NameCensus.

UK surname

Botwright

An occupational surname referring to a boatwright or boat builder.

In the 1881 census there were 326 people recorded with the Botwright surname, ranking it #9,167 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 381, ranked #12,317, down from #9,167 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Hadleigh, London parishes and Ilketshall St Lawrence, Bungay St Mary, Bungay Holy Trinity. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Mid Suffolk, Babergh and Barnsley.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Botwright is 556 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 16.9%.

1881 census count

326

Ranked #9,167

Modern count

381

2016, ranked #12,317

Peak year

1911

556 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Botwright had 326 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #9,167 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 381 in 2016, ranked #12,317.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 556 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Botwright surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Botwright surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Botwright 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 263 #8,439
1861 historical 251 #9,830
1881 historical 326 #9,167
1891 historical 407 #8,750
1901 historical 513 #7,901
1911 historical 556 #7,221
1997 modern 447 #10,128
1998 modern 483 #9,853
1999 modern 471 #10,098
2000 modern 462 #10,212
2001 modern 447 #10,294
2002 modern 451 #10,429
2003 modern 440 #10,475
2004 modern 434 #10,619
2005 modern 399 #11,206
2006 modern 399 #11,282
2007 modern 404 #11,290
2008 modern 397 #11,556
2009 modern 418 #11,309
2010 modern 419 #11,550
2011 modern 403 #11,806
2012 modern 397 #11,780
2013 modern 385 #12,270
2014 modern 385 #12,340
2015 modern 383 #12,295
2016 modern 381 #12,317

Geography

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Where Botwrights are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Hadleigh, London parishes, Ilketshall St Lawrence, Bungay St Mary, Bungay Holy Trinity and St Marylebone. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Mid Suffolk, Babergh, Barnsley, Swindon and Great Yarmouth. 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 Hadleigh Suffolk
2 London parishes London 1
3 London parishes London 3
4 Ilketshall St Lawrence, Bungay St Mary, Bungay Holy Trinity Suffolk
5 St Marylebone London (North Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Mid Suffolk 011 Mid Suffolk
2 Babergh 004 Babergh
3 Barnsley 024 Barnsley
4 Swindon 022 Swindon
5 Great Yarmouth 012 Great Yarmouth

Forenames

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First names often paired with Botwright

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Botwright

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

Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs

Group

London Fringe

Within London, Botwright is most associated with areas classed as London Fringe, part of Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs. 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

Predominantly located in neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Greater London, residents of these neighbourhoods typically have their highest qualifications below degree (Level 4) level, with those still in work engaged in skilled trades and occupations in distribution, hotels and restaurants. There is low ethnic diversity in these neighbourhoods and high levels of Christian religious affiliation. Detached or terraced houses predominate, often with spare rooms.

Wider London pattern

The age distribution of these neighbourhoods is skewed towards the middle-aged and old, although few residents live alone or in communal establishments and numbers of dependent children are around average. Owner occupation is the norm, as is residence in detached or semi-detached houses. Residential densities are low and many households have spare rooms. Most residents were born in the UK and, aside from some identifying as members of Chinese or Indian ethnicities, identify as White. Mixed ethnicity households are rare. Incidence of married couples is higher than average and few individuals have never been married. A large proportion of individuals still in employment work in administrative and secretarial occupations, or in the construction industry. Few residents are students, and many households own more than one car.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Botwright is most concentrated in decile 5 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.

5
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Botwright falls in decile 6 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.

6
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Botwright

The surname Botwright has its origins in England, tracing back to the medieval period around the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "bot" meaning a boat and "wright" meaning a craftsman or maker. This suggests that the name initially referred to a person who crafted or repaired boats for a living.

During the Middle Ages, the Botwright name appeared in various historical records and documents. One such reference can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Worcestershire from 1275, which mentions a certain John le Botwright. This early record provides evidence of the name's existence and usage during that era.

As time passed, the name evolved in its spelling variations, including Botwright, Boatwright, Botwryght, and Botewryght. These variations reflect the fluidity of spelling conventions in earlier times, as well as regional differences in pronunciation and written forms.

One notable historical figure bearing the Botwright surname was William Botwright, born in 1554 in Gloucestershire, England. He was a renowned shipbuilder and naval architect, contributing significantly to the development of English shipbuilding during the Elizabethan era.

Another prominent individual was Thomas Botwright, born in 1688 in Kent, England. He was a skilled carpenter and joiner, renowned for his intricate woodwork and craftsmanship. His works can still be found in several historic buildings and churches throughout the region.

In the 18th century, the Botwright name gained further recognition with John Botwright, born in 1712 in Shropshire, England. He was a respected boat builder and pioneered innovative techniques in boat construction, contributing to the advancements in maritime transportation.

Elizabeth Botwright, born in 1795 in Warwickshire, England, was a notable figure in her own right. She was a skilled artist and painter, known for her intricate maritime scenes and depictions of boats and ships.

