NameCensus.

UK surname

Bramwell

A habitational surname derived from a place name meaning "broom stream valley".

In the 1881 census there were 1,698 people recorded with the Bramwell surname, ranking it #2,535 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,289, ranked #2,835, down from #2,535 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Gateshead, Tideswell and Preston. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include South Staffordshire, High Peak and Newark and Sherwood.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Bramwell is 2,365 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 34.8%.

1881 census count

1,698

Ranked #2,535

Modern count

2,289

2016, ranked #2,835

Peak year

1999

2,365 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Bramwell had 1,698 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,535 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,289 in 2016, ranked #2,835.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2,320 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Bramwell surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Bramwell surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Bramwell 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 980 #2,849
1861 historical 946 #2,932
1881 historical 1,698 #2,535
1891 historical 1,917 #2,402
1901 historical 2,292 #2,370
1911 historical 2,320 #2,190
1997 modern 2,248 #2,759
1998 modern 2,343 #2,760
1999 modern 2,365 #2,763
2000 modern 2,289 #2,821
2001 modern 2,281 #2,775
2002 modern 2,306 #2,799
2003 modern 2,252 #2,799
2004 modern 2,295 #2,756
2005 modern 2,227 #2,803
2006 modern 2,235 #2,793
2007 modern 2,211 #2,850
2008 modern 2,253 #2,821
2009 modern 2,306 #2,828
2010 modern 2,363 #2,824
2011 modern 2,292 #2,866
2012 modern 2,248 #2,865
2013 modern 2,335 #2,820
2014 modern 2,343 #2,825
2015 modern 2,293 #2,845
2016 modern 2,289 #2,835

Geography

Back to top

Where Bramwells are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Gateshead, Tideswell, Preston, Sheffield and Chapel-en-le-Frith. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to South Staffordshire, High Peak, Newark and Sherwood and Mansfield. 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 Gateshead Durham
2 Tideswell Derbyshire
3 Preston Lancashire
4 Sheffield Yorkshire, West Riding
5 Chapel-en-le-Frith Derbyshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 South Staffordshire 001 South Staffordshire
2 High Peak 010 High Peak
3 Newark and Sherwood 006 Newark and Sherwood
4 High Peak 011 High Peak
5 Mansfield 012 Mansfield

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Bramwell

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Bramwell

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

Bramwell is most concentrated in decile 8 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.

8
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Bramwell falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

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

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Bramwell

The surname Bramwell has its origins in England, and it is believed to have emerged during the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English words "brom," meaning "broom," and "well," referring to a spring or stream. This suggests that the name was initially associated with individuals who lived near a well or a stream surrounded by broom plants.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bramwell can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appeared in various spellings, such as "Bramwella" and "Bromwell," indicating its evolving nature over time.

During the 13th century, the name Bramwell was documented in various historical records, including the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. These rolls were administrative records used to record taxes and land transactions, providing valuable insights into the distribution and prevalence of surnames at that time.

One notable bearer of the Bramwell surname was Sir John Bramwell (1800-1879), a prominent English judge and politician. He served as a Lord Justice of Appeal and was widely respected for his legal acumen and integrity.

Another significant figure was George Bramwell (1808-1892), a British engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to the development of early steam engines and railway technology. His innovations played a crucial role in the advancement of transportation during the Industrial Revolution.

In the literary world, Anna Bramwell (1743-1824) was a notable English writer and poet. Her works, which often explored themes of nature and spirituality, were widely acclaimed during her lifetime.

Sir Frederick Bramwell (1818-1903) was a distinguished English civil engineer and industrialist. He played a pivotal role in the construction of several major railway lines and was recognized for his expertise in structural engineering and mechanics.

Lastly, John Bramwell (born 1964) is a contemporary English singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the indie rock band I Am Kloot.

The Bramwell surname has endured throughout the centuries, with its roots firmly planted in the English countryside. While its origins may be humble, the name has been associated with individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, from law and engineering to literature and music.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Bramwell families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Bramwell 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. Lancashire leads with 473 Bramwells recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.42x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 473 2.42x
Derbyshire 389 15.07x
Yorkshire 167 1.02x
Durham 100 2.04x
Cheshire 95 2.61x
Middlesex 73 0.44x
Nottinghamshire 55 2.48x
Northumberland 53 2.16x
Cumberland 50 3.52x
Warwickshire 46 1.11x
Surrey 40 0.50x
Staffordshire 18 0.32x
Kent 12 0.21x
Denbighshire 10 1.61x
Dumfriesshire 9 2.47x
Wiltshire 9 0.62x
Cornwall 8 0.43x
Lanarkshire 8 0.15x
Lincolnshire 8 0.30x
Cardiganshire 6 1.49x
Glamorgan 5 0.17x
Shropshire 5 0.35x
Sussex 5 0.18x
Ayrshire 4 0.32x
Radnorshire 4 3.01x
Somerset 4 0.15x
Suffolk 4 0.20x
Devon 3 0.09x
Midlothian 3 0.14x
Berkshire 2 0.16x
Cambridgeshire 2 0.19x
Essex 2 0.06x
Leicestershire 2 0.11x
Norfolk 2 0.08x
Perthshire 2 0.27x
Worcestershire 2 0.09x
Banffshire 1 0.29x
Gloucestershire 1 0.03x
Hampshire 1 0.03x
Hertfordshire 1 0.09x
Monmouthshire 1 0.08x
Northamptonshire 1 0.06x
Pembrokeshire 1 0.19x
Renfrewshire 1 0.08x
Royal Navy 1 0.51x
Wigtownshire 1 0.46x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Chapel En Le Frith in Derbyshire leads with 61 Bramwells recorded in 1881 and an index of 258.80x.

