NameCensus.

UK surname

Catlin

Derived from a diminutive of Catherine, meaning "pure," or from a place name meaning "little cat."

In the 1881 census there were 717 people recorded with the Catlin surname, ranking it #5,079 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,121, ranked #5,256, down from #5,079 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, St Pancras and Ware (Ware). Hertford St John, Hertford All Saints. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Mendip, Mid Devon and Babergh.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Catlin is 1,251 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 56.3%.

1881 census count

717

Ranked #5,079

Modern count

1,121

2016, ranked #5,256

Peak year

1999

1,251 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Catlin had 717 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,079 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,121 in 2016, ranked #5,256.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,082 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Catlin surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Catlin surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Catlin 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 450 #5,485
1861 historical 281 #8,921
1881 historical 717 #5,079
1891 historical 661 #5,884
1901 historical 970 #4,863
1911 historical 1,082 #4,289
1997 modern 1,182 #4,774
1998 modern 1,248 #4,728
1999 modern 1,251 #4,748
2000 modern 1,227 #4,798
2001 modern 1,202 #4,793
2002 modern 1,233 #4,785
2003 modern 1,206 #4,789
2004 modern 1,188 #4,854
2005 modern 1,136 #4,997
2006 modern 1,164 #4,891
2007 modern 1,160 #4,949
2008 modern 1,159 #4,974
2009 modern 1,196 #4,952
2010 modern 1,209 #5,009
2011 modern 1,159 #5,145
2012 modern 1,121 #5,203
2013 modern 1,133 #5,239
2014 modern 1,127 #5,296
2015 modern 1,118 #5,279
2016 modern 1,121 #5,256

Geography

Back to top

Where Catlins are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, St Pancras, Ware (Ware). Hertford St John, Hertford All Saints, Leicester St Margaret and Bishop's Fee, Leicester All Saints, Blackfriars and Kimpton. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Mendip, Mid Devon, Babergh, Rochdale and Luton. 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 London parishes London 3
2 St Pancras London (North Districts)
3 Ware (Ware). Hertford St John, Hertford All Saints Hertfordshire
4 Leicester St Margaret and Bishop's Fee, Leicester All Saints, Blackfriars Leicestershire
5 Kimpton Hertfordshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Mendip 009 Mendip
2 Mid Devon 008 Mid Devon
3 Babergh 005 Babergh
4 Rochdale 022 Rochdale
5 Luton 008 Luton

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Catlin

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Catlin

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Catlin is most associated with areas classed as Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs, 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

Mainly concentrated in suburban areas, these terraced and semi-detached developments are less overcrowded than the Supergroup average, and resident households are more likely to own two or more cars. There are fewer residents aged 25-44, and a larger share of residents employed in administrative and secretarial occupations. Residents are more likely to have been born in the UK, less likely to have been born in the EU or Africa, and much less likely to self-identify as Bangladeshi.

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

Catlin is most concentrated in decile 4 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.

4
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

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

Meaning and origin of Catlin

The surname Catlin originated in England during the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "catt," meaning "cat," and the suffix "-lin," indicating a diminutive or small form. This suggests that the name may have initially referred to someone with a connection to cats, perhaps a cat breeder, owner, or even someone with cat-like characteristics.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Catlin can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Catelinus" in Lincolnshire. This indicates that the name was already in use by the late 11th century in parts of England.

In the 13th century, the surname appeared in various forms, including "Catelyn," "Cattelyne," and "Cattelain," reflecting regional spellings and pronunciations. During this period, the name was particularly prevalent in counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex.

A notable historical figure bearing the Catlin surname was George Catlin (1796-1872), an American artist, author, and traveler best known for his depictions of Native American life and culture. His works provided valuable insights into the indigenous peoples of the American West.

Another prominent Catlin was Thomas Catlin (1600-1670), an English clergyman and author who served as the vicar of Battersea and published several religious works, including "The Doctrine of the Two Covenants" and "A Treatise on the Graces of Justification and Sanctification."

In the 18th century, Robert Catlin (1730-1808) was a British officer who served in the Royal Navy during the American Revolutionary War. He commanded several ships and participated in notable battles against the American colonists.

Moving forward to the 19th century, George Catlin (1808-1888), an English-born Australian politician and businessman, played a significant role in the early development of the colony of South Australia. He served as a member of the Legislative Council and was involved in various commercial ventures.

Another noteworthy figure was Henry Catlin (1872-1931), an American lawyer and politician who served as the 12th Lieutenant Governor of Missouri from 1921 to 1925. He was also involved in several business ventures and philanthropic endeavors.

