NameCensus.

UK surname

Bibey

A rare surname potentially derived from a diminutive form of the French "Bibette" meaning little drunkard.

In the 1881 census there were 59 people recorded with the Bibey surname, ranking it #25,281 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 114, ranked #28,515, down from #25,281 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Newland (Bream, Clearwell, Newland, Coleford), West Dean and East Dean, Little Dean, Flaxley, Abinghall, Weston-under-Penyard (Ross, Herefordshire), Lea (Ross, H. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Mid Devon.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Bibey is 130 in 2002. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 93.2%.

1881 census count

59

Ranked #25,281

Modern count

114

2016, ranked #28,515

Peak year

2002

130 bearers

Map years

4

1911 to 2016

Key insights

  • Bibey had 59 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #25,281 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 114 in 2016, ranked #28,515.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 102 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Young Families in Industrial Towns.

Bibey surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Bibey surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Bibey 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 33 #27,390
1861 historical 25 #30,804
1881 historical 59 #25,281
1891 historical 56 #29,638
1901 historical 76 #25,734
1911 historical 102 #22,465
1997 modern 121 #24,019
1998 modern 129 #23,722
1999 modern 128 #24,017
2000 modern 124 #24,469
2001 modern 121 #24,493
2002 modern 130 #23,903
2003 modern 128 #23,890
2004 modern 130 #23,902
2005 modern 118 #25,301
2006 modern 116 #25,813
2007 modern 118 #25,913
2008 modern 115 #26,635
2009 modern 120 #26,496
2010 modern 119 #27,250
2011 modern 113 #27,967
2012 modern 107 #29,017
2013 modern 110 #29,028
2014 modern 115 #28,439
2015 modern 117 #27,982
2016 modern 114 #28,515

Geography

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Where Bibeys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Newland (Bream, Clearwell, Newland, Coleford), West Dean, East Dean, Little Dean, Flaxley, Abinghall, Weston-under-Penyard (Ross, Herefordshire), Lea (Ross, H, Bedwelty and Swansea. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Mid Devon and Wigan. 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 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
2 Newland (Bream, Clearwell, Newland, Coleford), West Dean Monmouthshire
3 East Dean, Little Dean, Flaxley, Abinghall, Weston-under-Penyard (Ross, Herefordshire), Lea (Ross, H Gloucestershire
4 Bedwelty Monmouthshire
5 Swansea Glamorganshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Cardiff 025 Cardiff
2 Rhondda Cynon Taf 007 Rhondda Cynon Taf
3 Mid Devon 008 Mid Devon
4 Rhondda Cynon Taf 020 Rhondda Cynon Taf
5 Wigan 017 Wigan

Forenames

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First names often paired with Bibey

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Bibey

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

Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce

Group

Young Families in Industrial Towns

Nationally, the Bibey surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Young Families in Industrial Towns, within Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce. This does not mean every Bibey household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These neighbourhoods house predominantly young, UK-born individuals identifying with a White ethnic group with dependent children. Long-term disability and unpaid care are prevalent, and religious affiliations are uncommon. Housing is terraced or semi-detached and social rented sector housing is the norm. Unemployment is above the Supergroup average, and employment is principally in elementary occupations, as process plant and machine operatives, or in caring and leisure services. Educational attainment is low. The group is scattered throughout former industrial towns in the Midlands and the South Wales Valleys.

Wider pattern

Living in terraced or semi-detached houses, residents of these neighbourhoods typically lack high levels of education and work in elementary or routine service occupations. Unemployment is above average. Residents are predominantly born in the UK, and residents are also predominantly from ethnic minorities. Social (but not private sector) rented sector housing is common. This Supergroup is found throughout the UK’s conurbations and industrial regions but is also an integral part of smaller towns.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Bibey 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

Bibey 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

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

Meaning and origin of Bibey

The surname BIBEY is of English origin, with its roots tracing back to the 13th century. It is believed to have originated from the Old English word "bibe," meaning "to drink," suggesting a possible occupation or association with taverns or the brewing industry.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire from the year 1273, which mentions a William Bibey residing in the village of Henley-on-Thames. This indicates that the name was already established in the region during that period.

Another notable reference is found in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield, dated 1348, where a John Bibey is mentioned as a tenant farmer. This record provides insight into the agricultural roots of some individuals bearing this surname.

During the 16th century, the name appears to have been concentrated in the counties of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, with records showing variations in spelling such as Bybey, Bibbey, and Bibbye. One notable individual from this era was Thomas Bibey (1520-1592), a prominent landowner and farmer in the village of Ashendon, Buckinghamshire.

As the centuries progressed, the BIBEY surname spread to other regions of England, with notable individuals emerging. One such person was Sir William Bibey (1654-1721), a respected merchant and member of the Company of Merchant Adventurers in London.

In the 18th century, the name gained recognition through the works of the poet and playwright, Richard Bibey (1712-1788), whose satirical plays and verses were widely acclaimed in literary circles of the time.

Moving into the 19th century, the BIBEY surname continued to be associated with various professions and endeavors. One notable figure was Elizabeth Bibey (1823-1897), a pioneering educator who established several well-regarded schools for girls in the city of Bristol.

Another prominent individual was Sir Robert Bibey (1845-1917), a renowned architect whose designs left a lasting impact on the cityscape of London, including the iconic Bibey Tower, named in his honor.

Throughout its history, the BIBEY surname has maintained a presence across England, with individuals from various walks of life contributing to the rich tapestry of the nation's heritage.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Bibey families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Bibey 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. Glamorgan leads with 32 Bibeys recorded in 1881 and an index of 31.93x.

County Total Index
Glamorgan 32 31.93x
Gloucestershire 14 12.40x
Herefordshire 9 38.14x
Lancashire 2 0.29x
Bedfordshire 1 3.36x
Yorkshire 1 0.18x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Llantrisant in Glamorgan leads with 14 Bibeys recorded in 1881 and an index of 553.36x.

Place Total Index
Llantrisant 14 553.36x
Ystradyfodwg 11 125.14x
Walford 9 3913.04x
Swansea Town 7 85.16x
West Dean 6 327.87x
Westbury On Severn East 6 235.29x
Newland 2 210.53x
Linthorpe 1 29.41x
Luton 1 19.38x
Manchester 1 3.26x
Salford 1 4.98x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 6
Eliza 2
Emma 2
Jane 2
Alice 1
Amelia 1
Amy 1
Caroline 1
Catherine 1
Elizabeth 1
Esther 1
Fanny 1
Jennet 1
Jesie 1
Katiner 1
Margaret 1
Matilda 1
Maud 1
Minnie 1
Nancy 1
Rachel 1
Sarah 1
Susana 1

Top male names

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

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 Bibey households.

FAQ

Bibey surname: questions and answers

How common was the Bibey surname in 1881?

In 1881, 59 people were recorded with the Bibey surname. That placed it at #25,281 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Bibey surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 114 in 2016. That gives Bibey a modern rank of #28,515.

What does the Bibey surname mean?

A rare surname potentially derived from a diminutive form of the French "Bibette" meaning little drunkard.

What does the Bibey map show?

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