Place Total Index
Chapel En Le Frith 61 258.80x
Gateshead 56 15.25x
Preston 52 9.94x
Aston 43 3.76x
Sheffield 42 8.08x
Mansfield 39 50.72x
Tideswell 35 312.50x
Glossop Dale 34 28.13x
Ecclesall Bierlow 30 9.03x
Toxteth Park 30 4.53x
Wigan 29 10.61x
Blackburn 28 5.38x
Eyam 27 374.48x
Alston 26 99.39x
West Derby 26 4.54x
Bakewell 24 169.97x
Hartington Upper 20 162.47x
Litton 20 487.80x
Crompton 19 34.11x
Brinnington 18 52.96x
Liverpool 18 1.52x
Taddington 17 739.13x
Aspull 16 34.78x
Ashton Under Lyne 15 3.51x
Little Bolton 15 5.96x
Buxton 14 64.10x
Nether Hallam 13 5.88x
South Normanton 13 71.70x
Tynemouth 13 9.90x
Byker 12 9.90x
Chesterfield 12 12.40x
Cheadle 11 15.83x
Derby St Alkmund 11 14.22x
Sheldon 11 1157.89x
Heeley 10 20.15x
Barnsley 9 5.34x
Bermondsey 9 1.83x
Broughton 9 36.76x
Hatton In Runcorn 9 434.78x
Kensington London 9 0.98x
Macclesfield 9 5.56x
Manchester 9 1.02x
Monyash 9 400.00x
Oswaldtwistle 9 13.02x
St Pancras London 9 0.68x
Stalmine With Staynall 9 318.02x
Whitehaven 9 11.90x
Windle 9 8.18x
Brightside Bierlow 8 2.50x
Chinley Bugsworth 8 117.99x
Church 8 28.96x
Derby St Werburgh 8 5.37x
Great Bolton 8 3.09x
Kirkhaugh 8 761.90x
Layton With Warbreck 8 11.14x
Reddish 8 29.68x
Stockport 8 4.27x
Swindon 8 7.07x
Tarbock 8 225.99x
Birtley 7 34.97x
Bradfield 7 11.11x
Chertsey 7 13.48x
Dewsbury 7 4.18x
Ecclesfield 7 5.84x
Everton 7 1.12x
Godalming 7 13.84x
Hackney London 7 0.76x
Harrow 7 27.78x
Hindley 7 8.39x
Hyde 7 6.52x
Little Lever 7 27.98x
Lostwithel 7 132.33x
Newton In Ashton Under 7 19.49x
Preston Quarter 7 17.60x
Salford 7 1.22x
Southwark St Saviour 7 8.26x
St Cuthbert W O Upperby 7 179.95x
Tottenham 7 2.67x
Bollington In 6 18.52x
Worsley 6 4.98x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 127
Sarah 71
Elizabeth 69
Jane 39
Ann 36
Hannah 34
Margaret 33
Alice 32
Ellen 25
Eliza 24
Annie 21
Martha 18
Emma 14
Maria 12
Isabella 11
Ada 9
Catherine 9
Louisa 9
Lucy 9
Emily 8
Fanny 8
Florence 8
Charlotte 7
Edith 7
Frances 7
Harriet 7
Susannah 7
Amelia 6
Amy 6
Anne 5
Caroline 5
Clara 5
Eleanor 5
Ruth 5
Elizth. 4
Esther 4
Maud 4
Agnes 3
Beatrice 3
Dora 3
Gertrude 3
Hester 3
Jessie 3
Julia 3
Polly 3
Rebecca 3
Selina 3
Katherine 2
Lilly 2
Margarate 2

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 115
William 92
Thomas 66
George 65
James 49
Joseph 45
Edward 23
Henry 21
Robert 21
Charles 19
Walter 19
Samuel 18
Arthur 16
Frank 12
Frederick 10
Harry 10
Peter 10
Richard 10
Alfred 9
Edwin 8
Wm. 8
Albert 7
Ernest 7
Francis 7
Herbert 6
David 5
Hugh 5
Edmund 4
Jno. 4
Luke 4
Ralph 4
Benjamin 3
Elias 3
Fredk. 3
Mathew 3
Stephen 3
Tom 3
Andr. 2
Andrew 2
Daniel 2
Earnest 2
Fred 2
Jas. 2
Leonard 2
Noah 2
Robt. 2
Sydney 2
Thos. 2
Wilfred 2
Willm. 2

FAQ

Bramwell surname: questions and answers

How common was the Bramwell surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,698 people were recorded with the Bramwell surname. That placed it at #2,535 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Bramwell surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,289 in 2016. That gives Bramwell a modern rank of #2,835.

What does the Bramwell surname mean?

A habitational surname derived from a place name meaning "broom stream valley".

What does the Bramwell map show?

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