The Catlin surname has roots stretching back to medieval England and has been associated with various historical figures across different fields, including art, literature, military, politics, and business. Despite its diminutive origins, the name has gained a notable presence throughout history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Catlin families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Catlin 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 223 Catlins recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.21x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 223 3.21x
Hertfordshire 157 32.75x
Lincolnshire 43 3.87x
Suffolk 41 4.84x
Surrey 41 1.21x
Bedfordshire 39 10.83x
Lancashire 34 0.41x
Leicestershire 27 3.50x
Kent 13 0.55x
Norfolk 12 1.12x
Rutland 10 19.58x
Essex 8 0.58x
Gloucestershire 8 0.59x
Northamptonshire 8 1.22x
Derbyshire 7 0.64x
Warwickshire 7 0.40x
Berkshire 6 1.15x
Yorkshire 6 0.09x
Somerset 5 0.45x
Buckinghamshire 4 0.95x
Nottinghamshire 4 0.43x
Worcestershire 3 0.33x
Hampshire 2 0.14x
Cambridgeshire 1 0.23x
Devon 1 0.07x
Midlothian 1 0.11x
Oxfordshire 1 0.23x
Staffordshire 1 0.04x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. St Albans St Peter in Hertfordshire leads with 26 Catlins recorded in 1881 and an index of 160.69x.

Place Total Index
St Albans St Peter 26 160.69x
Islington London 25 3.71x
St Pancras London 25 4.47x
Kedington 22 982.14x
Brickendon 21 945.95x
Bedford St Peter 18 192.51x
Bethnal Green London 14 4.63x
Finchley 13 48.76x
Lambeth 12 1.98x
Broxbourne 11 115.79x
Chelsea London 11 5.25x
Hackney London 11 2.82x
North Meols 11 13.62x
Redbourn 11 209.92x
Wheathampstead 11 198.56x
Codicote 10 349.65x
Enfield 10 21.91x
Leicester St Martin 10 193.05x
Luton 10 16.04x
Mile End Old Town London 10 6.76x
Flamstead 9 203.62x
Hornsey 9 10.23x
Kimpton 9 400.00x
St George In East London 9 13.76x
Leicester St Margaret 8 4.25x
Mile End New Town London 8 58.22x
Shillington 8 150.94x
Spotland 8 8.72x
Clerkenwell London 7 4.26x
Crowland 7 100.29x
Harlington 7 190.74x
Reigate Foreign 7 19.07x
St Martin In Fields 7 16.81x
St Paul Walden 7 288.07x
Uppingham 7 114.94x
Carshalton 6 46.26x
Coventry St Michael 6 10.65x
Grantham 6 41.41x
Hammersmith London 6 3.50x
Hibaldstow 6 315.79x
Hilgay 6 149.25x
Leicester St Mary 6 9.63x
Salford 6 2.47x
St Albans 6 61.10x
St Marylebone London 6 1.62x
Ware 6 43.67x
Watford 6 16.14x
Bristol St George 5 7.93x
Fairfield 5 68.68x
Southery 5 177.31x
St George Hanover Square 5 4.08x
Walcot 5 8.39x
Bow London 4 4.52x
Chigwell 4 30.86x
Corringham 4 225.99x
Hasketon 4 347.83x
Hemel Hempstead 4 18.52x
Hertingfordbury 4 204.08x
Irchester 4 98.52x
Lowestoft 4 10.00x
Maidstone 4 5.66x
Manchester 4 1.08x
Moulton 4 74.77x
Playford 4 701.75x
St Mary Le Strand London 4 157.48x
Tuddenham St Martin 4 470.59x
Barrow 3 1034.48x
Hampstead London 3 2.77x
Hough On Hill Brandon 3 545.45x
Kings Norton 3 3.68x
Lewisham 3 2.37x
Monken Hadley 3 107.91x
Morley 3 8.37x
Newington 3 1.17x
Nottingham St Mary 3 1.24x
Romford 3 13.82x
Shadwell London 3 15.42x
Southwark Christchurch 3 9.21x
St Maryle Wigford 3 34.72x
Wokingham 3 25.17x

Top female names

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

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 56
John 42
George 31
Charles 23
Henry 22
James 16
Thomas 13
Joseph 10
Frederick 9
Harry 9
Robert 8
Alfred 7
Edward 7
Albert 6
Arthur 5
Ernest 5
Richard 5
Samuel 5
Benjamin 4
Edwin 4
Walter 4
Amos 3
David 3
Daniel 2
Elijah 2
Isaac 2
Matthew 2
Wm. 2
Arther 1
Ferdinand 1
Frank 1
Fred 1
Fredk. 1
Fredrick 1
Hastler 1
Herbert 1
Hubert 1
Isac 1
Jess 1
L. 1
Louis 1
Mark 1
Martin 1
Nathan 1
Oliver 1
Roland 1
Stephen 1
Thos. 1
Thos.V. 1
Wm.George 1

FAQ

Catlin surname: questions and answers

How common was the Catlin surname in 1881?

In 1881, 717 people were recorded with the Catlin surname. That placed it at #5,079 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Catlin surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,121 in 2016. That gives Catlin a modern rank of #5,256.

What does the Catlin surname mean?

Derived from a diminutive of Catherine, meaning "pure," or from a place name meaning "little cat."

What does the Catlin map show?

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