hawarden Cheshire
5 Barthomley Cheshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Forest of Dean 001 Forest of Dean
2 Wrexham 016 Wrexham
3 Cheshire West and Chester 044 Cheshire West and Chester
4 Cheshire East 046 Cheshire East
5 North West Leicestershire 005 North West Leicestershire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Bennion

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Bennion

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

Retired Professionals

Group

Spacious Rural Living

Nationally, the Bennion surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Spacious Rural Living, within Retired Professionals. This does not mean every Bennion household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These predominantly ageing households typically have no resident dependent children. Most are owner-occupiers and live in detached houses in low density residential developments (although renting is more common than in the rest of the Supergroup). White ethnicity predominates. Residents are typically beyond retirement age but those still in work have managerial, professional or skilled trade occupations. White ethnicity and Christian religious affiliation predominate. Neighbourhoods are located throughout rural UK.

Wider pattern

Typically married but no longer with resident dependent children, these well-educated households either remain working in their managerial, professional, administrative or other skilled occupations, or are retired from them – the modal individual age is beyond normal retirement age. Underoccupied detached and semi-detached properties predominate, and unpaid care is more prevalent than reported disability. The prevalence of this Supergroup outside most urban conurbations indicates that rural lifestyles prevail, typically sustained by using two or more cars per household.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Bennion is most associated with areas classed as Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs, 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

Mainly concentrated in suburban areas, these terraced and semi-detached developments are less overcrowded than the Supergroup average, and resident households are more likely to own two or more cars. There are fewer residents aged 25-44, and a larger share of residents employed in administrative and secretarial occupations. Residents are more likely to have been born in the UK, less likely to have been born in the EU or Africa, and much less likely to self-identify as Bangladeshi.

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

Bennion is most concentrated in decile 6 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.

6
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

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

Meaning and origin of Bennion

The surname Bennion has its roots in England, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to have originated from the Old English words "benne" and "tun," which collectively translate to "bean farm" or "bean enclosure." This suggests that the name may have initially been associated with individuals residing in or near a location known for its bean cultivation.

One of the earliest documented references to the Bennion name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of landholdings and population records commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name appears in various spellings, such as "Benintun" and "Bennington," reflecting the evolution of language and dialects over time.

During the 13th century, a prominent figure bearing the Bennion surname was Sir John Bennion, a knight who served under King Edward I. He played a significant role in the Welsh wars, earning recognition for his military exploits. Another notable Bennion from this period was William Bennion, a successful merchant and landowner in the county of Derbyshire.

The 16th century saw the emergence of Bennion families in various parts of England, including Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name in its modern spelling can be found in the parish records of St. Mary's Church in Bury, Lancashire, where a John Bennion was christened in 1587.

A prominent figure from the 17th century was Richard Bennion, born in 1632 in Bury, Lancashire. He was a influential landowner and magistrate, known for his involvement in local governance and community affairs.

In the 18th century, the Bennion family had established roots in various regions of England, including Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Yorkshire. One notable individual from this period was Samuel Bennion, born in 1742 in Bury, Lancashire. He was a successful merchant and philanthropist, contributing significantly to the development of his local community.

As the centuries progressed, the Bennion surname continued to spread across England and beyond, with some individuals migrating to other parts of the world, carrying the name with them. Throughout its history, the Bennion name has been associated with a diverse range of professions, including agriculture, commerce, military service, and public service.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Bennion families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Bennion 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. Cheshire leads with 183 Bennions recorded in 1881 and an index of 12.57x.

County Total Index
Cheshire 183 12.57x
Lancashire 125 1.60x
Staffordshire 99 4.45x
Shropshire 95 16.68x
Denbighshire 30 12.04x
Flintshire 29 16.36x
Warwickshire 24 1.44x
Yorkshire 20 0.31x
Buckinghamshire 18 4.52x
Middlesex 13 0.20x
Surrey 8 0.25x
Devon 5 0.36x
Gloucestershire 5 0.39x
Kent 5 0.22x
Montgomeryshire 5 3.31x
Caernarfonshire 2 0.75x
Lincolnshire 2 0.19x
Worcestershire 2 0.23x
Cumberland 1 0.18x
Durham 1 0.05x
Hampshire 1 0.07x
Radnorshire 1 1.88x
Somerset 1 0.09x
Sussex 1 0.09x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Whitchurch in Shropshire leads with 37 Bennions recorded in 1881 and an index of 334.54x.

