NameCensus.

UK surname

Bulgin

English surname referring to a resident near a spring or swelling of land.

In the 1881 census there were 178 people recorded with the Bulgin surname, ranking it #13,840 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 213, ranked #18,785, down from #13,840 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Minster, Willesden and Plumstead. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include South Oxfordshire, Whitburn, Croftmalloch and Greenrigg and Maldon.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Bulgin is 244 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 19.7%.

1881 census count

178

Ranked #13,840

Modern count

213

2016, ranked #18,785

Peak year

1911

244 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Bulgin had 178 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #13,840 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 213 in 2016, ranked #18,785.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 244 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Bulgin surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Bulgin surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Bulgin 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 163 #12,156
1861 historical 113 #19,151
1881 historical 178 #13,840
1891 historical 184 #15,869
1901 historical 219 #14,292
1911 historical 244 #13,127
1997 modern 218 #16,704
1998 modern 234 #16,404
1999 modern 234 #16,506
2000 modern 236 #16,380
2001 modern 230 #16,415
2002 modern 232 #16,637
2003 modern 228 #16,663
2004 modern 222 #17,020
2005 modern 233 #16,434
2006 modern 239 #16,224
2007 modern 230 #16,890
2008 modern 230 #17,033
2009 modern 235 #17,151
2010 modern 233 #17,606
2011 modern 222 #17,999
2012 modern 214 #18,358
2013 modern 222 #18,198
2014 modern 220 #18,471
2015 modern 213 #18,769
2016 modern 213 #18,785

Geography

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Where Bulgins are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Minster, Willesden, Plumstead, London parishes and St Pancras. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to South Oxfordshire, Whitburn, Croftmalloch and Greenrigg, Maldon, Horsham and Sutton. 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 Minster Kent
2 Willesden Middlesex (Exclusive Of London Districts)
3 Plumstead London (South Districts)
4 London parishes London 3
5 St Pancras London (North Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 South Oxfordshire 006 South Oxfordshire
2 Whitburn, Croftmalloch and Greenrigg West Lothian
3 Maldon 007 Maldon
4 Horsham 001 Horsham
5 Sutton 017 Sutton

Forenames

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First names often paired with Bulgin

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Bulgin

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

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Bulgin is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, 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

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

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

Bulgin is most concentrated in decile 10 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.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

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

Meaning and origin of Bulgin

The surname Bulgin has its origins in England, dating back to the 11th century. It is derived from the Old English words "bulga" and "ing," which together translate to "the people from the ridge" or "the dwellers on the ridge." This suggests that the name may have originated among families or communities living on elevated land or in hilly areas.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the renowned Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of landholdings and property ownership commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name appeared in various spellings, such as "Bulgin," "Bulgyn," and "Bulgeyn," reflecting the variations in pronunciation and spelling common during that era.

In the 13th century, records show a Richard Bulgin who held lands in Oxfordshire. Additionally, a John Bulgin was mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire in 1272, indicating the presence of the surname in different regions of England.

During the 16th century, the name Bulgin can be traced to places like Bulgin Hill in Wiltshire and Bulgin's Green in Essex, further reinforcing its connection to geographical features and settlements.

One notable figure in history bearing the surname Bulgin was Sir Christopher Bulgin (1553-1624), a prominent English lawyer and politician who served as a Member of Parliament and Chief Justice of Chester. Another was Edward Bulgin (1679-1745), an English clergyman and academic who served as the Master of St. John's College, Cambridge.

In the realm of literature, John Bulgin (1783-1853) was a renowned English poet and writer, best known for his collection of poems titled "The Pastorals." His contemporary, William Bulgin (1792-1865), was a prominent engraver and author who published several works on the history and antiquities of various regions in England.

The 19th century also saw the emergence of Thomas Bulgin (1808-1890), an English architect responsible for designing several notable buildings, including the Royal Leamington Spa Town Hall and the Church of St. Peter in Leamington Spa.

