UK surname
A variation of the German surname "Botter", referring to one who bottles or packages liquids.
In the 1881 census there were 18 people recorded with the Botter surname, ranking it #31,019 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 19, ranked #36,760, down from #31,019 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Northfleet and Cheverell, Little. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Botter is 149 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 5.6%.
1881 census count
18
Ranked #31,019
Modern count
19
2016, ranked #36,760
Peak year
1861
149 bearers
Map years
2
1861 to 1891
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Botter surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Botter surname density by area, 1891 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe 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 | 42 | #25,706 |
| 1861 | historical | 149 | #15,373 |
| 1881 | historical | 18 | #31,019 |
| 1891 | historical | 107 | #22,967 |
| 1901 | historical | 22 | #31,562 |
| 1911 | historical | 50 | #27,806 |
| 1997 | modern | 19 | #35,928 |
| 1998 | modern | 19 | #36,009 |
| 1999 | modern | 18 | #36,151 |
| 2000 | modern | 20 | #35,915 |
| 2001 | modern | 19 | #35,866 |
| 2002 | modern | 20 | #35,894 |
| 2003 | modern | 17 | #36,198 |
| 2004 | modern | 17 | #36,342 |
| 2005 | modern | 20 | #36,165 |
| 2006 | modern | 19 | #36,323 |
| 2007 | modern | 21 | #36,290 |
| 2008 | modern | 16 | #36,766 |
| 2009 | modern | 17 | #36,753 |
| 2010 | modern | 16 | #36,937 |
| 2011 | modern | 17 | #36,839 |
| 2012 | modern | 19 | #36,641 |
| 2013 | modern | 20 | #36,614 |
| 2014 | modern | 21 | #36,577 |
| 2015 | modern | 19 | #36,736 |
| 2016 | modern | 19 | #36,760 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Northfleet, Cheverell, Little, Murston and London parishes. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) | Glamorganshire |
| 2 | Northfleet | Kent |
| 3 | Cheverell, Little | Wiltshire |
| 4 | Murston | Kent |
| 5 | London parishes | London 3 |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Botter surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Botter, 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
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Botter surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Botter household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Botter is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Botter is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Botter, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname Botter is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period, derived from the Old English word "bōtere," meaning "boatman" or "ferryman." This occupation-based surname was likely given to individuals whose primary work involved operating boats or ferries across waterways.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the Botter surname can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings and population commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This ancient manuscript mentions a man named Radulfus Botter residing in the county of Nottinghamshire.
In the 13th century, historical records from the city of York mention a prominent citizen named William Botter, who served as a member of the city council and was involved in local governance. His descendants continued to reside in Yorkshire for several generations, and the name appears in various legal documents and property records from the region.
During the 16th century, a notable figure named John Botter (1520-1589) gained recognition as a skilled navigator and explorer. He was part of several expeditions commissioned by the English crown, and his detailed maps and journals contributed significantly to the advancement of maritime knowledge at the time.
In the 18th century, a wealthy merchant named Thomas Botter (1718-1792) established a successful trading company in London, importing exotic goods from the British colonies. His business ventures and philanthropic activities made him a respected figure in the city's commercial circles.
Another individual of note was Sir William Botter (1842-1912), a distinguished military officer who served in the British Army during the Victorian era. He received numerous honors and decorations for his bravery and leadership in various campaigns, including the Second Boer War and the First World War.
Throughout its history, the Botter surname has been associated with various locations across England, particularly in Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and London. Variations in spelling, such as Bottor, Bottar, and Botter, have also been documented in historical records, reflecting the fluidity of surname spelling in earlier times.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Botter surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Warwickshire leads with 6 Botters recorded in 1881 and an index of 13.55x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Warwickshire | 6 | 13.55x |
| Surrey | 4 | 4.68x |
| Northumberland | 3 | 11.49x |
| Middlesex | 2 | 1.14x |
| Durham | 1 | 1.91x |
| Kent | 1 | 1.67x |
| Wiltshire | 1 | 6.44x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Aston in Warwickshire leads with 5 Botters recorded in 1881 and an index of 41.02x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Aston | 5 | 41.02x |
| Lambeth | 3 | 19.60x |
| Newburn | 3 | 4285.71x |
| Ferryhill | 1 | 555.56x |
| Market Lavington | 1 | 1250.00x |
| Newington | 1 | 15.41x |
| Old Stratford | 1 | 400.00x |
| Sheldwich | 1 | 2500.00x |
| St George Hanover Square | 1 | 32.36x |
| St Martin In Fields | 1 | 95.24x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Botter surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Botter surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
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 Botter households.
| Occupation | Count |
|---|---|
| Scholar | 4 |
| Agl Laborer | 1 |
| Butler | 1 |
| Coal Miner | 1 |
| Dealer In Watches And Jewellery | 1 |
| Gas (Wks) Laborer | 1 |
| Laundress | 1 |
| No Information (None) | 1 |
| Postman | 1 |
| Servant | 1 |
| Steel Roller | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 18 people were recorded with the Botter surname. That placed it at #31,019 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 19 in 2016. That gives Botter a modern rank of #36,760.
A variation of the German surname "Botter", referring to one who bottles or packages liquids.
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Botter bearers relative to the surrounding population.
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.