NameCensus.

UK surname

Chatwin

An English surname derived from the Old English words 'cete' (cottage) and 'wine' (friend), possibly denoting a cottager or someone associated with a cottage.

In the 1881 census there were 688 people recorded with the Chatwin surname, ranking it #5,256 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 887, ranked #6,366, down from #5,256 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Harborne, Rowley Regis and Halesowen (all except Hunnington, Romsley; partly in Halesowen, Worcestershire). In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Sandwell, Nuneaton and Bedworth and Bromsgrove.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Chatwin is 1,026 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 28.9%.

1881 census count

688

Ranked #5,256

Modern count

887

2016, ranked #6,366

Peak year

1999

1,026 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Chatwin had 688 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,256 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 887 in 2016, ranked #6,366.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 956 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Chatwin surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Chatwin surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Chatwin 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 372 #6,397
1861 historical 364 #7,023
1881 historical 688 #5,256
1891 historical 752 #5,296
1901 historical 890 #5,185
1911 historical 956 #4,713
1997 modern 966 #5,645
1998 modern 1,005 #5,653
1999 modern 1,026 #5,597
2000 modern 1,000 #5,686
2001 modern 977 #5,681
2002 modern 973 #5,814
2003 modern 951 #5,830
2004 modern 941 #5,883
2005 modern 905 #6,005
2006 modern 918 #5,949
2007 modern 927 #5,951
2008 modern 933 #5,965
2009 modern 973 #5,887
2010 modern 960 #6,071
2011 modern 939 #6,125
2012 modern 899 #6,253
2013 modern 921 #6,242
2014 modern 928 #6,240
2015 modern 900 #6,326
2016 modern 887 #6,366

Geography

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Where Chatwins are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Harborne, Rowley Regis, Halesowen (all except Hunnington, Romsley; partly in Halesowen, Worcestershire), Birmingham Town: Birmingham and Birmingham Town: Aston. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Sandwell, Nuneaton and Bedworth and Bromsgrove. 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 Harborne Worcestershire
2 Rowley Regis Staffordshire
3 Halesowen (all except Hunnington, Romsley; partly in Halesowen, Worcestershire) Staffordshire
4 Birmingham Town: Birmingham Warwickshire
5 Birmingham Town: Aston Warwickshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Sandwell 032 Sandwell
2 Sandwell 037 Sandwell
3 Sandwell 030 Sandwell
4 Nuneaton and Bedworth 005 Nuneaton and Bedworth
5 Bromsgrove 003 Bromsgrove

Forenames

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First names often paired with Chatwin

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Chatwin

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

Chatwin is most concentrated in decile 8 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.

8
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Chatwin 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 Chatwin is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Chatwin, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Chatwin

The surname Chatwin is of English origin, believed to have first emerged in the 14th century. It is thought to be derived from the old English words "ceat" meaning a hut or cottage, and "win" meaning a pasture or meadow. This suggests that the name may have initially referred to someone who lived in a dwelling situated in a meadow or pasture area.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Chatwin name dates back to the Subsidy Rolls of Staffordshire in 1327, where a William Chatwyn is listed. Another early mention is found in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield in Yorkshire from 1379, which references a John Chatwynne.

The Chatwin name is believed to have strong ties to the county of Staffordshire, particularly in the areas around Lichfield and Wolverhampton. It is possible that the name originated in these regions before spreading to other parts of England over time.

In the 16th century, there are records of a Chatwin family residing in the village of Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. One notable member was Thomas Chatwin (1528-1591), a wool merchant and landowner who served as the Bailiff of Uttoxeter in 1575.

Another early Chatwin of note was William Chatwin (c.1590-1648), who was a prominent Puritan preacher and rector of the parish of Wilmslow in Cheshire during the tumultuous period of the English Civil War. He was a staunch supporter of the Parliamentarian cause and is known to have delivered sermons criticizing the actions of King Charles I.

In the 18th century, the Chatwin name continued to be found primarily in the Midlands region of England, with records indicating families residing in places such as Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and the surrounding areas. One notable individual from this period was John Chatwin (1709-1793), a successful manufacturer of brass goods and founder of the Chatwin Brass Foundry in Birmingham.

As the Industrial Revolution took hold in the 19th century, many Chatwins migrated from rural areas to cities in search of employment in the growing industries. Records show Chatwin families establishing themselves in cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and London during this time.

One of the most famous individuals with the Chatwin surname was the celebrated travel writer and novelist Bruce Chatwin (1940-1989). Born in Sheffield, he gained international recognition for his acclaimed works such as "In Patagonia" and "The Songlines," which explored themes of nomadic culture and the human desire for exploration.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Chatwin families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Chatwin 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. Warwickshire leads with 247 Chatwins recorded in 1881 and an index of 14.74x.

