NameCensus.

UK surname

Chrystal

A surname derived from the Greek word "Crystallo" meaning crystal or clear.

In the 1881 census there were 407 people recorded with the Chrystal surname, ranking it #7,868 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 423, ranked #11,344, down from #7,868 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Kirkcaldy Dysart and Abbotshall, Edinburgh and Manchester. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Trafford, Central Easterhouse and Babergh.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Chrystal is 482 in 1901. Compared with 1881, the name has stayed broadly stable by 3.9%.

1881 census count

407

Ranked #7,868

Modern count

423

2016, ranked #11,344

Peak year

1901

482 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Chrystal had 407 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #7,868 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 423 in 2016, ranked #11,344.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 482 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Routine Occupations or Retirement.

Chrystal surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Chrystal surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Chrystal 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 181 #11,256
1861 historical 205 #11,769
1881 historical 407 #7,868
1891 historical 425 #8,429
1901 historical 482 #8,275
1911 historical 145 #18,255
1997 modern 393 #11,144
1998 modern 411 #11,122
1999 modern 405 #11,344
2000 modern 412 #11,165
2001 modern 396 #11,307
2002 modern 407 #11,294
2003 modern 401 #11,242
2004 modern 393 #11,433
2005 modern 406 #11,061
2006 modern 400 #11,257
2007 modern 398 #11,411
2008 modern 404 #11,374
2009 modern 415 #11,386
2010 modern 419 #11,550
2011 modern 411 #11,617
2012 modern 407 #11,584
2013 modern 416 #11,575
2014 modern 417 #11,632
2015 modern 420 #11,458
2016 modern 423 #11,344

Geography

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Where Chrystals are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Kirkcaldy Dysart and Abbotshall, Edinburgh, Manchester, Aberdeen and Old Machar and Kippen. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Trafford, Central Easterhouse, Babergh, IZ14 and Methil West. 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 Kirkcaldy Dysart and Abbotshall Fife
2 Edinburgh Edinburgh
3 Manchester Lancashire
4 Aberdeen and Old Machar Aberdeen
5 Kippen Stirling

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Trafford 011 Trafford
2 Central Easterhouse Glasgow City
3 Babergh 001 Babergh
4 IZ14 East Lothian
5 Methil West Fife

Forenames

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First names often paired with Chrystal

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Chrystal

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Chrystal, 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

Legacy Communities

Group

Routine Occupations or Retirement

Nationally, the Chrystal surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Routine Occupations or Retirement, within Legacy Communities. This does not mean every Chrystal household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These neighbourhoods are characterised by high proportions of single, often never-married adults of normal retirement age or older, including many that are in the most advanced age groups. Most adults are UK born and live at high residential densities, and many of the children living with parents are in adulthood. Individuals identifying as members of ethnic minorities are uncommon, but above average proportions of households include individuals that identify with different ethnic groups. Long-term disability is relatively common, and the dominant accommodation type is flats. Unemployment rates are high, with most of those employed working in routine occupations. Few individuals have high level qualifications. Car ownership is not high.

Wider pattern

These neighbourhoods characteristically comprise pockets of flats that are scattered across the UK, particularly in towns that retain or have legacies of heavy industry or are in more remote seaside locations. Employed residents of these neighbourhoods work mainly in low-skilled occupations. Residents typically have limited educational qualifications. Unemployment is above average. Some residents live in overcrowded housing within the social rented sector and experience long-term disability. All adult age groups are represented, although there is an overall age bias towards elderly people in general and the very old in particular. Individuals identifying as belonging to ethnic minorities or Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups are uncommon.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Chrystal 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

Chrystal is most concentrated in decile 1 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.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Chrystal 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 Chrystal is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of Over 70 mbit/s.

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

10
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Chrystal

The surname Chrystal is believed to have originated in Scotland, with roots dating back to the 12th century. It is derived from the Old English word "cris-teil," which means "crystal-clear." This name likely referred to someone who lived near a stream or river with particularly clear water.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Ragman Rolls of 1296, a document containing the names of Scottish nobles who swore allegiance to Edward I of England. The name appeared as "Cristal" in this record.

In the 15th century, the spelling evolved to "Chrystal," which is closer to the modern form. During this time, the name was primarily concentrated in the Scottish Lowlands, particularly in the counties of Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire.

The Chrystal name has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One of the earliest was Sir William Chrystal (1490-1568), a Scottish laird and landowner who fought alongside Mary, Queen of Scots, during the Scottish Reformation.

In the 17th century, the name gained prominence with the birth of George Chrystal (1618-1684), a Scottish minister and theologian who served as the rector of the University of St. Andrews.

The 19th century saw the rise of several influential Chrystals, including George Chrystal (1851-1911), a renowned Scottish mathematician and professor at the University of Edinburgh. He made significant contributions to the fields of algebra and mathematical physics.

Another notable figure was James Chrystal (1832-1920), a Scottish lawyer and judge who served as Lord Advocate of Scotland from 1892 to 1895. He was also a member of the Scottish Royal Commission on the Scottish Universities.

In more recent times, the name has been carried by individuals like Judith Chrystal (1926-2011), a Scottish actress and broadcaster who appeared in numerous television and radio productions throughout her career.

