NameCensus.

UK surname

Birk

A topographic surname derived from the Old Norse word "birki," referring to someone who lived near a birch tree.

In the 1881 census there were 170 people recorded with the Birk surname, ranking it #14,265 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 385, ranked #12,232, up from #14,265 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lincoln St Botolph, St Denis in Walmgate, St George and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Ealing, Redbridge and Hounslow.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Birk is 413 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 126.5%.

1881 census count

170

Ranked #14,265

Modern count

385

2016, ranked #12,232

Peak year

2010

413 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Birk had 170 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #14,265 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 385 in 2016, ranked #12,232.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 300 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Birk surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Birk surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Birk 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 174 #11,590
1861 historical 300 #8,432
1881 historical 170 #14,265
1891 historical 212 #14,318
1901 historical 124 #20,163
1911 historical 102 #22,465
1997 modern 277 #14,253
1998 modern 303 #13,809
1999 modern 305 #13,808
2000 modern 311 #13,588
2001 modern 310 #13,452
2002 modern 339 #12,911
2003 modern 325 #13,104
2004 modern 323 #13,230
2005 modern 350 #12,359
2006 modern 338 #12,779
2007 modern 355 #12,458
2008 modern 356 #12,534
2009 modern 388 #12,000
2010 modern 413 #11,690
2011 modern 401 #11,843
2012 modern 373 #12,344
2013 modern 396 #12,015
2014 modern 382 #12,408
2015 modern 383 #12,295
2016 modern 385 #12,232

Geography

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Where Birks are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lincoln St Botolph, St Denis in Walmgate, St George, London parishes, Manchester and St Peter-le-Willows. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Ealing, Redbridge and Hounslow. 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 Lincoln St Botolph Lincolnshire
2 St Denis in Walmgate, St George Yorkshire, East Riding
3 London parishes London 3
4 Manchester Lancashire
5 St Peter-le-Willows Yorkshire, East Riding

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Ealing 023 Ealing
2 Redbridge 035 Redbridge
3 Hounslow 016 Hounslow
4 Ealing 017 Ealing
5 Hounslow 004 Hounslow

Forenames

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First names often paired with Birk

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Birk

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

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students

Nationally, the Birk surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Birk household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Married couples with dependent children are common in this Group, with many parents born in Africa or the EU. The representation of residents amongst different ethnic minority groups is high, particularly for individuals of Pakistani ethnic group. For many residents, English is not their main language, and affiliation to Christian religions is less common. Privately rented terrace properties predominate and levels of overcrowding are high. Part time work is common, with many employed in elementary occupations and sales and customer services. There are also many students living within these areas, and overall unemployment levels are high.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Young Asian Family Terraces

Within London, Birk is most associated with areas classed as Young Asian Family Terraces, 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 households with dependent children typically live in terraced housing and are of (non-Chinese) Asian extraction. Individuals with Bangladeshi origins are particularly in evidence. Employment is often in elementary occupations or as process, plant or machine operatives, and part-time work is common. Students are much in evidence.

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

Birk 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

Birk falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Birk is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

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

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Indian

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

Meaning and origin of Birk

The surname BIRK is believed to have originated from the Old English word "byr" or "byrki," meaning a meadow, pasture, or enclosed land. This surname first emerged in England, particularly in the northern counties, during the Anglo-Saxon period, which lasted from the 5th to the 11th centuries.

The name BIRK was commonly found in areas with a strong Anglo-Saxon influence, such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Northumberland. It was likely derived from place names that incorporated the word "byr" or "byrki," indicating that the original bearers of this surname lived near or owned a meadow or pasture.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname BIRK can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Bircke" and "Byrcke" in various entries throughout the document.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named John de Byrk was recorded in the Curia Regis Rolls of Yorkshire in 1225. This early reference to the surname suggests its continued use and prevalence in the region.

Another significant individual bearing the surname BIRK was Sir Ralph Birk, a prominent nobleman and landowner from Northumberland who lived during the 14th century. He was knighted for his services to King Edward III and was involved in several military campaigns against Scotland.

During the 16th century, the BIRK surname gained prominence with the birth of Henry Birk (1525-1592), an English clergyman and scholar who served as the Bishop of Worcester. He was known for his contributions to the translation of the Geneva Bible.

In the 17th century, Thomas Birk (1635-1701) was a notable English musician and composer who served as the organist at the Church of St. Mary-le-Bow in London. He composed several anthems and instrumental pieces that were widely performed during his time.

Another individual of note was Sir John Birk (1714-1787), a British politician and landowner who served as a Member of Parliament for the constituency of Yorkshire from 1754 to 1768. He was an influential figure in local politics and was known for his advocacy of agricultural reforms.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Birk families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Birk 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. Yorkshire leads with 53 Birks recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.21x.

