NameCensus.

UK surname

Burlingham

A surname of Anglo-Saxon origin indicating someone from the town of Burlingham.

In the 1881 census there were 201 people recorded with the Burlingham surname, ranking it #12,791 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 336, ranked #13,583, down from #12,791 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Snetterton, London parishes and King's Lynn St Margaret. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Waveney, Breckland and North Hertfordshire.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Burlingham is 367 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 67.2%.

1881 census count

201

Ranked #12,791

Modern count

336

2016, ranked #13,583

Peak year

1999

367 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Burlingham had 201 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #12,791 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 336 in 2016, ranked #13,583.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 310 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Burlingham surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Burlingham surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Burlingham 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 105 #16,618
1861 historical 159 #14,553
1881 historical 201 #12,791
1891 historical 238 #13,202
1901 historical 284 #12,093
1911 historical 310 #11,180
1997 modern 361 #11,892
1998 modern 366 #12,148
1999 modern 367 #12,202
2000 modern 365 #12,196
2001 modern 356 #12,228
2002 modern 366 #12,221
2003 modern 351 #12,389
2004 modern 358 #12,252
2005 modern 340 #12,642
2006 modern 333 #12,941
2007 modern 343 #12,773
2008 modern 346 #12,813
2009 modern 347 #13,044
2010 modern 348 #13,304
2011 modern 347 #13,167
2012 modern 344 #13,121
2013 modern 346 #13,291
2014 modern 345 #13,396
2015 modern 344 #13,332
2016 modern 336 #13,583

Geography

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Where Burlinghams are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Snetterton, London parishes, King's Lynn St Margaret, Wattisfield and Brockdish. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Waveney, Breckland and North Hertfordshire. 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 Snetterton Norfolk
2 London parishes London 3
3 King's Lynn St Margaret Norfolk
4 Wattisfield Suffolk
5 Brockdish Norfolk

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Waveney 004 Waveney
2 Breckland 005 Breckland
3 Waveney 002 Waveney
4 Breckland 014 Breckland
5 North Hertfordshire 015 North Hertfordshire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Burlingham

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Burlingham

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

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Burlingham is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction 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

These scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

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

Burlingham is most concentrated in decile 6 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

6
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Burlingham falls in decile 5 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.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Burlingham

The surname Burlingham is of English origin, tracing its roots back to the medieval period. It is a locational name, derived from the village of Burlingham in Norfolk, England. The name is believed to have originated from the Old English words "burh," meaning a fortified town or manor, and "inga," referring to the people or residents of that place.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Burlingham can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation commissioned by William the Conqueror. The entry mentions "Burlingeham" as a settlement in Norfolk, indicating the presence of the name in the region during the 11th century.

Over the centuries, the name Burlingham underwent various spelling variations, including Burlingam, Burlyngham, and Burlyngame, reflecting the fluid nature of surname spellings in those times. These variations were often influenced by regional dialects and the scribes' interpretations of the name.

Notably, the Burlingham family held land and property in Norfolk, and their name appeared in various historical records and manuscripts. One prominent figure was Sir Thomas Burlingham, who lived in the 15th century and served as a member of Parliament for Norfolk during the reign of Edward IV.

Another historical figure associated with the name Burlingham was William Burlingham, born in 1692 in Norfolk. He was a prominent merchant and landowner, known for his successful business ventures and philanthropic efforts in the local community.

In the 17th century, John Burlingham, born in 1632, was a notable clergyman and author who wrote several theological works and served as a minister in various parishes across England.

The name Burlingham also found its way to the American colonies, where several individuals bearing this surname made their mark. One such individual was Thomas Burlingham, born in 1710 in Massachusetts, who fought in the French and Indian War and later became a respected landowner and community leader.

Additionally, the village of Burlingham in Norfolk, from which the surname derives its origin, has a rich history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era. The name of the village itself can be traced back to the Domesday Book, where it was recorded as "Burlingeham."

Throughout history, the surname Burlingham has been associated with various professions, including merchants, landowners, clergymen, and military personnel, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and contributions of those who bore this name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Burlingham families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Burlingham 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. Norfolk leads with 83 Burlinghams recorded in 1881 and an index of 27.39x.

