NameCensus.

UK surname

Cadwallader

A Welsh surname derived from the personal name "Cadwallon" meaning "battle-leader" or "mighty warrior".

In the 1881 census there were 599 people recorded with the Cadwallader surname, ranking it #5,842 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,246, ranked #4,792, up from #5,842 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Wolverhampton, St Mary and Shrewsbury St Chad, Wroxeter, Atcham, Berrington. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Powys, Blaenau Gwent and Shropshire.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Cadwallader is 1,363 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 108.0%.

1881 census count

599

Ranked #5,842

Modern count

1,246

2016, ranked #4,792

Peak year

2010

1,363 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Cadwallader had 599 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,842 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,246 in 2016, ranked #4,792.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 956 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Cadwallader surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Cadwallader surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Cadwallader 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 308 #7,478
1861 historical 352 #7,258
1881 historical 599 #5,842
1891 historical 676 #5,774
1901 historical 866 #5,290
1911 historical 956 #4,713
1997 modern 1,275 #4,467
1998 modern 1,339 #4,440
1999 modern 1,353 #4,432
2000 modern 1,328 #4,487
2001 modern 1,330 #4,400
2002 modern 1,339 #4,468
2003 modern 1,295 #4,503
2004 modern 1,304 #4,466
2005 modern 1,280 #4,494
2006 modern 1,314 #4,408
2007 modern 1,324 #4,413
2008 modern 1,325 #4,438
2009 modern 1,336 #4,501
2010 modern 1,363 #4,507
2011 modern 1,339 #4,519
2012 modern 1,274 #4,654
2013 modern 1,290 #4,683
2014 modern 1,298 #4,684
2015 modern 1,284 #4,681
2016 modern 1,246 #4,792

Geography

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Where Cadwalladers are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Wolverhampton, St Mary, Shrewsbury St Chad, Wroxeter, Atcham, Berrington, Shrewsbury St Alkmond, St Julian, St Mary (pt), Meole Brace and Wistanstow. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Powys, Blaenau Gwent, Shropshire and Herefordshire. 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 Wolverhampton Staffordshire
2 St Mary Pembrokeshire
3 Shrewsbury St Chad, Wroxeter, Atcham, Berrington Shropshire
4 Shrewsbury St Alkmond, St Julian, St Mary (pt), Meole Brace Shropshire
5 Wistanstow Shropshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Powys 011 Powys
2 Powys 005 Powys
3 Blaenau Gwent 001 Blaenau Gwent
4 Shropshire 035 Shropshire
5 Herefordshire 001 Herefordshire, County of

Forenames

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First names often paired with Cadwallader

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Cadwallader

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

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Cadwallader is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support 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

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

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

Cadwallader is most concentrated in decile 3 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.

3
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Cadwallader falls in decile 8 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

8
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Cadwallader

The surname Cadwallader originated in Wales during the medieval period. It derives from the Welsh personal name Cadwallon, a compound of the elements "cad" meaning "battle" and "gallwn" meaning "leader" or "ruler." The name was borne by several early Welsh rulers and princes.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cadwallader is found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Cadwallader." This suggests that the name had already become established as a surname by the late 11th century in parts of Wales and possibly the Welsh Marches.

In the 13th century, the name is recorded in various Welsh chronicles and annals, such as the Brut y Tywysogyon (Chronicle of the Princes), where it appears in the form "Cadwaladr." This spelling variation reflects the fluid nature of surnames in the Middle Ages.

The earliest known bearer of the surname Cadwallader was Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd (c. 1188-1241), a Welsh prince and ruler of the Kingdom of Gwynedd. He played a significant role in the struggles against the English during the early 13th century.

Another notable figure was Sir John Cadwallader (c. 1533-1604), a Welsh politician and Member of Parliament during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He served as Sheriff of Denbighshire and Flintshire.

In the 17th century, the name is found in the parish records of Llansilin, Denbighshire, where a Thomas Cadwallader was recorded in 1670. The name also appears in the records of Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, Denbighshire, with the spelling "Cadwalader" being used.

During the American Revolutionary War, John Cadwalader (1742-1786) was a prominent military officer and politician from Philadelphia. He fought in several battles and later served as a member of the Continental Congress.

In the 19th century, the name is associated with the English scholar and writer George Cadwallader Boville (1804-1889), who was born in Calcutta, India, and later settled in England, where he wrote extensively on Indian history and culture.

Throughout its history, the surname Cadwallader has maintained its strong Welsh roots and connections to the early rulers and princes of medieval Wales. While variations in spelling have occurred over time, the name's association with leadership and military prowess has persisted throughout its long history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Cadwallader families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Cadwallader 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. Shropshire leads with 251 Cadwalladers recorded in 1881 and an index of 49.39x.

County Total Index
Shropshire 251 49.39x
Staffordshire 113 5.69x
Lancashire 29 0.42x
Montgomeryshire 28 20.77x
Middlesex 27 0.46x
Pembrokeshire 26 13.91x
Radnorshire 23 48.46x
Worcestershire 22 2.86x
Buckinghamshire 13 3.66x
Cheshire 10 0.77x
Yorkshire 9 0.15x
Leicestershire 7 1.07x
Monmouthshire 7 1.65x
Warwickshire 7 0.47x
Carmarthenshire 5 2.02x
Gloucestershire 5 0.43x
Glamorgan 4 0.39x
Surrey 4 0.14x
Herefordshire 3 1.24x
Royal Navy 3 4.28x
Sussex 3 0.30x
Devon 2 0.16x
Brecknockshire 1 0.85x
Hertfordshire 1 0.25x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Wolverhampton in Staffordshire leads with 40 Cadwalladers recorded in 1881 and an index of 26.20x.

