NameCensus.

UK surname

Britcher

An English surname likely derived from the archaic occupation of a brewer or maker of ale.

In the 1881 census there were 175 people recorded with the Britcher surname, ranking it #13,982 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 192, ranked #20,118, down from #13,982 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to St George Tombland, St Peter Mountergate, St John Timberhill, All Saints, St Michael at Thorn, St Ju, London parishes and Rolvenden. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Broadland, South Norfolk and Norwich.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Britcher is 301 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 9.7%.

1881 census count

175

Ranked #13,982

Modern count

192

2016, ranked #20,118

Peak year

1911

301 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Britcher had 175 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #13,982 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 192 in 2016, ranked #20,118.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 301 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Spacious Rural Living.

Britcher surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Britcher surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Britcher 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 124 #14,792
1861 historical 136 #16,556
1881 historical 175 #13,982
1891 historical 271 #11,992
1901 historical 227 #13,970
1911 historical 301 #11,422
1997 modern 201 #17,564
1998 modern 195 #18,397
1999 modern 202 #18,127
2000 modern 208 #17,772
2001 modern 201 #17,885
2002 modern 199 #18,350
2003 modern 194 #18,463
2004 modern 192 #18,678
2005 modern 184 #19,117
2006 modern 182 #19,402
2007 modern 176 #20,028
2008 modern 169 #20,745
2009 modern 179 #20,418
2010 modern 180 #20,812
2011 modern 180 #20,649
2012 modern 185 #20,223
2013 modern 196 #19,790
2014 modern 201 #19,641
2015 modern 197 #19,774
2016 modern 192 #20,118

Geography

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Where Britchers are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around St George Tombland, St Peter Mountergate, St John Timberhill, All Saints, St Michael at Thorn, St Ju, London parishes, Rolvenden, Hawkinge, Folkestone and Lakenham , Eaton St Andrew, Town Close, St Stephen, St Peter Mancroft, St Giles, St Andrew, St John. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Broadland, South Norfolk and Norwich. 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 St George Tombland, St Peter Mountergate, St John Timberhill, All Saints, St Michael at Thorn, St Ju Norfolk
2 London parishes London 3
3 Rolvenden Kent
4 Hawkinge, Folkestone Kent
5 Lakenham , Eaton St Andrew, Town Close, St Stephen, St Peter Mancroft, St Giles, St Andrew, St John Norfolk

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Broadland 005 Broadland
2 Broadland 009 Broadland
3 Broadland 010 Broadland
4 South Norfolk 001 South Norfolk
5 Norwich 005 Norwich

Forenames

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First names often paired with Britcher

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Britcher

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

Retired Professionals

Group

Spacious Rural Living

Nationally, the Britcher surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Spacious Rural Living, within Retired Professionals. This does not mean every Britcher household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These predominantly ageing households typically have no resident dependent children. Most are owner-occupiers and live in detached houses in low density residential developments (although renting is more common than in the rest of the Supergroup). White ethnicity predominates. Residents are typically beyond retirement age but those still in work have managerial, professional or skilled trade occupations. White ethnicity and Christian religious affiliation predominate. Neighbourhoods are located throughout rural UK.

Wider pattern

Typically married but no longer with resident dependent children, these well-educated households either remain working in their managerial, professional, administrative or other skilled occupations, or are retired from them – the modal individual age is beyond normal retirement age. Underoccupied detached and semi-detached properties predominate, and unpaid care is more prevalent than reported disability. The prevalence of this Supergroup outside most urban conurbations indicates that rural lifestyles prevail, typically sustained by using two or more cars per household.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Britcher is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. 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

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Britcher 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

Britcher falls in decile 7 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.

7
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Britcher

The surname Britcher has its origins in England, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "bryce," which means "breach" or "break." This suggests that the name may have been initially bestowed upon someone who lived near a breach in a boundary, such as a gap in a hedge or a wall.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Britcher can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as "Brycere." This document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, was a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation in England, providing valuable insights into the names and locations of individuals during that era.

In the 13th century, the name appeared in various forms, such as "Brichier" and "Bryccher," reflecting the evolution of spelling conventions over time. During this period, the name was concentrated primarily in the counties of Oxfordshire and Berkshire, where it is believed to have originated.

One notable individual with the surname Britcher was John Britcher, born in 1624 in the village of Steventon, Oxfordshire. He was a prominent landowner and served as a local magistrate, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Another figure of historical significance was Mary Britcher, born in 1687 in Abingdon, Berkshire. She was a renowned herbalist and midwife, known for her extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and her dedication to helping women during childbirth.

