NameCensus.

UK surname

Bown

A surname likely derived from a place name incorporating the Old English word 'bun' meaning prepared ground.

In the 1881 census there were 1,658 people recorded with the Bown surname, ranking it #2,589 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,930, ranked #2,304, up from #2,589 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Sherborne, London parishes and Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include North East Derbyshire, Hinckley and Bosworth and Bolsover.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Bown is 3,210 in 1998. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 76.7%.

1881 census count

1,658

Ranked #2,589

Modern count

2,930

2016, ranked #2,304

Peak year

1998

3,210 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Bown had 1,658 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,589 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,930 in 2016, ranked #2,304.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2,776 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Bown surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Bown surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Bown 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 1,247 #2,293
1861 historical 1,388 #2,066
1881 historical 1,658 #2,589
1891 historical 2,140 #2,179
1901 historical 2,459 #2,219
1911 historical 2,776 #1,872
1997 modern 3,089 #2,075
1998 modern 3,210 #2,087
1999 modern 3,199 #2,114
2000 modern 3,074 #2,195
2001 modern 2,994 #2,204
2002 modern 3,088 #2,177
2003 modern 3,039 #2,161
2004 modern 3,012 #2,174
2005 modern 2,963 #2,190
2006 modern 2,917 #2,215
2007 modern 2,925 #2,239
2008 modern 2,920 #2,255
2009 modern 2,990 #2,254
2010 modern 3,039 #2,274
2011 modern 3,036 #2,240
2012 modern 2,988 #2,233
2013 modern 3,046 #2,234
2014 modern 3,001 #2,288
2015 modern 2,945 #2,299
2016 modern 2,930 #2,304

Geography

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Where Bowns are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Sherborne, London parishes, Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, Middlezoy, Weston Zoyland, Woolavington and St Werburgh. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to North East Derbyshire, Hinckley and Bosworth, Bolsover, South Somerset and North Warwickshire. 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 Sherborne Dorset
2 London parishes London 3
3 Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard Nottinghamshire
4 Middlezoy, Weston Zoyland, Woolavington Somerset
5 St Werburgh Derbyshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 North East Derbyshire 010 North East Derbyshire
2 Hinckley and Bosworth 007 Hinckley and Bosworth
3 Bolsover 007 Bolsover
4 South Somerset 004 South Somerset
5 North Warwickshire 003 North Warwickshire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Bown

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Bown

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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Bown is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. 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

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Bown 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

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

Meaning and origin of Bown

The surname Bown is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period. It is thought to be a variant of the Old English word "buan," meaning "to dwell" or "to inhabit," suggesting that the name may have initially referred to someone who lived in a particular location or held a specific property.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Bown can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of landholdings and manors commissioned by William the Conqueror. This suggests that the name was already in use by the late 11th century.

During the Middle Ages, the name Bown appeared in various spellings, including Boune, Boun, and Bowne, reflecting the fluid nature of surname spellings at the time. These variations were often influenced by regional dialects and the preferences of individual scribes or record-keepers.

The name Bown has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Sir John Bown, a prominent landowner and knight who lived in the 13th century. He was mentioned in several historical records and is believed to have held significant influence in his local community.

Another noteworthy figure was Richard Bown, a merchant and alderman who lived in the city of London during the 15th century. He was involved in various trade ventures and held influential positions within the city's governing body.

In the 16th century, Thomas Bown gained recognition as a skilled architect and master builder. He is credited with the design and construction of several notable buildings, including churches and manor houses, in various parts of England.

During the 17th century, the name Bown was associated with several prominent religious figures. One such individual was Reverend William Bown, a Puritan minister who played an active role in the religious and political debates of his time.

In the 18th century, the name Bown gained recognition in the literary world with the emergence of the poet and writer John Bown. His works, which focused on themes of nature and rural life, were widely acclaimed and contributed to the development of English poetry.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who bore the surname Bown throughout history. The name has continued to be carried by many families across various regions of England and beyond, reflecting its enduring legacy and connection to the country's rich cultural and historical tapestry.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Bown families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Bown 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. Somerset leads with 261 Bowns recorded in 1881 and an index of 10.04x.

County Total Index
Somerset 261 10.04x
Derbyshire 212 8.38x
Leicestershire 183 10.22x
Dorset 130 12.26x
Middlesex 111 0.69x
Yorkshire 87 0.54x
Wiltshire 65 4.55x
Lancashire 63 0.33x
Staffordshire 62 1.14x
Nottinghamshire 60 2.76x
Cheshire 55 1.54x
Gloucestershire 55 1.74x
Surrey 42 0.53x
Warwickshire 40 0.98x
Kent 33 0.60x
Hampshire 32 0.97x
Monmouthshire 26 2.23x
Essex 24 0.75x
Lincolnshire 15 0.58x
Devon 12 0.36x
Northamptonshire 10 0.66x
Cornwall 7 0.38x
Glamorgan 7 0.25x
Oxfordshire 7 0.70x
Pembrokeshire 6 1.17x
Worcestershire 6 0.28x
Berkshire 5 0.41x
Cambridgeshire 5 0.49x
Durham 5 0.10x
Montgomeryshire 5 1.35x
Northumberland 5 0.21x
Shropshire 5 0.36x
Rutland 4 3.37x
Cumberland 2 0.14x
Lanarkshire 2 0.04x
Sussex 2 0.07x
Aberdeenshire 1 0.07x
Bedfordshire 1 0.12x
Caernarfonshire 1 0.15x
Norfolk 1 0.04x
Royal Navy 1 0.52x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Sherborne in Dorset leads with 47 Bowns recorded in 1881 and an index of 150.50x.