Place Total Index
Wolverhampton 40 26.20x
Wistanstow 19 1158.54x
Burford 15 1724.14x
Knighton 15 390.63x
Stanton Lacy 15 341.69x
Clun 14 387.81x
Pool 14 137.66x
Shrewsbury St Chad 14 78.48x
Tenby St Mary In 14 147.06x
Wednesfield 13 44.49x
Tettenhall 12 98.85x
Baschurch 11 316.09x
Clun Eddycliff 11 1145.83x
Stourbridge 11 55.67x
Bishops Castle Out 10 961.54x
Clerkenwell London 10 7.20x
Liverpool 9 2.12x
Munslow 9 731.71x
Willenhall 9 24.20x
Church Stretton 8 234.60x
Clunbury 8 402.01x
Clungunford 8 677.97x
Emberton 8 615.38x
Ludlow St Lawrence 8 79.13x
St Marylebone London 8 2.55x
Everton 7 3.15x
Leintwardine 7 284.55x
Onibury 7 760.87x
Sedgley 7 9.49x
Wistanstow Cheney 7 2333.33x
Wombourn 7 190.22x
Churchstoke 6 236.22x
Himley 6 857.14x
Kerry 6 148.15x
Norton 6 1016.95x
Preston 6 3.21x
Shrewsbury St Mary 6 29.93x
Wolverley 6 89.02x
Aston 5 1.22x
Bishops Castle In 5 168.92x
Cainham 5 211.86x
Manor Bier 5 393.70x
Melton Mowbray 5 42.63x
Meole Brace 5 190.11x
Tong 5 44.41x
Bettws 4 360.36x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 4 3.68x
Culmington 4 357.14x
Greet 4 2000.00x
Hoose 4 164.61x
Penally 4 325.20x
Wolverton 4 54.35x
Wrockwardine 4 35.81x
Aberystruth 3 8.00x
Bentley 3 441.18x
Brighton 3 1.50x
Brompton Rhiston 3 909.09x
Carmarthen St Peter 3 14.16x
Halford 3 600.00x
Hopesay 3 232.56x
Lambeth 3 0.58x
Orleton 3 258.62x
Pitchford 3 697.67x
Rhoscrowther 3 697.67x
Royal Navy 3 5.01x
Shrewsbury St Julian 3 23.87x
Stoke Newington London 3 6.55x
Tipton 3 4.93x
Trysull 3 260.87x
Upperswinford 3 46.15x
Usk 3 85.23x
West Bromwich 3 2.64x
Worthen 3 55.56x
Hackney London 2 0.61x
Kirkdale 2 1.70x
Leicester St Margaret 2 1.26x
Oswestry Town 2 12.29x
Shifnal 2 14.49x
Stoke Upon Trent 2 0.95x
Westbury 2 76.34x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 41
Sarah 25
Elizabeth 23
Ann 14
Martha 14
Eliza 13
Emma 13
Jane 12
Alice 8
Ellen 8
Hannah 7
Harriet 7
Margaret 7
Fanny 6
Ada 5
Annie 5
Edith 5
Elizth. 5
Emily 5
Charlotte 4
Rosa 4
Rose 4
Harriett 3
Jessie 3
Lucy 3
Agnes 2
Amy 2
Anna 2
Anne 2
Beatrice 2
Clara 2
Louisa 2
Maria 2
Minnie 2
Susanna 2
Amee 1
Amelia 1
Catherine 1
Elizth 1
Ernest 1
Esther 1
F.R.M. 1
Jemima 1
Julia 1
Laura 1
Lillian 1
Lillie 1
Lizze 1
Lousia 1
William 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 50
William 44
Thomas 30
George 20
James 15
Charles 14
Richard 13
Henry 9
Joseph 6
Alfred 5
Arthur 5
Samuel 5
Albert 4
Edward 4
Evan 4
Herbert 4
Moses 4
Thos. 4
Walter 4
David 3
Francis 3
Chas. 2
Ernest 2
Frederick 2
Harry 2
Josiah 2
Owen 2
Price 2
Richd. 2
Sidney 2
Tom 2
Bernard 1
Edwin 1
Eli 1
Eli. 1
Fred 1
Fredric 1
Fredrick 1
Geo. 1
Griffith 1
Harvey 1
Haward 1
Lllewellyn 1
Marchent 1
Martin 1
Morris 1
Penry 1
Pewry 1
Richd 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Cadwallader surname: questions and answers

How common was the Cadwallader surname in 1881?

In 1881, 599 people were recorded with the Cadwallader surname. That placed it at #5,842 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Cadwallader surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,246 in 2016. That gives Cadwallader a modern rank of #4,792.

What does the Cadwallader surname mean?

A Welsh surname derived from the personal name "Cadwallon" meaning "battle-leader" or "mighty warrior".

What does the Cadwallader map show?

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