NameCensus.

UK surname

Billing

An occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "bille" referring to a woodcutter or lumberjack.

In the 1881 census there were 1,668 people recorded with the Billing surname, ranking it #2,578 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,630, ranked #3,816, down from #2,578 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to St Agnes, London parishes and St Pancras. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Cornwall, Mendip and Wellingborough.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Billing is 2,352 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has stayed broadly stable by 2.3%.

1881 census count

1,668

Ranked #2,578

Modern count

1,630

2016, ranked #3,816

Peak year

1911

2,352 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Billing had 1,668 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,578 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,630 in 2016, ranked #3,816.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2,352 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Billing surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Billing surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Billing 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 1,374 #2,088
1861 historical 1,432 #1,984
1881 historical 1,668 #2,578
1891 historical 1,926 #2,393
1901 historical 2,031 #2,636
1911 historical 2,352 #2,173
1997 modern 1,659 #3,585
1998 modern 1,706 #3,626
1999 modern 1,740 #3,586
2000 modern 1,708 #3,628
2001 modern 1,669 #3,632
2002 modern 1,707 #3,639
2003 modern 1,690 #3,597
2004 modern 1,662 #3,650
2005 modern 1,637 #3,660
2006 modern 1,606 #3,722
2007 modern 1,632 #3,709
2008 modern 1,652 #3,696
2009 modern 1,671 #3,739
2010 modern 1,689 #3,781
2011 modern 1,662 #3,791
2012 modern 1,609 #3,831
2013 modern 1,647 #3,812
2014 modern 1,670 #3,782
2015 modern 1,636 #3,824
2016 modern 1,630 #3,816

Geography

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Where Billings are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around St Agnes, London parishes, St Pancras and Lambeth. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Cornwall, Mendip and Wellingborough. 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 St Agnes Cornwall
2 London parishes London 1
3 London parishes London 3
4 St Pancras London (North Districts)
5 Lambeth London (South Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Cornwall 021 Cornwall
2 Mendip 009 Mendip
3 Cornwall 016 Cornwall
4 Wellingborough 008 Wellingborough
5 Cornwall 055 Cornwall

Forenames

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First names often paired with Billing

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Billing

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

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Billing surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Billing household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Billing is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. 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 residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Billing 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

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

Meaning and origin of Billing

The surname Billing originated in England during the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word "billing," which means a "sword" or a "falchion." The name likely referred to a person who was skilled in using a sword or who made swords for a living.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Billing can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as "Billinges." This record suggests that the name was already established in England by the 11th century.

In the 13th century, the surname appeared in various forms, such as Billynge, Billyng, and Byllyng. These variations reflect the regional dialects and spelling conventions of the time.

One notable individual bearing the surname Billing was Sir Thomas Billing (c. 1480-1559), who served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1536. He was a prominent merchant and a member of the Worshipful Company of Mercers.

Another historical figure was Richard Billing (c. 1605-1681), an English clergyman and author. He was the Rector of Newbury in Berkshire and wrote several religious works, including "The Sibbath Vindicated" and "The Doctrine of the Sabbath."

In the 18th century, John Billing (1713-1795) was a renowned English clockmaker and watchmaker. He established a successful business in London and his timepieces were highly regarded for their quality and craftsmanship.

Sir John Billing (1792-1868) was a British naval officer who served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. He achieved the rank of Vice-Admiral and was knighted for his distinguished service.

The name Billing has also been associated with various places in England, such as Billing in Northamptonshire and Billing Minster in Lincolnshire. These place names may have influenced the spelling and distribution of the surname over time.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Billing families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Billing 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. Cornwall leads with 244 Billings recorded in 1881 and an index of 13.25x.

County Total Index
Cornwall 244 13.25x
Middlesex 228 1.40x
Northamptonshire 164 10.72x
Somerset 91 3.47x
Surrey 91 1.15x
Devon 88 2.60x
Norfolk 74 2.96x
Lancashire 60 0.31x
Bedfordshire 52 6.17x
Staffordshire 46 0.84x
Leicestershire 44 2.44x
Hampshire 41 1.23x
Kent 41 0.74x
Buckinghamshire 39 3.96x
Yorkshire 38 0.24x
Warwickshire 33 0.80x
Cheshire 31 0.86x
Sussex 31 1.13x
Glamorgan 23 0.81x
Suffolk 20 1.01x
Shropshire 17 1.21x
Lincolnshire 15 0.58x
Derbyshire 14 0.55x
Nottinghamshire 14 0.64x
Cumberland 13 0.93x
Gloucestershire 12 0.38x
Worcestershire 12 0.56x
Essex 11 0.34x
Hertfordshire 11 0.98x
Lanarkshire 10 0.19x
Durham 9 0.19x
Oxfordshire 9 0.90x
Dorset 7 0.66x
Caernarfonshire 6 0.91x
Cambridgeshire 6 0.58x
Berkshire 4 0.33x
Midlothian 4 0.18x
Aberdeenshire 2 0.13x
Channel Islands 2 0.41x
Flintshire 2 0.46x
Herefordshire 2 0.30x
Monmouthshire 2 0.17x
Royal Navy 2 1.03x
Northumberland 1 0.04x
Pembrokeshire 1 0.19x
Rutland 1 0.84x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Gorran in Cornwall leads with 39 Billings recorded in 1881 and an index of 754.35x.

