NameCensus.

UK surname

Berisford

From an English place name referring to a bramble-covered ford or crossing.

In the 1881 census there were 266 people recorded with the Berisford surname, ranking it #10,589 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 151, ranked #23,615, down from #10,589 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Prestbury, Brampton and Astbury. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Cheshire East, Manchester and East Devon.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Berisford is 275 in 1901. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 43.2%.

1881 census count

266

Ranked #10,589

Modern count

151

2016, ranked #23,615

Peak year

1901

275 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Berisford had 266 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,589 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 151 in 2016, ranked #23,615.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 275 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Berisford surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Berisford surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Berisford 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 204 #10,250
1861 historical 183 #12,903
1881 historical 266 #10,589
1891 historical 240 #13,123
1901 historical 275 #12,332
1911 historical 195 #15,197
1997 modern 158 #20,422
1998 modern 170 #20,030
1999 modern 152 #21,636
2000 modern 151 #21,684
2001 modern 148 #21,664
2002 modern 153 #21,609
2003 modern 160 #20,789
2004 modern 161 #20,840
2005 modern 161 #20,799
2006 modern 153 #21,643
2007 modern 148 #22,406
2008 modern 147 #22,720
2009 modern 154 #22,536
2010 modern 162 #22,292
2011 modern 166 #21,745
2012 modern 153 #22,963
2013 modern 149 #23,765
2014 modern 154 #23,439
2015 modern 154 #23,306
2016 modern 151 #23,615

Geography

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Where Berisfords are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Prestbury, Brampton, Astbury, Manchester and Sheffield. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Cheshire East, Manchester, East Devon, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Conwy. 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 Prestbury Cheshire
2 Brampton Derbyshire
3 Astbury Cheshire
4 Manchester Lancashire
5 Sheffield Yorkshire, West Riding

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Cheshire East 007 Cheshire East
2 Manchester 023 Manchester
3 East Devon 013 East Devon
4 Newcastle-under-Lyme 016 Newcastle-under-Lyme
5 Conwy 004 Conwy

Forenames

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First names often paired with Berisford

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Berisford

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

Central Connected Professionals and Managers

Group

Senior Professionals

Within London, Berisford is most associated with areas classed as Senior Professionals, part of Central Connected Professionals and Managers. 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 very central neighbourhoods house residents whose ages are more skewed towards older age cohorts than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Few households have young children. Rates of illness are low. Indian ethnicity is rare compared to the Supergroup mean. Property under occupation is more common, despite the centrality of neighbourhoods, and more residents live in communal establishments than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Adult residents of these neighbourhoods are typically aged 25 to 44, working full-time in professional, managerial or associate professional occupations. There are few families with dependent children. The predominantly Inner London neighbourhoods have an international character, including many residents born elsewhere in Europe alongside high numbers of individuals identifying as of Chinese ethnicity. Many individuals are never married, childless and/or living alone. Above average numbers of individuals, likely to be full-time students, live in communal establishments. Elsewhere, privately rented flats are the dominant housing type. Residents of these areas are well-qualified, with a significant number holding Level 4 or above qualifications. There is a correspondingly high level of individuals employed full-time in professional, managerial and associated professional or technical occupations. Employing industries are financial, real estate, professional, administration, and, to a lesser degree, transport and communications. Unemployment is uncommon.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Berisford is most concentrated in decile 3 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy 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.

3
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Berisford 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 Berisford is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 25-30 mbit/s.

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

5
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Berisford

The surname BERISFORD is of English origin and dates back to the medieval period. It is believed to have originated from the place name Beresford, a village in Staffordshire, England. The name is derived from the Old English words "bere," meaning barley or grain, and "ford," referring to a shallow river crossing.

The earliest recorded spelling of the surname BERISFORD can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Beresford." This historical record provides valuable insight into the name's existence during the Norman conquest of England.

In the 12th century, the surname BERISFORD was associated with the noble Beresford family, who held lands in Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Notable members of this family include William Beresford (1293-1350), who served as a knight in the Wars of Scottish Independence, and John Beresford (1456-1512), a prominent landowner and member of the gentry.

During the 16th century, the spelling of the surname evolved to include variations such as "Beresfourd," "Berresford," and "Berisford." These spelling variations were common due to the lack of standardized orthography at the time.

In the 17th century, a notable figure bearing the surname BERISFORD was Sir Tristram Beresford (1609-1673), an English politician and member of the Long Parliament. He played a significant role in the English Civil War and was a supporter of the Parliamentarian cause.

Another prominent individual with the surname BERISFORD was William Carr Beresford (1768-1854), a British general who served in the Peninsular War against Napoleon's forces. He was appointed as the Duke of Wellington's second-in-command and played a crucial role in several important battles, including the Battle of Albuera in 1811.