While the Chrystal surname has its roots in Scotland, it has since spread to other parts of the world, reflecting the migration patterns of Scottish families over the centuries. However, its origins can be traced back to the crystal-clear waters of the Scottish landscape, a fitting reference for a name that has endured for centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Chrystal families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Chrystal 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. Lanarkshire leads with 65 Chrystals recorded in 1881 and an index of 4.99x.

County Total Index
Lanarkshire 65 4.99x
Fife 58 24.32x
Stirlingshire 41 27.59x
Aberdeenshire 35 9.38x
Midlothian 31 5.74x
Lancashire 27 0.56x
Durham 17 1.42x
Berwickshire 16 32.80x
Middlesex 15 0.37x
Northumberland 15 2.50x
Dunbartonshire 14 12.93x
Ayrshire 12 3.98x
Angus 10 2.68x
Banffshire 9 10.77x
Kincardineshire 8 16.31x
Morayshire 8 12.78x
Perthshire 8 4.42x
Isle of Man 6 8.02x
Clackmannanshire 3 9.02x
Dumfriesshire 3 3.37x
Renfrewshire 3 0.96x
Orkney 2 4.51x
Staffordshire 2 0.15x
Argyllshire 1 0.89x
Cumberland 1 0.29x
Radnorshire 1 3.08x
Ross-shire 1 0.90x
Yorkshire 1 0.03x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Dysart in Fife leads with 52 Chrystals recorded in 1881 and an index of 323.79x.

Place Total Index
Dysart 52 323.79x
Barony 33 10.01x
Stirling 29 154.83x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 16 7.37x
Aberdeen Old Machar 13 16.69x
Glasgow 12 5.19x
Harpurhey 10 150.83x
Kippen 10 500.00x
Banff 9 123.97x
Govan 9 2.79x
Kirkintilloch 9 61.18x
South Leith 9 14.82x
Dundee 8 5.74x
Rafford 8 547.95x
Cambusnethan 7 24.19x
Laurencekirk 7 246.48x
Newhills 7 91.62x
St George In East London 7 18.47x
Tarbolton 7 141.13x
Byker 6 20.25x
Flixton 6 244.90x
Great Lumley 6 292.68x
Hutton Henry 6 238.10x
Kinnoull 6 126.32x
Lathom 6 103.99x
Lezayre 6 178.57x
Bishopwearmouth 5 4.86x
Bromley London 5 5.64x
Bunkle Preston 5 500.00x
Dunse 5 107.99x
Inveresk 5 34.22x
New Kilpatrick 5 48.54x
Cruden 4 83.33x
Leslie 4 555.56x
Westgate 4 10.78x
Auckinleck 3 32.15x
Clackmannan 3 47.69x
Closeburn 3 144.23x
Eyemouth 3 73.71x
Gorbals 3 38.81x
Hackney London 3 1.33x
Paisley High Church 3 12.07x
West Derby 3 2.15x
Abdie 2 147.06x
Aberdeen St Nicholas 2 2.86x
Ballingry 2 136.05x
Berwick Upon Tweed 2 15.75x
Callander 2 67.11x
Forfar 2 9.90x
Maybole 2 21.79x
Methlick 2 66.89x
Stretford 2 7.60x
Swinton 2 150.38x
Tyrley 2 188.68x
Banchory Ternan 1 23.58x
Bothwell 1 2.83x
Branton 1 833.33x
Burntisland 1 14.99x
Campbeltown 1 7.39x
Coldingham 1 22.78x
Cregrina 1 769.23x
Edinburgh St Stephens 1 9.42x
Ellon 1 19.49x
Elswick 1 2.09x
Foveran 1 35.46x
Gargunnock 1 103.09x
Halifax 1 1.71x
Kirkcaldy 1 8.45x
Kirkwall St Ola 1 15.06x
Old Deer 1 14.14x
Orphir 1 70.92x
Plenmeller 1 384.62x
St Cuthbert W O Carleton 1 105.26x
St Ninians 1 6.79x
Tain 1 23.87x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Margaret 8
Mary 5
Elizabeth 3
Ann 2
Annie 2
Elisa 2
Isabella 2
Sarah 2
Agnes 1
Alice 1
Anne 1
Clara 1
Edith 1
Ellen 1
Emily 1
Emma 1
Esther 1
Florence 1
Frances 1
Helen 1
Jessie 1
M.J.W. 1
Maud 1
Patience 1
Thomasth 1
Williamina 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 11
James 6
John 6
David 4
George 2
Thomas 2
Alfred 1
Andrew 1
Arthur 1
Christofer 1
Harry 1
Joseph 1
Peter 1
Robert 1
Robt. 1
Sam 1

FAQ

Chrystal surname: questions and answers

How common was the Chrystal surname in 1881?

In 1881, 407 people were recorded with the Chrystal surname. That placed it at #7,868 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Chrystal surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 423 in 2016. That gives Chrystal a modern rank of #11,344.

What does the Chrystal surname mean?

A surname derived from the Greek word "Crystallo" meaning crystal or clear.

What does the Chrystal map show?

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