While the surname Bulgin has roots dating back centuries, it is important to note that historical records and references may not always be comprehensive or accurate due to the challenges of documentation and record-keeping in earlier times. However, the available information provides valuable insights into the origins, geographical connections, and notable individuals associated with this surname throughout England's history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Bulgin families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Bulgin 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. Middlesex leads with 57 Bulgins recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.28x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 57 3.28x
Somerset 43 15.39x
Kent 28 4.73x
Cheshire 12 3.13x
Devon 11 3.04x
Berkshire 8 6.14x
Surrey 7 0.83x
Sussex 4 1.37x
Dorset 2 1.76x
Worcestershire 2 0.88x
Essex 1 0.29x
Shropshire 1 0.67x
Staffordshire 1 0.17x
Wiltshire 1 0.65x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Kensington London in Middlesex leads with 16 Bulgins recorded in 1881 and an index of 16.58x.

Place Total Index
Kensington London 16 16.58x
St Pancras London 14 10.02x
Birkenhead 12 39.28x
Dowlish Wake 10 4761.90x
Paddington London 10 15.66x
Hurst 8 467.84x
White Lackington 8 4705.88x
Plumstead 7 35.44x
Pointington 7 10000.00x
Shepton Mallet 7 222.93x
Tiverton 7 112.36x
Minster In Sheppey 6 61.16x
Woolwich 6 27.41x
Clerkenwell London 5 12.20x
Brixham 4 95.47x
Gravesend 4 79.68x
Hastings All Sts 4 144.93x
Horsington 4 888.89x
Lambeth 4 2.64x
Deptford St Paul 3 6.57x
Hornsey 3 13.66x
St Luke London 3 10.77x
Castle Cary 2 163.93x
Chatham 2 12.27x
Chelsea London 2 3.82x
Croydon 2 4.26x
Ilminster 2 102.56x
Kingsbury Episcopi 2 219.78x
St George Hanover Square 2 6.54x
Worcester St Peter 2 46.62x
Caterham 1 26.74x
Crewkerne 1 33.67x
Grays Thurrock 1 31.35x
Hammersmith London 1 2.34x
Hampstead London 1 3.70x
Marnhull 1 120.48x
Semington 1 400.00x
Shrewsbury Holy Cross 1 60.24x
Stoke Upon Trent 1 1.61x
Winterborne Houghton 1 666.67x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 14
Sarah 7
Elizabeth 5
Eliza 4
Ellen 4
Jane 4
Louisa 4
Harriett 3
Lydia 3
Catherine 2
Charlotte 2
Emma 2
Florence 2
Lucy 2
May 2
Minnie 2
Agnes 1
Alice 1
Amelia 1
Anna 1
Annie 1
Augusta 1
Caroline 1
Elizth. 1
Emily 1
Ethel 1
Frances 1
Helen 1
Jemima 1
John 1
Letita 1
Lillian 1
Louanna 1
Maria 1
Martha 1
Matilda 1
Maud 1
Rosie 1
Susan 1
Vashti 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 15
George 13
William 11
Charles 5
Albert 4
James 4
Alfred 3
Henry 3
Robert 3
Thomas 3
Arthur 2
Edward 2
Edwin 2
Frank 2
Frederick 2
Gilbert 2
Job 2
Samuel 2
Absalom 1
Alexander 1
Alfd. 1
Alfre 1
Benjamin 1
Frederic 1
Harry 1
Herbert 1
Isaac 1
Leonard 1
Tom 1

FAQ

Bulgin surname: questions and answers

How common was the Bulgin surname in 1881?

In 1881, 178 people were recorded with the Bulgin surname. That placed it at #13,840 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Bulgin surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 213 in 2016. That gives Bulgin a modern rank of #18,785.

What does the Bulgin surname mean?

English surname referring to a resident near a spring or swelling of land.

What does the Bulgin map show?

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