Place Total Index
Sherborne 47 150.50x
Motcombe 41 525.64x
Leicester St Margaret 35 8.01x
Middlezoy 34 1065.83x
Ashover 29 230.34x
Derby St Peter 28 34.76x
St Woollos 23 17.65x
Sheffield 22 4.32x
Basford 20 19.93x
Earl Shilton 20 512.82x
Mudford 20 947.87x
Aston 19 1.69x
Swindon 19 17.15x
Frome 17 27.34x
Macclesfield 17 10.73x
Wells St Cuthbert 15 84.55x
Nottingham St Mary 14 2.49x
Chiswick 13 14.73x
Ratby 13 144.93x
Bridgewater 12 17.00x
Camberwell 12 1.16x
Ecclesall Bierlow 12 3.69x
Othery 12 375.00x
Gainsborough 11 18.07x
Leicester St Mary 11 7.60x
Monks Coppenhall 11 8.17x
Taddington 11 486.73x
Batcombe 10 291.55x
Bradford 10 2.58x
Brightside Bierlow 10 3.19x
Burton Upon Trent 10 7.84x
Derby St Werburgh 10 6.85x
Dukinfield 10 6.07x
Islington London 10 0.64x
Lambeth 10 0.71x
Mile End Old Town London 10 2.91x
Norton Juxta Twycross 10 458.72x
St Pancras London 10 0.77x
Stoke Upon Trent 10 1.73x
West Cranmore 10 632.91x
Crich 9 54.51x
Kemerton 9 333.33x
Kirk Ireton 9 335.82x
Midsomer Norton 9 36.73x
Pitney 9 505.62x
Standlynch 9 1730.77x
Stratton St Margaret 9 41.08x
Stroud 9 14.60x
Walton 9 303.03x
Ashton Under Lyne 8 1.91x
Birmingham 8 0.59x
Edmonton 8 6.15x
Fulham London 8 3.41x
Hackney London 8 0.88x
Hempstead 8 206.19x
Ibstock 8 61.44x
Kewstoke 8 195.60x
Kirkby Mallory 8 761.90x
Michelmersh 8 124.61x
Polesworth 8 41.37x
Sutton In Macclesfield 8 21.62x
Titchfield 8 32.05x
West Bromwich 8 2.56x
West Derby 8 1.43x
Wimborne 8 62.35x
Alfreton 7 9.11x
Ashby De La Zouch 7 16.86x
Barwell 7 73.92x
Bruton 7 68.43x
Chelsea London 7 1.44x
Harborne 7 4.01x
High Ham 7 112.90x
Hyde 7 6.65x
Nether Hallam 7 3.23x
Newbold Dunston 7 29.12x
Shoreditch London 7 1.00x
Stoney Stanton 7 127.27x
Walthamstow 7 6.10x
Whittington 7 20.01x
Woodford 7 19.39x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 113
Elizabeth 73
Sarah 73
Ann 45
Annie 39
Eliza 32
Alice 31
Ellen 26
Jane 24
Emily 23
Hannah 22
Martha 18
Ada 17
Emma 17
Louisa 15
Florence 12
Catherine 11
Clara 11
Maria 11
Agnes 9
Charlotte 9
Harriet 9
Harriett 7
Beatrice 6
Edith 6
Lydia 6
Amelia 5
Anne 5
Bessie 5
Fanny 5
Julia 5
Kate 5
Lucy 5
Maud 5
Minnie 5
Rose 5
Bertha 4
Frances 4
Laura 4
Amy 3
Caroline 3
Ethel 3
Eva 3
Grace 3
Hester 3
Lily 3
Matilda 3
Rachel 3
Rhoda 3
Susan 3

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 81
William 79
George 68
James 52
Thomas 41
Joseph 34
Charles 32
Henry 25
Samuel 22
Albert 21
Arthur 20
Frederick 20
Alfred 16
Edward 16
Frank 14
Robert 14
Walter 12
Edwin 10
Ernest 7
Harry 7
Stephen 7
Benjamin 6
Herbert 6
Daniel 5
Isaac 5
Edmund 4
Richard 4
Sidney 4
David 3
Enoch 3
Francis 3
Fred 3
Fredk. 3
Fredrick 3
Robt. 3
Stanley 3
Adam 2
Ambrose 2
Amos 2
Anthony 2
Frederic 2
Geo. 2
Gilbert 2
Jabez 2
Job 2
Leonard 2
Mark 2
Oliver 2
Percival 2
Percy 2

FAQ

Bown surname: questions and answers

How common was the Bown surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,658 people were recorded with the Bown surname. That placed it at #2,589 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Bown surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,930 in 2016. That gives Bown a modern rank of #2,304.

What does the Bown surname mean?

A surname likely derived from a place name incorporating the Old English word 'bun' meaning prepared ground.

What does the Bown map show?

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