UK surname
Habitational surname derived from any of the places named Bromley, meaning "woodland clearing where broom grows."
In the 1881 census there were 62 people recorded with the Brumley surname, ranking it #24,843 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 32, ranked #35,887, down from #24,843 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Basford, Withcall and Hull Holy Trinity. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Brumley is 126 in 1851. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 48.4%.
1881 census count
62
Ranked #24,843
Modern count
32
2016, ranked #35,887
Peak year
1851
126 bearers
Map years
1
1851 to 1851
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Brumley surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Brumley surname density by area, 1851 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe 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 | 126 | #14,626 |
| 1861 | historical | 62 | #26,041 |
| 1881 | historical | 62 | #24,843 |
| 1891 | historical | 93 | #24,965 |
| 1901 | historical | 58 | #27,724 |
| 1911 | historical | 52 | #27,620 |
| 1997 | modern | 28 | #34,904 |
| 1998 | modern | 29 | #34,948 |
| 1999 | modern | 29 | #35,031 |
| 2000 | modern | 30 | #34,885 |
| 2001 | modern | 29 | #34,839 |
| 2002 | modern | 25 | #35,428 |
| 2003 | modern | 24 | #35,552 |
| 2004 | modern | 26 | #35,519 |
| 2005 | modern | 26 | #35,674 |
| 2006 | modern | 30 | #35,526 |
| 2007 | modern | 31 | #35,592 |
| 2008 | modern | 32 | #35,610 |
| 2009 | modern | 33 | #35,671 |
| 2010 | modern | 34 | #35,730 |
| 2011 | modern | 30 | #35,949 |
| 2012 | modern | 29 | #35,991 |
| 2013 | modern | 37 | #35,582 |
| 2014 | modern | 38 | #35,547 |
| 2015 | modern | 36 | #35,654 |
| 2016 | modern | 32 | #35,887 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Basford, Withcall, Hull Holy Trinity, Auckland St Andrew and Kibworth Beauchamp. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basford | Nottinghamshire |
| 2 | Withcall | Lincolnshire |
| 3 | Hull Holy Trinity | Yorkshire, East Riding |
| 4 | Auckland St Andrew | Durham |
| 5 | Kibworth Beauchamp | Leicestershire |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Brumley surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Brumley, 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
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Brumley surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Brumley household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Brumley is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Brumley is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Brumley, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname Brumley is of English origin, originating from the region of West Midlands. It is derived from the Old English words "brom" meaning "broom" and "leah" meaning "a clearing in a forest". Thus, the name Brumley referred to someone who lived in a clearing overgrown with broom plants.
The earliest known record of the name Brumley dates back to the 13th century in the Hundred Rolls of Shropshire, where it was spelled as "Bromleye". This suggests that the name was initially associated with a specific location, likely a small village or settlement in the area.
In the 14th century, the name appeared in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire as "Bromleye" and "Bromley", indicating variations in spelling but still retaining its connection to the original Old English words.
One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Brumley was John Brumley, who was born in the late 15th century in Staffordshire. He was a prominent landowner and served as a local magistrate during the reign of King Henry VIII.
Another notable figure was William Brumley (1563-1632), a clergyman and scholar who served as the Rector of St. Mary's Church in Warwick. He was known for his translations of religious texts and was a respected figure in the Church of England.
In the 17th century, the name Brumley was also found in various parish records throughout the West Midlands region, indicating its continued presence and spread across the area.
During the English Civil War (1642-1651), a Thomas Brumley (1610-1676) fought on the Parliamentarian side and was later granted lands in Shropshire for his services.
Another notable bearer of the name was Robert Brumley (1712-1790), a successful merchant and landowner from Staffordshire. He was involved in the local government and served as a justice of the peace for several years.
In the 19th century, the Brumley family was well-established in the West Midlands, with several members holding prominent positions in various professions, including law, medicine, and education.
Overall, the surname Brumley has a rich history rooted in the West Midlands region of England, with its origins dating back to the 13th century and ties to the Old English language. Throughout the centuries, individuals bearing this name have made significant contributions in various fields, solidifying the surname's presence in the region's history.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Brumley surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lancashire leads with 20 Brumleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.79x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Lancashire | 20 | 2.79x |
| Yorkshire | 11 | 1.84x |
| Lincolnshire | 6 | 6.21x |
| Derbyshire | 5 | 5.28x |
| Kent | 5 | 2.42x |
| Durham | 4 | 2.22x |
| Middlesex | 4 | 0.66x |
| Ross-shire | 2 | 12.04x |
| Surrey | 2 | 0.68x |
| Cheshire | 1 | 0.75x |
| Dorset | 1 | 2.52x |
| Suffolk | 1 | 1.36x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Holy Trinity in Yorkshire leads with 5 Brumleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 34.70x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Trinity | 5 | 34.70x |
| Liverpool | 5 | 11.47x |
| Margate St John Baptist | 5 | 132.28x |
| Nether Hallam | 5 | 61.65x |
| Bolsover | 4 | 851.06x |
| Burnley | 3 | 49.67x |
| Hulme | 3 | 20.03x |
| Preston | 3 | 15.63x |
| Bermondsey | 2 | 11.11x |
| Chorlton On Medlock | 2 | 17.54x |
| Cowbit | 2 | 1538.46x |
| Crook Billy Row | 2 | 86.96x |
| Dingwall | 2 | 425.53x |
| Great Grimsby | 2 | 32.57x |
| Hackney London | 2 | 5.90x |
| Haslingden | 2 | 67.34x |
| Elton | 1 | 909.09x |
| Glanford Brigg | 1 | 285.71x |
| Habergham Eaves | 1 | 15.24x |
| Marwood | 1 | 2500.00x |
| Nacton | 1 | 909.09x |
| North Meols | 1 | 14.25x |
| Partney | 1 | 1111.11x |
| Portland | 1 | 46.95x |
| St Gilesin Fields London | 1 | 196.08x |
| St Pancras London | 1 | 2.05x |
| Stayley | 1 | 65.36x |
| Westoe | 1 | 9.80x |
| York St Lawrence | 1 | 161.29x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Brumley surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Brumley surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Brumley households.
| Occupation | Count |
|---|---|
| Carter | 4 |
| Scholar | 4 |
| Cotton Weaver | 3 |
| General Laborer | 3 |
| Cabinet Maker | 1 |
| Cabinet Maker Wife | 1 |
| Coal Carter | 1 |
| Coalminer | 1 |
| Crossing Sweeper Formerly Lab Wks | 1 |
| Domestic Servt | 1 |
| Doubler )D) | 1 |
| Engine Tenter | 1 |
| Farm Servant | 1 |
| Farmer Of 5 A | 1 |
| Farmer Of 5A | 1 |
| Fishmonger | 1 |
| General Serv Domestic | 1 |
| Greengrocers Labr | 1 |
| House Keeper Dom | 1 |
| Housekeeper | 1 |
| Lab In Size House (C) | 1 |
| Labourer | 1 |
| Mariner | 1 |
| Minding Coal Yard (Dealer) | 1 |
| Nurse | 1 |
| Paviour | 1 |
| R.Marine | 1 |
| Schollar | 1 |
| Turner & Fitter Engineer | 1 |
| Work In Fields (Ag) | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 62 people were recorded with the Brumley surname. That placed it at #24,843 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 32 in 2016. That gives Brumley a modern rank of #35,887.
Habitational surname derived from any of the places named Bromley, meaning "woodland clearing where broom grows."
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Brumley bearers relative to the surrounding population.
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.