Another individual of historical significance was Robert Botwright, born in 1832 in Hampshire, England. He was a renowned naval architect and shipbuilder, designing and constructing several notable ships for the British Royal Navy during the Victorian era.

While these are just a few examples, the Botwright surname has a rich history deeply rooted in the maritime and craftsmanship traditions of England, with individuals contributing significantly to various fields throughout the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Botwright families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Botwright 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. Suffolk leads with 147 Botwrights recorded in 1881 and an index of 37.95x.

County Total Index
Suffolk 147 37.95x
Middlesex 70 2.20x
Norfolk 34 6.95x
Surrey 22 1.42x
Lancashire 11 0.29x
Yorkshire 8 0.25x
Kent 7 0.65x
Durham 6 0.63x
Essex 6 0.96x
Nottinghamshire 4 0.93x
Hampshire 3 0.46x
Hertfordshire 2 0.91x
Berwickshire 1 2.60x
Cambridgeshire 1 0.50x
Cornwall 1 0.28x
Gloucestershire 1 0.16x
Inverness-shire 1 1.05x
Sussex 1 0.19x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Kensington London in Middlesex leads with 26 Botwrights recorded in 1881 and an index of 14.71x.

Place Total Index
Kensington London 26 14.71x
Great Yarmouth 24 59.26x
Bungay St Mary 16 833.33x
Yoxford 13 1130.43x
Battisford 11 2340.43x
Hopton 10 1041.67x
Broughton In Salford 9 26.09x
Fressingfield 9 720.00x
Hadleigh 9 239.36x
Shoreditch London 9 6.53x
Horham 8 2162.16x
Middlesbrough 8 19.50x
Wilby 8 1568.63x
Acton 7 37.55x
Camberwell 7 3.45x
Dennington 7 813.95x
South Elmham St Cross 7 2916.67x
St Marylebone London 7 4.12x
Bungay Holy Trinity 6 301.51x
Hackney London 6 3.37x
Rotherhithe 6 15.27x
Sudbourne 6 952.38x
Sunderland 6 35.91x
Lambeth 5 1.80x
Mile End Old Town London 5 7.39x
Norwich St Clement 5 88.18x
Uggeshall 5 1851.85x
Wanstead 5 45.50x
Carlton 4 81.80x
Ewell Lydden 4 476.19x
Ipswich St Mary At Elms 4 325.20x
Lowestoft 4 21.86x
Blundeston 3 384.62x
Homersfield 3 1875.00x
Stoven 3 2142.86x
Tonbridge 3 7.67x
Belton 2 294.12x
Hornsey 2 4.97x
Hoxne 2 181.82x
Ipswich St Margaret 2 15.22x
Leiston 2 75.19x
Paddington London 2 1.71x
Southwark Christchurch 2 13.42x
Southwark St Saviour 2 12.24x
St Helens 2 42.19x
Wickham Market 2 125.00x
Abbots Langley 1 30.67x
Beccles 1 16.05x
Blackburn 1 1.00x
Botesdale 1 166.67x
Brockdish 1 212.77x
Brundish 1 250.00x
Burwell 1 41.49x
Buxhall 1 192.31x
Clerkenwell London 1 1.33x
Dovercourt 1 45.25x
Falmouth 1 7.85x
Hampstead London 1 2.02x
Heigham 1 3.81x
Inverness 1 4.19x
Ipswich St Clement 1 10.15x
Islington London 1 0.32x
Legerwood 1 163.93x
Lingwood 1 232.56x
Littlehampton 1 23.36x
Norwich St Benedict 1 45.87x
Norwood 1 13.76x
Portsea 1 0.78x
Ratcliffe London 1 5.69x
Southrepps 1 105.26x
Toxteth Park 1 0.78x
Watford 1 5.89x
Westbury On Trym 1 4.73x
Westminster St James 1 3.06x

Top female names

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

Name Count
William 20
George 17
John 17
Charles 15
Frederick 7
Alfred 6
Henry 6
Arthur 5
Joseph 5
Robert 5
Thomas 4
Albert 3
David 3
Edward 3
Harry 3
Francis 2
Frank 2
Fredrick 2
James 2
Noah 2
Richard 2
Samuel 2
Aaron 1
Archibald 1
Auther 1
Chas.D. 1
Christopher 1
Ed. 1
Edgar 1
Emanuel 1
Ernest 1
Freddy 1
Fredk. 1
Fredk.C. 1
Geoffrey 1
Herbert 1
Horac 1
Horace 1
Jeffery 1
Jephthah 1
Jim 1
Laurence 1
Percy 1
Raymond 1
Sydney 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Botwright surname: questions and answers

How common was the Botwright surname in 1881?

In 1881, 326 people were recorded with the Botwright surname. That placed it at #9,167 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Botwright surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 381 in 2016. That gives Botwright a modern rank of #12,317.

What does the Botwright surname mean?

An occupational surname referring to a boatwright or boat builder.

What does the Botwright map show?

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