NameCensus.

UK surname

Benoit

A French surname derived from the Latin name "Benedictus," meaning "blessed" or "well-spoken."

In the 1881 census there were 17 people recorded with the Benoit surname, ranking it #31,170 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 185, ranked #20,652, up from #31,170 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include County Durham, Shropshire and Hackney.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Benoit is 208 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 988.2%.

1881 census count

17

Ranked #31,170

Modern count

185

2016, ranked #20,652

Peak year

2010

208 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Benoit had 17 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #31,170 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 185 in 2016, ranked #20,652.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 36 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Benoit surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Benoit surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Benoit 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 8 #31,867
1861 historical 13 #32,208
1881 historical 17 #31,170
1891 historical 16 #32,868
1901 historical 30 #30,724
1911 historical 36 #29,370
1997 modern 123 #23,792
1998 modern 140 #22,615
1999 modern 153 #21,551
2000 modern 141 #22,648
2001 modern 142 #22,234
2002 modern 150 #21,913
2003 modern 143 #22,367
2004 modern 151 #21,720
2005 modern 166 #20,379
2006 modern 169 #20,294
2007 modern 167 #20,719
2008 modern 175 #20,311
2009 modern 176 #20,632
2010 modern 208 #18,956
2011 modern 199 #19,346
2012 modern 185 #20,223
2013 modern 190 #20,201
2014 modern 194 #20,097
2015 modern 193 #20,056
2016 modern 185 #20,652

Geography

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Where Benoits are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to County Durham, Shropshire, Hackney and Huntingdonshire. 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 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 County Durham 064 County Durham
2 Shropshire 002 Shropshire
3 Hackney 021 Hackney
4 Shropshire 001 Shropshire
5 Huntingdonshire 002 Huntingdonshire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Benoit

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Benoit

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

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Benoit surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Benoit 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 includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Benoit is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. 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

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Benoit is most concentrated in decile 10 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.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Benoit falls in decile 3 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.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Benoit is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

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

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Other

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

Meaning and origin of Benoit

The surname Benoit has its origins in France and dates back to the Middle Ages. It derives from the Latin name Benedictus, which means "blessed." The name was commonly used as a personal name among medieval Christians and later evolved into a surname.

In the 11th century, the name Benoit appeared in the famous Domesday Book, a manuscript commissioned by William the Conqueror to record landholdings in England. This record suggests that individuals with this name may have migrated from France to England during the Norman Conquest.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname Benoit was Etienne Benoit, a French philosopher and theologian who lived in the 12th century. He was known for his works on Christian ethics and contributed to the intellectual discourse of his time.

During the 13th century, the Benoit family established itself in the region of Normandy, France. Records from this period show several variations of the spelling, including Benoist, Benoît, and Benoit.

In the 14th century, Jean Benoit, a French poet and composer, gained recognition for his contributions to the development of polyphonic music. His works were widely disseminated throughout Europe and influenced subsequent generations of musicians.

The 16th century saw the rise of Pierre Benoit, a French Catholic priest and theologian who played a significant role in the Counter-Reformation. He was known for his efforts to promote Catholic doctrine and combat the spread of Protestantism in France.

In the 18th century, François Benoit, a French architect, gained fame for his work on the Petit Trianon, a small château located on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. His architectural designs showcased the opulent style of the French Baroque period.

During the 19th century, Pierre-Victor Benoit, a Belgian composer and conductor, made significant contributions to the development of Romantic music. His compositions, including operas and orchestral works, were widely acclaimed and performed throughout Europe.

These examples illustrate the diverse backgrounds and achievements of individuals who have carried the surname Benoit throughout history, reflecting its French origins and its presence in various fields, including philosophy, theology, music, architecture, and literature.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Benoit families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Benoit 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. Middlesex leads with 8 Benoits recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.42x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 8 3.42x
Channel Islands 7 101.01x
Surrey 6 5.26x
Berkshire 2 11.39x
Hertfordshire 1 6.20x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Croydon in Surrey leads with 6 Benoits recorded in 1881 and an index of 94.79x.

Place Total Index
Croydon 6 94.79x
St Helier 5 221.24x
Kensington London 3 23.06x
St Marylebone London 3 24.02x
St Peter Port 2 156.25x
Clewer 1 138.89x
Hendon 1 119.05x
Watton 1 1428.57x
Westminster St James 1 41.49x
Winkfield 1 344.83x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 4
Alice 1
Blanche 1
Emma 1
Florence 1
Isabella 1
Louisa 1
Maria 1
Marie 1
Nina 1
Rosalie 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
Louis 3
William 2
Amarantie 1
Arnold 1
Charles 1
Edwin 1
Peter 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Benoit households.

FAQ

Benoit surname: questions and answers

How common was the Benoit surname in 1881?

In 1881, 17 people were recorded with the Benoit surname. That placed it at #31,170 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Benoit surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 185 in 2016. That gives Benoit a modern rank of #20,652.

What does the Benoit surname mean?

A French surname derived from the Latin name "Benedictus," meaning "blessed" or "well-spoken."

What does the Benoit map show?

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