County Total Index
Warwickshire 247 14.74x
Staffordshire 167 7.45x
Yorkshire 56 0.85x
Worcestershire 35 4.03x
Lancashire 33 0.42x
Kent 31 1.37x
Middlesex 19 0.29x
Leicestershire 18 2.44x
Surrey 15 0.46x
Nottinghamshire 14 1.56x
Cheshire 13 0.89x
Aberdeenshire 11 1.79x
Lincolnshire 8 0.75x
Durham 4 0.20x
Derbyshire 3 0.29x
Hampshire 2 0.15x
Glamorgan 1 0.09x
Lanarkshire 1 0.05x
Northamptonshire 1 0.16x
Northumberland 1 0.10x
Shropshire 1 0.17x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Aston in Warwickshire leads with 111 Chatwins recorded in 1881 and an index of 24.06x.

Place Total Index
Aston 111 24.06x
Harborne 98 136.38x
Birmingham 89 15.94x
Rowley Regis 27 43.21x
Charlton 18 119.60x
Leicester St Margaret 16 8.91x
Congleton 13 51.30x
Edgbaston 12 23.10x
Halesowen 11 144.36x
Ryton On Dunsmore 11 1067.96x
Coventry Holy Trinity 10 19.99x
Frankton 10 2000.00x
Scarborough 10 16.72x
Aberdeen St Nicholas 9 7.82x
Barrow In Furness 8 7.46x
New Sleaford 8 117.47x
Walsall Foreign 8 6.91x
Wolverhampton 8 4.64x
Bermondsey 7 3.54x
Cheetham 7 11.91x
Islington London 7 1.09x
Lambeth 7 1.21x
Preston 7 3.32x
Wakefield 7 13.85x
Hasbury 6 105.82x
Stoke Upon Trent 6 2.52x
West Bromwich 6 4.67x
Chelsea London 5 2.50x
Dover St James 5 50.35x
Ecclesfield 5 10.36x
Rawmarsh 5 21.50x
Tipton 5 7.28x
Warley Salop 5 400.00x
Holy Trinity 4 2.53x
Hulme 4 2.43x
Newark Upon Trent 4 12.43x
North Bierley 4 11.25x
Oldbury 4 9.37x
Westoe 4 3.57x
Yardley 4 18.02x
York St Maurice 4 32.26x
Everton 3 1.19x
Falsgrave 3 30.93x
Handsworth 3 5.43x
Hunslet 3 2.92x
Nottingham St Mary 3 1.30x
Ormesby 3 16.96x
Plumstead 3 3.97x
Warley Wigorn 3 108.30x
Wednesbury 3 5.35x
Wednesfield 3 9.09x
Westminster St Margaret 3 9.36x
Aberdeen Old Machar 2 1.56x
Aldershot 2 4.39x
Brightside Bierlow 2 1.55x
Buckland In Dover 2 26.63x
Dalton In Furness 2 6.57x
Dover St Mary Virgin 2 9.12x
Heanor 2 12.86x
Leicester All Sts 2 13.83x
Nottingham St Peter 2 20.04x
Nottingham Standard 2 87.34x
Ordsall 2 29.15x
Ridgacre 2 116.96x
Sutton Coldfield 2 11.36x
York St Sampson 2 141.84x
Buxton 1 11.36x
Dewsbury 1 1.48x
Glasgow 1 0.26x
Lewisham 1 0.83x
Lilleshall 1 11.40x
Moss Side 1 2.41x
Neath Lower 1 169.49x
North Muskham 1 81.30x
Peterborough 1 2.21x
St George Bloomsbury 1 2.62x
Stanley Cum Wrenthorpe 1 3.27x
Stivichall 1 588.24x
West Derby 1 0.43x
Westminster St John 1 1.24x

Top female names

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

Name Count
John 37
William 29
Thomas 27
Henry 26
George 24
Charles 16
Joseph 16
James 15
Samuel 14
Alfred 10
Arthur 7
Edward 6
Harry 6
Frederick 5
Richard 5
Robert 5
Albert 4
Herbert 4
Edwin 3
Ernest 3
Francis 3
Mark 3
Philip 3
Thos. 3
Walter 3
Frank 2
Job 2
Moses 2
Wm. 2
Benj. 1
Fielding 1
Forbus 1
Fredrick 1
Geo. 1
Greville 1
Henery 1
Herbut 1
Horace 1
Hubert 1
Isaac 1
Josephileis 1
Josiah 1
Julius 1
Leslie 1
Mason 1
Morrice 1
Richards 1
Silas 1
Sydney 1
T. 1

FAQ

Chatwin surname: questions and answers

How common was the Chatwin surname in 1881?

In 1881, 688 people were recorded with the Chatwin surname. That placed it at #5,256 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Chatwin surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 887 in 2016. That gives Chatwin a modern rank of #6,366.

What does the Chatwin surname mean?

An English surname derived from the Old English words 'cete' (cottage) and 'wine' (friend), possibly denoting a cottager or someone associated with a cottage.

What does the Chatwin map show?

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