NameCensus.

UK surname

Charlesworth

A locative surname derived from a place name, originally referring to someone from Charlesworth.

In the 1881 census there were 3,864 people recorded with the Charlesworth surname, ranking it #1,183 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 5,318, ranked #1,265, down from #1,183 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Silkstone, Almondbury and Sheffield. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Kirklees, Sheffield and Cheshire East.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Charlesworth is 5,628 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 37.6%.

1881 census count

3,864

Ranked #1,183

Modern count

5,318

2016, ranked #1,265

Peak year

1999

5,628 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Charlesworth had 3,864 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #1,183 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 5,318 in 2016, ranked #1,265.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 5,441 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Charlesworth surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Charlesworth surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Charlesworth 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 2,624 #1,125
1861 historical 2,754 #1,065
1881 historical 3,864 #1,183
1891 historical 4,170 #1,154
1901 historical 4,818 #1,173
1911 historical 5,441 #960
1997 modern 5,336 #1,220
1998 modern 5,586 #1,214
1999 modern 5,628 #1,212
2000 modern 5,553 #1,229
2001 modern 5,443 #1,222
2002 modern 5,536 #1,229
2003 modern 5,412 #1,229
2004 modern 5,357 #1,239
2005 modern 5,232 #1,248
2006 modern 5,236 #1,244
2007 modern 5,295 #1,238
2008 modern 5,316 #1,245
2009 modern 5,414 #1,255
2010 modern 5,534 #1,253
2011 modern 5,501 #1,242
2012 modern 5,386 #1,242
2013 modern 5,447 #1,248
2014 modern 5,455 #1,254
2015 modern 5,374 #1,260
2016 modern 5,318 #1,265

Geography

Back to top

Where Charlesworths are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Silkstone, Almondbury, Sheffield, Kirkburton and Ashton-under-Lyne. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Kirklees, Sheffield, Cheshire East and Barnsley. 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 Silkstone Yorkshire, West Riding
2 Almondbury Yorkshire, West Riding
3 Sheffield Yorkshire, West Riding
4 Kirkburton Yorkshire, West Riding
5 Ashton-under-Lyne Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Kirklees 059 Kirklees
2 Sheffield 001 Sheffield
3 Cheshire East 049 Cheshire East
4 Barnsley 024 Barnsley
5 Kirklees 036 Kirklees

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Charlesworth

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Charlesworth

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

Charlesworth is most concentrated in decile 7 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.

7
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Charlesworth falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

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

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Charlesworth

The surname Charlesworth is of English origin, deriving from a place name meaning "the enclosed homestead of a man named Charles." It is a locational surname, indicating that the first bearers of this name hailed from a particular location, likely a small village or hamlet.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Charlesworth dates back to the late 12th century, found in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire in 1190. This suggests that the name originated in the northern counties of England, where it was most prevalent in its early years.

One of the earliest known bearers of the Charlesworth surname was Robert de Charlesworth, who was mentioned in the Assize Rolls of Yorkshire in 1288. This record provides evidence of the name's usage during the medieval period.

In the 16th century, the Charlesworth name appeared in the parish registers of Derbyshire, indicating its spread to other parts of England. A notable figure from this era was John Charlesworth, a prominent merchant and landowner who lived in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603).

The 17th century saw the Charlesworth family establish themselves in various regions of England, including Lancashire and Yorkshire. One notable individual was Roger Charlesworth (1617-1695), a Puritan minister and author who served as the vicar of Leigh in Lancashire.

During the 18th century, the Charlesworth name continued to be found throughout northern England, with several individuals making their mark in various fields. One such figure was John Charlesworth (1740-1808), a renowned clockmaker from Yorkshire who was known for his exceptional craftsmanship.

In the 19th century, the Charlesworth family expanded their reach, with members settling in other parts of England and even venturing abroad. One notable bearer of the name was Benjamin Charlesworth (1828-1909), a British engineer and industrialist who played a significant role in the development of the textile industry in Manchester.

Another prominent figure from this era was Arthur Charlesworth (1853-1926), a British entomologist and lepidopterist who made significant contributions to the study of insects, particularly butterflies and moths. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1900.

As the centuries passed, the Charlesworth surname continued to be carried by individuals who made their mark in various fields, from academia to sports and beyond. The name's rich history and enduring legacy serve as a testament to its English roots and the diverse accomplishments of those who have borne it.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Charlesworth families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Charlesworth 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. Yorkshire leads with 2,032 Charlesworths recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.44x.

County Total Index
Yorkshire 2,032 5.44x
Lancashire 408 0.91x
Cheshire 310 3.72x
Staffordshire 250 1.96x
Derbyshire 235 3.98x
Nottinghamshire 120 2.36x
Middlesex 95 0.25x
Leicestershire 87 2.08x
Surrey 63 0.34x
Lincolnshire 47 0.78x
Kent 42 0.33x
Essex 20 0.27x
Norfolk 18 0.31x
Durham 15 0.13x
Warwickshire 15 0.16x
Sussex 14 0.22x
Worcestershire 13 0.26x
Buckinghamshire 11 0.48x
Lanarkshire 9 0.07x
Gloucestershire 8 0.11x
Hampshire 8 0.10x
Shropshire 7 0.21x
Northamptonshire 6 0.17x
Devon 5 0.06x
Stirlingshire 5 0.36x
Herefordshire 4 0.26x
Hertfordshire 4 0.15x
Glamorgan 3 0.05x
Orkney 3 0.72x
Dorset 2 0.08x
Royal Navy 2 0.45x
Suffolk 2 0.04x
Cambridgeshire 1 0.04x
Somerset 1 0.02x
Westmorland 1 0.12x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Sheffield in Yorkshire leads with 133 Charlesworths recorded in 1881 and an index of 11.18x.

