NameCensus.

UK surname

Brayley

A topographic surname derived from a brae or hillside clearing.

In the 1881 census there were 321 people recorded with the Brayley surname, ranking it #9,277 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 359, ranked #12,898, down from #9,277 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff and Barnstaple, Bishops Tawton. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include North Devon and Swansea.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Brayley is 403 in 2000. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 11.8%.

1881 census count

321

Ranked #9,277

Modern count

359

2016, ranked #12,898

Peak year

2000

403 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Brayley had 321 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #9,277 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 359 in 2016, ranked #12,898.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 383 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Brayley surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Brayley surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Brayley 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 243 #8,983
1861 historical 227 #10,749
1881 historical 321 #9,277
1891 historical 313 #10,723
1901 historical 353 #10,364
1911 historical 383 #9,597
1997 modern 353 #12,096
1998 modern 383 #11,748
1999 modern 397 #11,503
2000 modern 403 #11,333
2001 modern 382 #11,606
2002 modern 377 #11,962
2003 modern 379 #11,714
2004 modern 375 #11,820
2005 modern 353 #12,292
2006 modern 351 #12,420
2007 modern 346 #12,689
2008 modern 347 #12,786
2009 modern 346 #13,075
2010 modern 362 #12,914
2011 modern 367 #12,647
2012 modern 395 #11,836
2013 modern 387 #12,226
2014 modern 381 #12,426
2015 modern 369 #12,627
2016 modern 359 #12,898

Geography

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Where Brayleys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, Barnstaple, Bishops Tawton, Swimbridge and Bideford. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to North Devon and Swansea. 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 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
2 Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff Gloucestershire
3 Barnstaple, Bishops Tawton Devon
4 Swimbridge Devon
5 Bideford Devon

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 North Devon 010 North Devon
2 North Devon 013 North Devon
3 North Devon 012 North Devon
4 Swansea 008 Swansea
5 North Devon 008 North Devon

Forenames

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First names often paired with Brayley

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Brayley

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Brayley, 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

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Brayley surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Brayley household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Brayley is most associated with areas classed as Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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 concentrated in suburban areas, these terraced and semi-detached developments are less overcrowded than the Supergroup average, and resident households are more likely to own two or more cars. There are fewer residents aged 25-44, and a larger share of residents employed in administrative and secretarial occupations. Residents are more likely to have been born in the UK, less likely to have been born in the EU or Africa, and much less likely to self-identify as Bangladeshi.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Brayley is most concentrated in decile 1 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy 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.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Brayley falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Brayley

The surname Brayley has its roots in England, originating in the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Old English words "bræc" and "leah," which together mean "a clearing in a fern-covered area." The combination of these two words formed the place name "Bræcleah," which later evolved into the modern surname Brayley.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Brayley can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Bracheleie." This historical document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, provides valuable insights into the distribution of land and population in England during the 11th century.

In the 13th century, the surname Brayley appeared in various forms, such as "Brackeley" and "Brakeley," reflecting the regional variations in spelling and pronunciation. During this time, the name was primarily associated with families residing in the counties of Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.

One notable individual bearing the surname Brayley was Sir Edward Brayley, a prominent English antiquarian and topographer who lived from 1773 to 1854. He authored several works, including "The Beauties of England and Wales" and "A Topographical History of Surrey."

Another significant figure was Edward William Brayley, an English historian and topographer born in 1801. He is best known for his work "Londiniana," a comprehensive account of the history and antiquities of London.

In the 16th century, the Brayley family established itself in the village of Markyate, Hertfordshire. One member of this family, William Brayley, born in 1572, served as the rector of Markyate Church for several decades.

The surname Brayley has also been associated with various place names throughout England. For instance, the village of Brayley in Gloucestershire and the hamlet of Brayley in Berkshire are believed to have derived their names from the surname itself.

Over the centuries, the Brayley surname has been carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including scholars, clergymen, and landowners. While its origins can be traced back to medieval England, the name has since spread across the globe, reflecting the migration patterns of English families throughout history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Brayley families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Brayley 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. Devon leads with 139 Brayleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 21.33x.