Place Total Index
Whitchurch 37 334.54x
Burslem 23 36.07x
Stoke Upon Trent 21 8.90x
Birmingham 17 3.07x
Allington 16 860.22x
Chester St John Baptist 16 61.16x
Leeds 16 4.34x
Over 16 108.18x
Barthomley 15 1785.71x
Stoke Mandeville 15 1339.29x
Toxteth Park 15 5.66x
Wharton 15 189.16x
Little Sutton 14 717.95x
West Derby 14 6.12x
Everton 13 5.21x
Hoole 13 236.36x
Beeston 12 1600.00x
Drayton In Hales 11 93.70x
Castle Northwich 10 207.47x
Hawarden 9 64.66x
Moore 9 1000.00x
Seighford 9 508.47x
Sutton In Runcorn 9 1058.82x
Mucklestone 8 373.83x
Whittington 8 167.71x
Cholmondeston 7 1666.67x
Hanmer Willington 7 972.22x
Heap 7 16.87x
Kensington London 7 1.91x
Kirkdale 7 5.32x
Newton In Northwich 7 158.01x
Wolstanton Knutton 7 51.51x
Ardwick 6 8.50x
Aston 6 1.31x
Cardeston 6 952.38x
Farnworth 6 12.80x
Hawarden Saltney 6 241.94x
Manchester 6 1.71x
North Meols 6 7.83x
Pendleton In Salford 6 6.44x
Swinfen Packington 6 659.34x
Worsley 6 12.44x
Haslington 5 122.25x
Leftwich 5 77.40x
Llanfechan 5 352.11x
Longford 5 2380.95x
Mangotsfield 5 38.79x
Monks Coppenhall 5 9.10x
Simonswood 5 476.19x
Burton 4 248.45x
Glyn Traian 4 209.42x
Gratwich 4 2500.00x
Holywell 4 17.97x
Liverpool 4 0.84x
Newton 4 6.63x
Oswestry Town 4 21.93x
Paddington London 4 1.65x
Sandbach 4 32.23x
Tormoham 4 6.89x
Warrington 4 4.31x
Ashford 3 13.69x
Audlem 3 87.46x
Bermondsey 3 1.53x
Bersham 3 28.25x
Bridgnorth St Mary 3 53.96x
Camberwell 3 0.71x
Harborne 3 4.21x
Kearsley 3 18.23x
Keele 3 126.58x
Kelsall 3 208.33x
Newcastle Under Lyme 3 7.62x
Whitchurch Tilstock 3 212.77x
Woore 3 198.68x
Edgmond 2 31.90x
Eirias 2 111.73x
Lower Kinnerton 2 800.00x
Stafford St Mary 2 6.35x
Wem 2 23.61x
Westminster St Margaret 2 6.29x
Worcester St John 2 19.46x

Top female names

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

Name Count
John 40
William 30
Thomas 29
George 24
Henry 18
Joseph 18
James 16
Charles 13
Samuel 13
Richard 10
Alfred 9
Edward 9
Owen 7
Robert 7
Albert 5
Peter 5
Wm. 5
Arthur 4
Edwin 3
Enoch 3
Frederick 3
Phillip 3
Stephen 3
Frank 2
Fredk. 2
Herbert 2
Saml. 2
Walter 2
Willm. 2
Archie 1
Bertie 1
David 1
Earnest 1
Edgar 1
Eli 1
Ernnest 1
Francis 1
Frederic 1
Fredrick 1
Geo. 1
Harold 1
Hugh 1
Infant 1
Mark 1
Mary 1
Matthew 1
Moses 1
Pearcy 1
Philip 1
Randle 1

FAQ

Bennion surname: questions and answers

How common was the Bennion surname in 1881?

In 1881, 676 people were recorded with the Bennion surname. That placed it at #5,331 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Bennion surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,204 in 2016. That gives Bennion a modern rank of #4,939.

What does the Bennion surname mean?

A surname derived from a place name in England.

What does the Bennion map show?

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