County Total Index
Yorkshire 53 3.21x
Lancashire 28 1.41x
Middlesex 15 0.90x
Staffordshire 15 2.66x
Derbyshire 7 2.68x
Warwickshire 7 1.66x
Durham 6 1.21x
Nottinghamshire 6 2.67x
Perthshire 5 6.68x
Essex 4 1.22x
Fife 4 4.05x
Glamorgan 4 1.38x
Lincolnshire 4 1.50x
Cheshire 3 0.81x
Kent 3 0.53x
Lanarkshire 2 0.37x
Clackmannanshire 1 7.26x
Hampshire 1 0.29x
Shropshire 1 0.69x
Somerset 1 0.37x
Surrey 1 0.12x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Leeds in Yorkshire leads with 10 Birks recorded in 1881 and an index of 10.72x.

Place Total Index
Leeds 10 10.72x
St George In East London 8 50.99x
York St George 8 615.38x
Huddersfield 7 29.07x
Liverpool 7 5.82x
Birmingham 6 4.28x
Walsall Foreign 6 20.63x
Perth East Church 5 70.82x
Sheffield 5 9.50x
West Bromwich 5 15.51x
Cupar 4 93.24x
Derby All Sts 4 183.49x
Monk Hesleden 4 289.86x
Northowram 4 34.51x
St Peterat Gowts Lincoln 4 106.67x
Swansea Lower 4 270.27x
Wigan 4 14.46x
Accrington 3 16.68x
Bulwell 3 61.35x
Everton 3 4.76x
Halifax 3 12.37x
Heap 3 28.57x
West Ham 3 4.13x
Barony 2 1.47x
Bradford 2 5.00x
Orpington 2 114.94x
Paddington London 2 3.26x
Sculcoates 2 7.63x
Stanhope 2 39.06x
Tintwistle 2 101.52x
Wath On Dearne 2 60.61x
Willenhall 2 18.98x
Aston 1 0.86x
Barking 1 10.38x
Barrow In Furness 1 3.71x
Beswick 1 19.76x
Bingley 1 9.50x
Bowling 1 6.11x
Burslem 1 6.20x
Chester St Oswald 1 14.99x
Chorlton On Medlock 1 3.18x
Clapham 1 4.80x
Derby St Peter 1 12.02x
Didsbury 1 38.02x
Dollar 1 69.93x
Glossop Dale 1 8.18x
Hawes 1 92.59x
Hawton 1 625.00x
Holbeck 1 9.13x
Hornsey 1 4.74x
Kensington London 1 1.08x
Killamarsh 1 61.73x
Lindley Cum Quarmby 1 23.98x
Lyncombe Widcombe 1 14.22x
Lytham 1 33.11x
Middlesbrough 1 4.65x
Nottingham St Mary 1 1.72x
Ossington 1 909.09x
Portsea 1 1.49x
Preston 1 1.89x
Ratcliffe London 1 10.86x
Salford 1 1.72x
Sprotborough 1 769.23x
St Andrew Holborn London 1 13.85x
St Marylebone London 1 1.12x
Stoke Upon Trent 1 1.68x
Swinefleet 1 140.85x
Thorne 1 48.78x
Warrington 1 4.26x
Woolwich 1 4.76x
Worthen 1 65.36x
York St John Micklegate 1 250.00x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 17
Elizabeth 6
Ellen 6
Hannah 5
Sarah 5
Jane 4
Ann 3
Catherine 3
Fanny 3
Margaret 3
Agnes 2
Emma 2
Ada 1
Alice 1
Anne 1
Annie 1
Betsy 1
Bridget 1
Caroline 1
Charlotte 1
Elice 1
Eliza 1
Emily 1
Harriet 1
Kate 1
Lizzie 1
Margret 1
Margt. 1
Martha 1
Rosetta 1
Ruth 1
Selina 1
Sophia 1
Winifred 1
Winnifred 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 21
William 8
James 6
Michael 6
Thomas 4
Charles 3
Edward 3
Richard 3
David 2
Willam 2
Albert 1
Anthony 1
Christian 1
Frank 1
Geo. 1
George 1
Henry 1
Jacob 1
Jno. 1
Joseph 1
Louis 1
Luria 1
Mark 1
Martin 1
Patrick 1
Peter 1
Reuben 1
Robert 1
Samuel 1

FAQ

Birk surname: questions and answers

How common was the Birk surname in 1881?

In 1881, 170 people were recorded with the Birk surname. That placed it at #14,265 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Birk surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 385 in 2016. That gives Birk a modern rank of #12,232.

What does the Birk surname mean?

A topographic surname derived from the Old Norse word "birki," referring to someone who lived near a birch tree.

What does the Birk map show?

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