Throughout history, the surname BERISFORD has been associated with various notable individuals, including authors, politicians, and military figures. However, it is essential to note that the specific details and factual accuracy of these historical references may vary based on the available records and sources.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Berisford families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Berisford 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 79 Berisfords recorded in 1881 and an index of 13.79x.

County Total Index
Cheshire 79 13.79x
Lancashire 69 2.24x
Derbyshire 54 13.29x
Yorkshire 25 0.97x
Staffordshire 18 2.06x
Middlesex 7 0.27x
Nottinghamshire 7 2.00x
Warwickshire 5 0.76x
Leicestershire 1 0.35x
Lincolnshire 1 0.24x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Macclesfield in Cheshire leads with 19 Berisfords recorded in 1881 and an index of 74.63x.

Place Total Index
Macclesfield 19 74.63x
Congleton 16 161.62x
Wheelock 12 1690.14x
Pendleton In Salford 11 29.99x
Hulme 10 15.56x
Odd Rode 10 352.11x
Aston Cum Aughton 8 380.95x
Heaton Norris 8 45.64x
Bradford 7 48.58x
Hackney London 7 4.81x
Holmesfield 7 1590.91x
Mexborough 7 137.25x
Over Haddon 7 4375.00x
Elton 6 56.39x
Morton 6 769.23x
Newbold Dunston 6 155.44x
Aston 5 2.77x
Chester St John Baptist 5 48.54x
Chesterfield 5 32.83x
Horsley 5 204.92x
Leek Lowe 5 42.92x
Swynnerton 5 724.64x
Arnold 4 78.28x
Chorlton On Medlock 4 8.18x
Kirkdale 4 7.72x
Manchester 4 2.89x
Mottram 4 154.44x
Sheffield 4 4.89x
Tupton 4 327.87x
Brackenfield 3 1034.48x
Brightside Bierlow 3 5.95x
Chilwell 3 322.58x
Ecclesall Bierlow 3 5.74x
Hartington Upper 3 154.64x
Monks Coppenhall 3 13.88x
Nantwich 3 45.05x
Newcastle Under Lyme 3 19.35x
Newton 3 12.64x
Withington 3 30.24x
Hartington Middle 2 666.67x
Norton 2 59.70x
Oldham 2 2.01x
Rusholme 2 24.36x
Sheen 2 540.54x
Sutton In Macclesfield 2 33.67x
Algarkirk 1 217.39x
Alpraham 1 256.41x
Blackrod 1 26.11x
Brampton 1 17.61x
Broughton In Salford 1 3.55x
Butley 1 204.08x
Castleton 1 3.25x
Caverswall 1 21.98x
Chorley In Macclesfield 1 57.14x
Eccleston In Prescot 1 6.47x
Glossop Dale 1 5.26x
Henbury Cum Pexhall 1 256.41x
Loughborough 1 7.66x
Newton Grange 1 1666.67x
Norton In Moors 1 21.55x
Stockport 1 3.39x
Turton 1 19.84x
Wirksworth 1 27.10x
Wolstanton 1 3.76x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 22
Sarah 18
Elizabeth 10
Ann 7
Eliza 6
Hannah 5
Alice 4
Annie 4
Emma 4
Jane 4
Martha 3
Ada 2
Agnes 2
Anne 2
Charlotte 2
Ellen 2
Kate 2
Louisa 2
Amelia 1
Beatrice 1
Betsey 1
Betsy 1
Clara 1
Dora 1
Elizth 1
Emily 1
Fanny 1
Florence 1
Frances 1
Gertrude 1
Janet 1
Lavinia 1
Levinia 1
Lilly 1
Lucy 1
Margaret 1
Maria 1
Matilda 1
May 1
Minnie 1
Nellie 1
Olive 1
Paulina 1
Phillis 1
Phoebe 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 20
William 18
Joseph 11
George 9
Charles 7
Frederick 5
James 5
Samuel 5
Thomas 5
Arthur 4
Harry 4
Walter 4
Francis 3
Henry 3
Isaac 2
Job 2
Wm. 2
Abraham 1
Albert 1
Alfred 1
Andrew 1
Archie 1
Booth 1
Daniel 1
David 1
Earnest 1
Edward 1
Edwin 1
Enoch 1
Fred 1
Fredrick 1
Frek 1
Hans 1
Herbert 1
Horace 1
Jas 1
Jno. 1
Joel 1
Lenard 1
Percy 1
Peter 1
Philip 1
Prince 1
Sam 1
Willie 1

FAQ

Berisford surname: questions and answers

How common was the Berisford surname in 1881?

In 1881, 266 people were recorded with the Berisford surname. That placed it at #10,589 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Berisford surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 151 in 2016. That gives Berisford a modern rank of #23,615.

What does the Berisford surname mean?

From an English place name referring to a bramble-covered ford or crossing.

What does the Berisford map show?

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