In the 18th century, the Britcher family established a strong presence in the city of Bristol, where they played a significant role in the local textile industry. Thomas Britcher, born in 1742, was a successful merchant and philanthropist, contributing greatly to the city's development and social welfare initiatives.

During the 19th century, the name Britcher was also found in various parts of the United States, as many English families emigrated to the new world in search of better opportunities. One notable figure was William Britcher, born in 1812 in Pennsylvania, who served as a Union soldier during the American Civil War and was recognized for his bravery on the battlefield.

Another individual of note was Elizabeth Britcher, born in 1856 in Ohio. She was a pioneering educator and advocate for women's rights, establishing several schools and advocating for equal educational opportunities for girls and young women.

Throughout its history, the surname Britcher has been associated with diverse professions and achievements, reflecting the richness of its heritage and the resilience of those who carried this name across generations.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Britcher families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Britcher 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. Kent leads with 68 Britchers recorded in 1881 and an index of 11.68x.

County Total Index
Kent 68 11.68x
Norfolk 56 21.34x
Middlesex 13 0.76x
Surrey 10 1.20x
Leicestershire 7 3.70x
Angus 6 3.79x
Yorkshire 6 0.35x
Lancashire 4 0.20x
Sussex 3 1.04x
Durham 1 0.20x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.43x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Horsham St Faith in Norfolk leads with 26 Britchers recorded in 1881 and an index of 5909.09x.

Place Total Index
Horsham St Faith 26 5909.09x
Rolvenden 16 2133.33x
Tenterden 12 585.37x
Folkestone 10 88.50x
Lakenham 10 268.10x
Marden 9 656.93x
Leicester St Margaret 7 15.17x
St Pancras London 7 5.09x
Tonbridge 7 33.32x
Trowse Cum Newton 7 1076.92x
Brechin 6 96.62x
Heigham 5 35.49x
Boughton Monchelsea 4 625.00x
Camberwell 4 3.67x
Eccleshill 4 97.09x
Kensington London 4 4.22x
Southwark St George Martyr 4 11.64x
Hellesdon 3 625.00x
Higher Booths 3 82.19x
Newenden 3 3333.33x
Ashford 2 35.27x
Hastings St Mary In The 2 32.57x
Islington London 2 1.21x
Lewisham 2 6.44x
Norwich St Mary At Coslany 2 266.67x
Wrotham 2 103.63x
Attercliffe Cum Darnall 1 6.35x
Brandsby Cum Stearsby 1 555.56x
Charlton 1 25.84x
Hedenham 1 625.00x
Horsford 1 243.90x
Lambeth 1 0.67x
Northiam 1 140.85x
Nottingham St Mary 1 1.68x
Reigate Foreign 1 11.10x
Rumworth 1 34.60x
Stranton 1 5.85x
Thorpe Next Norwich 1 35.97x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 17
Elizabeth 6
Ann 5
Eliza 5
Sarah 5
Ellen 4
Emma 4
Alice 3
Annie 3
Emily 3
Florence 3
Frances 3
Caroline 2
Jane 2
Laura 2
Margaret 2
Maria 2
Ada 1
Anne 1
Blanch 1
Catherine 1
Charlotte 1
Dora 1
Emely 1
Emmeline 1
Harriett 1
Julia 1
Leonora 1
Lilian 1
Lillian 1
Louisa 1
Maudy 1
Olive 1
Rosa 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
Charles 8
William 8
Edward 7
George 7
John 7
Henry 6
James 4
Abraham 3
Alfred 3
Thomas 3
Albert 2
Arthur 2
Frederick 2
Fredk. 2
Walter 2
Allen 1
Burnard 1
Chas. 1
David 1
F. 1
Fredk.C. 1
Harry 1
Herbert 1
Jesse 1
Percy 1
Philip 1
Sam. 1
Stephen 1
Sydney 1
Wm.Chas. 1

FAQ

Britcher surname: questions and answers

How common was the Britcher surname in 1881?

In 1881, 175 people were recorded with the Britcher surname. That placed it at #13,982 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Britcher surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 192 in 2016. That gives Britcher a modern rank of #20,118.

What does the Britcher surname mean?

An English surname likely derived from the archaic occupation of a brewer or maker of ale.

What does the Britcher map show?

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