Place Total Index
Sheffield 133 11.18x
Ashton Under Lyne 91 9.30x
Ecclesall Bierlow 76 10.00x
Bradfield 74 51.36x
Thurlstone 72 195.33x
Barnsley 60 15.57x
Honley 59 90.20x
Liversedge 54 32.46x
Huddersfield 52 9.55x
Church Coppenhall 51 137.02x
Morley 50 25.73x
Wooldale 50 78.89x
Islington London 47 1.29x
Leeds 46 2.18x
Brightside Bierlow 45 6.14x
Dewsbury 41 10.70x
Hartshead 39 232.97x
Hepworth 39 258.45x
Mirfield 36 17.55x
Almondbury 35 19.37x
Manchester 34 1.69x
Glossop Dale 33 11.93x
Kirkburton 33 74.90x
Wolstanton 33 8.54x
Oldham 31 2.15x
Upperthong 31 97.55x
Congleton 30 20.86x
Darley 29 121.54x
Ardwick 28 6.94x
Batley 28 7.88x
Fulstone 27 98.76x
Nottingham St Mary 27 2.05x
Hyde 26 10.58x
Methley 26 49.41x
Shitlington 26 67.25x
Cartworth 23 74.43x
Droylsden 23 15.75x
Hunslet 23 3.95x
Lambeth 22 0.67x
Alton 21 153.17x
Lockwood 21 15.62x
Lofthouse Cum Carlton 21 46.11x
Stoke Upon Trent 21 1.56x
Buglawton 20 99.85x
Dukinfield 20 5.20x
Radford 20 7.75x
Wakefield 20 6.97x
Audley 19 15.09x
Heckmondwike 19 15.81x
Monk Bretton 19 50.21x
Upper Langwith 19 716.98x
Darton 18 47.02x
Marsden In Almondbury 18 52.94x
Bolsover 17 57.43x
Gomersal 17 9.75x
Thornhill 17 15.59x
Leicester St Mary 16 4.74x
Norton In Moors 16 23.74x
Dodworth 15 38.64x
Ecclesfield 15 5.47x
Hunshelf 15 81.88x
Minster In Sheppey 15 7.04x
Nether Hallam 15 2.97x
Worksop 15 9.95x
Bowling 14 3.78x
Checkley 14 42.35x
Dronfield 14 18.50x
Hipperholme Cum 14 8.53x
Kimberworth 14 6.75x
Moss Side 14 5.95x
Ossett Cum Gawthorpe 14 10.49x
Scunthorpe 14 51.62x
Doncaster 13 4.76x
Gorton 13 3.09x
Horbury 13 19.89x
Silkstone 13 70.27x
Great Bolton 12 2.02x
Leicester St Margaret 12 1.18x
Nantwich 12 12.41x
Netherthong 12 99.34x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 274
Sarah 174
Elizabeth 139
Ann 95
Hannah 79
Annie 78
Emma 76
Jane 69
Alice 57
Martha 56
Eliza 53
Ellen 46
Emily 40
Harriet 37
Ada 28
Edith 26
Maria 23
Florence 21
Clara 18
Frances 18
Ruth 17
Charlotte 16
Fanny 16
Lucy 16
Anne 15
Caroline 14
Margaret 14
Catherine 12
Louisa 12
Agnes 11
Amelia 11
Isabella 11
Sophia 11
Kate 10
Betty 9
Lydia 9
Matilda 9
Bertha 8
Esther 8
Harriett 8
Minnie 8
Rebecca 8
Ethel 7
Gertrude 7
Laura 6
Lilly 6
Rachel 6
Rose 6
Susan 6
Nellie 5

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 260
William 153
George 135
Joseph 114
Thomas 112
James 97
Charles 49
Samuel 46
Henry 43
Arthur 41
Fred 32
Albert 29
Harry 28
Robert 28
Alfred 27
Frank 26
Edward 25
Joe 24
Herbert 23
Walter 23
Frederick 21
David 18
Richard 17
Benjamin 15
Joshua 15
Tom 14
Edwin 13
Ernest 13
Wm. 13
Ben 12
Geo. 11
Abraham 9
Daniel 9
Jonas 9
Jonathan 9
Sam 9
Thos. 9
Isaac 7
Edmund 6
Francis 6
Martin 6
Percy 6
Chas. 5
Jno. 5
Nathan 5
Wilson 5
Allen 4
Fred. 4
Harold 4
Hugh 4

FAQ

Charlesworth surname: questions and answers

How common was the Charlesworth surname in 1881?

In 1881, 3,864 people were recorded with the Charlesworth surname. That placed it at #1,183 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Charlesworth surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 5,318 in 2016. That gives Charlesworth a modern rank of #1,265.

What does the Charlesworth surname mean?

A locative surname derived from a place name, originally referring to someone from Charlesworth.

What does the Charlesworth map show?

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