County Total Index
Devon 139 21.33x
Glamorgan 51 9.35x
Middlesex 28 0.89x
Somerset 25 4.96x
Gloucestershire 17 2.77x
Yorkshire 12 0.39x
Kent 9 0.84x
Montgomeryshire 9 12.54x
Cornwall 8 2.26x
Essex 7 1.13x
Lancashire 6 0.16x
Cheshire 4 0.58x
Northumberland 2 0.43x
Surrey 2 0.13x
Berkshire 1 0.43x
Oxfordshire 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. South Molton in Devon leads with 23 Brayleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 642.46x.

Place Total Index
South Molton 23 642.46x
Roath 13 52.50x
Swansea Town 12 26.85x
Swimbridge 11 833.33x
Bedminster 10 21.11x
Llanidloes 9 169.17x
Pilton 9 418.60x
Barnstaple 8 78.20x
Calstock 8 115.11x
Hatherleigh 8 493.83x
Islington London 8 2.64x
Wells St Cuthbert 8 232.56x
West Down 8 1403.51x
Braunton 7 316.74x
Llantwit Vairdre 7 114.19x
Milton Damerel 7 1372.55x
Westbury On Trym 7 33.65x
Eston 6 88.76x
Hackney London 6 3.42x
Molland 6 1111.11x
Northam 6 126.32x
Ramsgate 6 34.40x
Swansea Lower 6 215.83x
Walthamstow 6 26.97x
Bethnal Green London 5 3.68x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 5 8.65x
Burnley 5 15.98x
Leeds 5 2.85x
Llandaff 5 27.56x
Tawstock 5 431.03x
Bishops Tawton 4 197.04x
Oystermouth 4 94.79x
Paddington London 4 3.47x
Cheriton Fitzpaine 3 361.45x
Nantwich 3 37.36x
Penarth 3 56.29x
Plympton St Mary 3 79.58x
Powderham 3 1000.00x
Wiveliscombe 3 106.76x
Bideford 2 28.65x
Bristol St James St Paul 2 9.77x
Clifton 2 6.44x
Exeter St Sidwell 2 13.40x
Fremington 2 151.52x
Mariansleigh 2 833.33x
Newton Hall 2 1333.33x
Stoke Damerel 2 4.38x
Tormoham 2 7.25x
Ugborough 2 126.58x
Wolborough 2 24.27x
Aberdare 1 2.67x
Bath St Peter St Paul 1 44.84x
Bristol St Stephen 1 62.89x
Cheddar 1 39.37x
Chittlehampton 1 62.11x
Clapham 1 2.55x
Clerkenwell London 1 1.35x
Cornworthy 1 222.22x
Darenth 1 60.61x
Dawlish 1 20.58x
Dover St Mary Virgin 1 9.67x
Filleigh 1 277.78x
Georgeham 1 121.95x
Halwell 1 140.85x
Holton 1 400.00x
Ilfracombe 1 14.90x
Lambeth 1 0.37x
Lamerton 1 80.65x
Littleham 1 20.96x
Liverpool 1 0.44x
Nether Hallam 1 2.38x
Oakford 1 188.68x
Plumstead 1 2.81x
Reading St Giles 1 4.34x
St Giles In Fields London 1 6.51x
St Marylebone London 1 0.60x
St Osyth 1 66.67x
Twitchen 1 454.55x
Westminster St James 1 3.11x
Withypoole 1 357.14x

Top female names

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

Name Count
John 30
William 27
James 16
George 10
Thomas 6
Wm. 5
Alfred 4
Charles 4
Edward 4
Henry 4
Albert 3
Francis 3
Frederick 3
Amos 2
Ernest 2
Harry 2
Hy. 2
Joseph 2
Lewis 2
Robert 2
Walter 2
Auther 1
Ben 1
Chas. 1
David 1
Earnest 1
Edwin 1
Fkd.D. 1
Fred 1
Fredrick 1
Isaac 1
Jas. 1
Jno. 1
Josh. 1
Ollie 1
Percy 1
Philfe 1
Richard 1
Samuel 1
Stephen 1
Thos. 1
Tommy 1
Walker 1
Wm.Geo. 1
Wm.Henry 1

FAQ

Brayley surname: questions and answers

How common was the Brayley surname in 1881?

In 1881, 321 people were recorded with the Brayley surname. That placed it at #9,277 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Brayley surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 359 in 2016. That gives Brayley a modern rank of #12,898.

What does the Brayley surname mean?

A topographic surname derived from a brae or hillside clearing.

What does the Brayley map show?

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