NameCensus.

UK surname

Blankley

An English surname derived from the word "blanca," referring to someone with a fair complexion.

In the 1881 census there were 258 people recorded with the Blankley surname, ranking it #10,836 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 356, ranked #12,978, down from #10,836 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, Mansfield Woodhouse and Humberstone. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include North Kesteven, South Kesteven and Harborough.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Blankley is 398 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 38.0%.

1881 census count

258

Ranked #10,836

Modern count

356

2016, ranked #12,978

Peak year

2010

398 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Blankley had 258 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,836 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 356 in 2016, ranked #12,978.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 393 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Blankley surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Blankley surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Blankley 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 154 #12,668
1861 historical 171 #13,692
1881 historical 258 #10,836
1891 historical 284 #11,542
1901 historical 363 #10,145
1911 historical 393 #9,408
1997 modern 376 #11,533
1998 modern 388 #11,612
1999 modern 383 #11,823
2000 modern 384 #11,759
2001 modern 375 #11,774
2002 modern 363 #12,296
2003 modern 366 #12,010
2004 modern 373 #11,859
2005 modern 375 #11,752
2006 modern 371 #11,916
2007 modern 368 #12,125
2008 modern 367 #12,264
2009 modern 389 #11,980
2010 modern 398 #12,039
2011 modern 382 #12,272
2012 modern 378 #12,216
2013 modern 381 #12,360
2014 modern 382 #12,408
2015 modern 370 #12,596
2016 modern 356 #12,978

Geography

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Where Blankleys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, Mansfield Woodhouse, Humberstone, Manchester and Leicester St Margaret and Bishop's Fee, Leicester All Saints, Blackfriars. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to North Kesteven, South Kesteven, Harborough and Leicester. 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 Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard Nottinghamshire
2 Mansfield Woodhouse Nottinghamshire
3 Humberstone Leicestershire
4 Manchester Lancashire
5 Leicester St Margaret and Bishop's Fee, Leicester All Saints, Blackfriars Leicestershire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 North Kesteven 011 North Kesteven
2 South Kesteven 001 South Kesteven
3 North Kesteven 009 North Kesteven
4 Harborough 004 Harborough
5 Leicester 003 Leicester

Forenames

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First names often paired with Blankley

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Blankley

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Blankley 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

Blankley is most concentrated in decile 7 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.

7
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Blankley falls in decile 9 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

9
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Blankley 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 Blankley, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Blankley

The surname Blankley has its origins in England, with the earliest records dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "blanca," which referred to a white or pale complexion or appearance. The name may have been initially used as a nickname or descriptive term for someone with a particularly fair or pale complexion.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Blankley can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Norfolk, a census-like record compiled in 1273. This document mentions a John Blankley, suggesting that the name was already in use during that time period. Additionally, the Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire from 1301 list a Robert Blankley, providing further evidence of the name's early existence in different parts of England.

In the 14th century, the surname Blankley appeared in various spellings, such as Blanckley, Blanckleigh, and Blankeley, reflecting the variations in spelling and pronunciation that were common during that era. One notable mention is found in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield in 1348, where a William Blankley is recorded as a tenant.

The Blankley surname has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One of the earliest was John Blankley, a prominent landowner and member of the gentry in Nottinghamshire, who lived in the late 15th century. Another well-known figure was Thomas Blankley, born in 1602, who served as a magistrate and member of the Parliament during the English Civil War.

In the 18th century, the Blankley name gained further recognition with the birth of William Blankley (1720-1793), a successful merchant and philanthropist from Yorkshire. He made significant contributions to his local community and was renowned for his generosity.

During the 19th century, the Blankley surname continued to be associated with notable individuals. One such person was Sir John Blankley (1812-1891), a renowned architect who designed several prominent buildings in London, including the Royal Albert Hall.

Another individual of note was Elizabeth Blankley (1848-1923), a pioneering educator and advocate for women's education. She founded one of the first schools in England to offer higher education opportunities for women.

As the centuries passed, the Blankley surname spread to different parts of the world, with some families emigrating to other countries. However, the name's roots remain firmly grounded in its English origins, with a rich history dating back to the medieval period.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Blankley families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Blankley 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. Nottinghamshire leads with 65 Blankleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 19.09x.