County Total Index
Norfolk 83 27.39x
Suffolk 40 16.67x
Worcestershire 23 8.94x
Middlesex 16 0.81x
Essex 5 1.29x
Hertfordshire 5 3.68x
Sussex 5 1.51x
Nottinghamshire 4 1.51x
Berkshire 3 2.03x
Herefordshire 3 3.71x
Lincolnshire 3 0.95x
Flintshire 2 3.78x
Lancashire 2 0.09x
Surrey 2 0.21x
Buckinghamshire 1 0.84x
Kent 1 0.15x
Royal Navy 1 4.26x
Somerset 1 0.32x
Warwickshire 1 0.20x
Yorkshire 1 0.05x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Snetterton in Norfolk leads with 46 Burlinghams recorded in 1881 and an index of 32857.14x.

Place Total Index
Snetterton 46 32857.14x
Wattisfield 24 7272.73x
Bengeworth 9 1011.24x
Bury St Edmunds St James 7 109.20x
Great Malvern 7 130.35x
Kings Lynn St Margaret 7 76.92x
Weybread 7 1521.74x
Harrow 6 199.34x
Shropham 6 2068.97x
Acton 5 43.29x
Hellingly 5 450.45x
Hitchin 5 81.57x
Norwich St George Colegate 5 454.55x
Ringstead 5 1612.90x
Tilney St Lawrence 5 1020.41x
Nottingham St Mary 4 5.82x
Grantham 3 72.99x
Leominster Out 3 394.74x
West Ham 3 3.49x
Bow London 2 7.97x
Bulmer 2 425.53x
Clewer 2 33.00x
Evesham St Lawrence 2 145.99x
Great Little Hampton 2 465.12x
Hawarden 2 48.08x
St Pancras London 2 1.26x
Thetford St Cuthbert 2 181.82x
Thorpe Next Norwich 2 62.31x
Worcester St Peter 2 41.07x
Attleborough 1 65.36x
Barningham 1 357.14x
Camerton 1 108.70x
Christ Church Newgate 1 108.70x
Hardingham 1 285.71x
Heap 1 8.06x
Kingston On Thames 1 4.34x
Mancetter 1 69.93x
Minster In Sheppey 1 8.98x
Old Buckenham 1 128.21x
Penge 1 7.94x
Pershore St Andrew 1 70.42x
Reading St Giles 1 6.89x
Royal Navy 1 4.98x
Saham Toney 1 121.95x
Stanton 1 175.44x
Thorpe Abbotts 1 666.67x
Toxteth Park 1 1.26x
Wraysbury 1 227.27x
York St Giles In 1 54.35x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 12
Lucy 8
Elizabeth 7
Eliza 5
Emma 5
Hannah 5
Ellen 4
Ethel 3
Maria 3
Sarah 3
Alice 2
Anne 2
Eliz. 2
Jane 2
Kate 2
Margaret 2
Priscilla 2
Susan 2
Amelia 1
Amy 1
Anna 1
Annie 1
Car. 1
Caroline 1
Char. 1
Clara 1
Edeth 1
Edith 1
Ellinor 1
Elsie 1
Ester 1
Flor. 1
Florance 1
Francis 1
Han. 1
Harriet 1
Harriett 1
Hetty 1
Honor 1
Marian 1
Maude 1
Rachel 1
Rebecca 1
Rosa 1
Rosanna 1
Winifred 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
George 15
John 10
William 9
Charles 4
Henry 4
Joseph 4
Wm. 4
Benj. 3
Chas. 3
Edward 3
Geo. 3
James 3
Robert 3
Alfred 2
Daniel 2
Francis 2
Frank 2
Gulson 2
Harry 2
Samuel 2
Thomas 2
David 1
Edmund 1
Ernest 1
Frederick 1
Fredk. 1
Fredrick 1
G.H. 1
Herbert 1
Herbt. 1
Horrace 1
Jas. 1
Jeremiah 1
Ralph 1
Richd. 1
Robt. 1
Roynan 1
Saml. 1
Thos. 1
Walt. 1

FAQ

Burlingham surname: questions and answers

How common was the Burlingham surname in 1881?

In 1881, 201 people were recorded with the Burlingham surname. That placed it at #12,791 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Burlingham surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 336 in 2016. That gives Burlingham a modern rank of #13,583.

What does the Burlingham surname mean?

A surname of Anglo-Saxon origin indicating someone from the town of Burlingham.

What does the Burlingham map show?

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