Place Total Index
Gorran 39 754.35x
Islington London 33 2.09x
Lambeth 28 1.97x
Bedford St Paul 24 41.53x
Kensington London 24 2.65x
St Agnes 21 81.40x
St Columb Minor 21 135.75x
Limehouse London 20 11.20x
Sandford 19 229.47x
Birkenhead 18 6.29x
Newington 18 2.99x
St Endellion 18 282.13x
St Germans 17 132.30x
St Pancras London 17 1.30x
Woodend 15 1162.79x
Hampstead London 14 5.52x
Bodmin 13 42.65x
Bowling 13 8.14x
Millom 13 30.28x
Shoreditch London 13 1.84x
Bury St Edmunds St James 12 22.67x
Lavendon 12 271.49x
Osgathorpe 12 710.06x
Plymouth St Andrew 12 4.60x
Aston 11 0.97x
Brackley St Peter 11 104.76x
Buckland St Mary 11 324.48x
Leek Lowe 11 15.05x
Portsea 11 1.68x
Preston 11 2.13x
Illogan 10 20.50x
Pavenham 10 411.52x
Acton 9 9.44x
Camberwell 9 0.87x
Deptford St Paul 9 2.10x
Donyatt 9 422.54x
Dudley 9 3.48x
Hailsham 9 54.22x
Kings Lynn St Margaret 9 11.98x
Liverpool 9 0.77x
Neath 9 15.61x
Newton St Cyres 9 189.47x
St Blazey 9 55.66x
St Marylebone London 9 1.04x
Tottenham 9 3.47x
Towcester 9 57.03x
Ventnor 9 28.37x
Wootton 9 123.80x
Alkmonton 8 1666.67x
Bermondsey 8 1.65x
Bolas Magna 8 473.37x
Bridgewater 8 11.25x
Davidstow 8 352.42x
Flitcham Cum Appleton 8 307.69x
Govan 8 0.61x
Leicester St Margaret 8 1.82x
Liskeard 8 25.96x
Newlyn 8 101.78x
Plymouth Charles The 8 5.36x
Ratcliffe London 8 8.90x
Ravensthorpe 8 289.86x
South Stoneham 8 11.06x
St George Hanover Square 8 2.79x
St Stephens By Saltash 8 100.76x
Wellingborough 8 10.40x
Woolwich 8 3.90x
Worksop 8 12.30x
Ashton In Makerfield 7 12.73x
Bromley London 7 1.96x
Burnham Sutton Cum Burnham 7 388.89x
Chatham 7 4.58x
Duston 7 50.40x
Great Grimsby 7 4.24x
Harborne 7 3.98x
Horton In Bradford 7 2.78x
Kenwyn 7 14.53x
Nether Heyford 7 154.87x
Stony Stratford West 7 103.40x
Titteworth 7 83.04x
Weedon Beck 7 63.81x

Top female names

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

Name Count
William 103
John 101
Thomas 55
George 47
James 44
Henry 36
Joseph 36
Charles 30
Samuel 24
Robert 22
Arthur 20
Frederick 19
Alfred 14
Edward 13
Albert 11
Francis 10
Thos. 10
Walter 9
Richard 8
Edwin 7
Ernest 6
Isaac 6
Fredrick 5
Harry 5
Herbert 5
Martin 5
Wm. 5
David 4
Elias 3
Fred 3
Philip 3
Reginald 3
Tom 3
Alfer 2
Benjamin 2
Cyril 2
Frank 2
Horace 2
Jabez 2
Jeremiah 2
Mark 2
Matthew 2
Montague 2
Pascoe 2
Sam 2
Sidney 2
Simon 2
Stephen 2
Willm. 2
Eli 1

FAQ

Billing surname: questions and answers

How common was the Billing surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,668 people were recorded with the Billing surname. That placed it at #2,578 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Billing surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,630 in 2016. That gives Billing a modern rank of #3,816.

What does the Billing surname mean?

An occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "bille" referring to a woodcutter or lumberjack.

What does the Billing map show?

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