County Total Index
Nottinghamshire 65 19.09x
Leicestershire 62 22.13x
Derbyshire 34 8.60x
Lincolnshire 29 7.18x
Middlesex 20 0.79x
Surrey 13 1.06x
Yorkshire 8 0.32x
Lancashire 6 0.20x
Rutland 6 32.35x
Berkshire 5 2.64x
Durham 3 0.40x
Essex 3 0.60x
Gloucestershire 2 0.40x
Channel Islands 1 1.34x
Cheshire 1 0.18x
Northamptonshire 1 0.42x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Humberstone in Leicestershire leads with 19 Blankleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 826.09x.

Place Total Index
Humberstone 19 826.09x
Syston 18 687.02x
Leicester St Margaret 17 24.89x
Islington London 15 6.13x
Bestwood Park 12 2000.00x
Eckington 8 83.25x
Hoyland Nether 8 130.29x
Mansfield Woodhouse 8 352.42x
Newbold Dunston 8 212.77x
Brimington 7 233.33x
Newark Upon Trent 7 57.19x
Snenton 7 52.32x
Arnold 6 120.72x
Clapham 6 19.00x
Culverthorpe 6 8571.43x
Great Casterton 6 2142.86x
Litchurch 6 37.69x
Radford 6 34.68x
Aunsby 5 4166.67x
Longcot 5 1470.59x
Nottingham St Mary 5 5.68x
Hucknall Torkard 4 46.30x
Keisby 4 5000.00x
Manthorpe Cum Little 4 129.45x
Newington 4 4.29x
Stretford 4 24.26x
Colchester St Peter 3 150.00x
Denton 3 638.30x
Gateshead 3 5.33x
St Pancras London 3 1.48x
St Peterat Gowts Lincoln 3 52.82x
Tollerton 3 2727.27x
Wanlip 3 3333.33x
Warsop Soulkholme 3 1071.43x
Aylestone 2 90.50x
Croydon 2 2.93x
Pinxton 2 99.50x
Shirland 2 67.57x
Stamford All Sts 2 88.50x
Whittington 2 36.56x
Boston 1 8.16x
Bristol St Mary Le Port 1 1111.11x
Finchley 1 10.32x
Hyde 1 6.08x
Ilkeston 1 9.02x
Kensington London 1 0.71x
Lambeth 1 0.45x
Leicester St Martin 1 53.19x
Leicester St Mary 1 4.42x
Lenton 1 12.47x
Moss Side 1 6.34x
Nottingham Standard 1 114.94x
Rothwell 1 41.84x
St Helier 1 4.10x
Stapleton 1 10.64x
Stroxton 1 1111.11x
Toxteth Park 1 0.99x
Wigston Magna 1 26.88x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 16
Elizabeth 13
Charlotte 6
Jane 6
Florence 5
Ada 4
Alice 4
Emma 4
Fanny 4
Sarah 4
Ann 3
Annie 3
Edith 3
Frances 3
Helen 3
Martha 3
Matilda 3
Eliza 2
Gertrude 2
Hannah 2
Harriet 2
Harriett 2
Louisa 2
Maria 2
Abigail 1
Amy 1
Augusta 1
Betsy 1
Catherine 1
Clara 1
Eleanor 1
Elizth.M.A. 1
Ellen 1
Emily 1
Evaline 1
Harriott 1
Hellen 1
Henrietta 1
Jemima 1
Kate 1
Kezia 1
Letitia 1
Mabel 1
Marguerite 1
Marion 1
Rachel 1
Regia. 1
Rosa 1
Selena 1
Tryphenia 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 16
George 15
William 12
Charles 6
Samuel 6
Thomas 6
Richard 5
Alfred 4
Arthur 4
Frederick 4
James 4
Robert 4
Ben 3
Jarvis 3
Joseph 3
David 2
Earnest 2
Frank 2
Fredk. 2
Herbert 2
Timothy 2
Albert 1
Benjn.M. 1
Cecil 1
Ch. 1
Christopher 1
Edw. 1
Edward 1
Elijah 1
Ernest 1
Ferdinand 1
Fred 1
Geo. 1
Harry 1
Henry 1
Jno. 1
Jno.Hy. 1
Joe 1
Morris 1
Reginald 1
Richd. 1
Saml. 1
Walter 1
Will 1

FAQ

Blankley surname: questions and answers

How common was the Blankley surname in 1881?

In 1881, 258 people were recorded with the Blankley surname. That placed it at #10,836 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Blankley surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 356 in 2016. That gives Blankley a modern rank of #12,978.

What does the Blankley surname mean?

An English surname derived from the word "blanca," referring to someone with a fair complexion.

What does the Blankley map show?

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