NameCensus.

UK surname

Colburn

An English surname derived from a place name meaning "cold stream" or "cool burn."

In the 1881 census there were 190 people recorded with the Colburn surname, ranking it #13,270 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 461, ranked #10,625, up from #13,270 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Brockhampton, Fownhope and Govan Combination. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Brighton and Hove, Westminster and Thurrock.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Colburn is 489 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 142.6%.

1881 census count

190

Ranked #13,270

Modern count

461

2016, ranked #10,625

Peak year

2010

489 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Colburn had 190 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #13,270 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 461 in 2016, ranked #10,625.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 306 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Colburn surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Colburn surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Colburn 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 106 #16,512
1861 historical 149 #15,373
1881 historical 190 #13,270
1891 historical 244 #12,983
1901 historical 260 #12,817
1911 historical 306 #11,281
1997 modern 453 #10,015
1998 modern 469 #10,079
1999 modern 444 #10,555
2000 modern 453 #10,371
2001 modern 439 #10,447
2002 modern 442 #10,605
2003 modern 450 #10,293
2004 modern 456 #10,188
2005 modern 459 #10,053
2006 modern 440 #10,435
2007 modern 448 #10,365
2008 modern 451 #10,394
2009 modern 466 #10,386
2010 modern 489 #10,228
2011 modern 466 #10,495
2012 modern 469 #10,348
2013 modern 475 #10,401
2014 modern 475 #10,472
2015 modern 463 #10,602
2016 modern 461 #10,625

Geography

Back to top

Where Colburns are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Brockhampton, Fownhope, Govan Combination, London parishes and Leeds. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Brighton and Hove, Westminster and Thurrock. 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 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
2 Brockhampton, Fownhope Herefordshire
3 Govan Combination Lanark
4 London parishes London 3
5 Leeds Yorkshire, West Riding

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Brighton and Hove 013 Brighton and Hove
2 Brighton and Hove 003 Brighton and Hove
3 Brighton and Hove 001 Brighton and Hove
4 Westminster 021 Westminster
5 Thurrock 004 Thurrock

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Colburn

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Colburn

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

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Colburn is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. 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

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Colburn is most concentrated in decile 6 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.

6
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Colburn falls in decile 6 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.

6
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Colburn

The surname Colburn has its origins in England and can be traced back to the 13th century. It is believed to be a locational name derived from the place name "Colburn" in the county of Yorkshire. This place name is thought to have stemmed from the Old English words "col" meaning charcoal and "burna" meaning a stream, likely referring to a stream near a charcoal-burning area.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Colburn can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Yorkshire, a census-like record from 1273. The name appears spelled as "de Colburne" in this document. Other early spellings include "Colburne" and "Colbourne."

The Colburn surname can also be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive record of landowners and their holdings commissioned by William the Conqueror. In this text, the place name "Colburne" is mentioned in relation to Yorkshire.

Notable individuals throughout history who have borne the surname Colburn include William Colburn (1737-1820), an English publisher and bookseller who founded the publishing firm William Colburn and Co. in London. Another prominent figure was Zerah Colburn (1804-1840), an American mathematical prodigy who gained fame for his ability to perform complex calculations mentally from a very young age.

In the 19th century, there was Warren Colburn (1793-1833), an American educator and author of several influential mathematics textbooks. One of his most renowned works was "Colburn's First Lessons," which was widely used in schools across the United States.

Additionally, there was Silas Colburn (1816-1899), an American politician and lawyer who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Vermont.

Lastly, a notable figure from more recent history is Walter Colburn (1920-2018), an American aviator and engineer who played a crucial role in the development of the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft during the early years of the American space program.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Colburn families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Colburn 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 40 Colburns recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.17x.

County Total Index
Yorkshire 40 2.17x
Lanarkshire 19 3.15x
Middlesex 15 0.81x
Staffordshire 15 2.39x
Lancashire 14 0.63x
Herefordshire 12 15.71x
Berkshire 11 7.87x
Gloucestershire 11 3.01x
Surrey 7 0.77x
Westmorland 7 17.10x
Lincolnshire 6 2.01x
Durham 5 0.90x
Worcestershire 5 2.06x
Warwickshire 4 0.85x
Angus 3 1.74x
Somerset 3 1.00x
Kincardineshire 2 8.81x
Sussex 2 0.64x
Buckinghamshire 1 0.89x
Cumberland 1 0.62x
Derbyshire 1 0.34x
Hampshire 1 0.26x
Isle of Man 1 2.89x
Midlothian 1 0.40x
Norfolk 1 0.35x
Northumberland 1 0.36x
Wigtownshire 1 4.04x
Wiltshire 1 0.61x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Govan in Lanarkshire leads with 17 Colburns recorded in 1881 and an index of 11.41x.

Place Total Index
Govan 17 11.41x
Keighley 16 81.30x
Fownhope 10 1492.54x
Pendlebury 10 214.13x
Bramley In Bramley 9 127.30x
Burntwood Edial 7 174.13x
Chieveley 6 810.81x
Westbury On Severn East 6 72.64x
Bradford 5 11.19x
Kings Norton 5 22.91x
Kirkland 5 574.71x
Spalding 5 84.60x
Chiswick 4 39.29x
Holy Trinity 4 9.01x
Pollards Land 4 1025.64x
Woolhampton 4 1250.00x
Aston Cum Aughton 3 198.68x
Frampton Cotterell 3 234.38x
Islington London 3 1.66x
Montrose 3 28.68x
New Windsor 3 750.00x
Portbury 3 600.00x
Sedgley 3 12.84x
Wednesfield 3 32.43x
Aston 2 1.55x
Bromley London 2 4.88x
Camberwell 2 1.68x
Fetteresso 2 56.18x
Glasgow 2 1.87x
Hove 2 14.51x
Paddington London 2 2.92x
Allerton 1 42.55x
Barton Upon Irwell 1 6.01x
Bishops Frome 1 217.39x
Bolehall Glascote 1 50.25x
Bristol St Augustine 1 16.95x
Chelsea London 1 1.78x
Derby St Werburgh 1 5.94x
Edgbaston 1 6.86x
Esher 1 78.74x
Great Grimsby 1 5.29x
Handsworth 1 6.45x
Heversham With Milnthorpe 1 101.01x
Hindley 1 10.60x
Inch 1 41.49x
Kendal 1 13.35x
Liberton 1 25.97x
Liverpool 1 0.74x
Lyndhurst 1 95.24x
Manchester 1 1.01x
Mile End Old Town London 1 2.52x
Newent 1 53.76x
Norwich St Andrew 1 204.08x
Onchan 1 10.03x
Reading St Mary 1 8.93x
Salisbury St Thomas 1 76.34x
St Cuthbert W O 1 12.79x
St Marylebone London 1 1.01x
Staunton On Wye 1 294.12x
Twickenham 1 12.52x
Wandsworth 1 5.58x
Westgate 1 5.82x
Whickham 1 19.61x
Whitby 1 16.08x
Winslow 1 94.34x
Wolverhampton 1 2.07x
York St Mary 1 13.07x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 16
Sarah 7
Elizabeth 5
Jane 5
Eliza 4
Emma 4
Annie 3
Emily 3
Hannah 3
Ann 2
Harriet 2
Julia 2
Louisa 2
Ada 1
Bessie 1
Caroline 1
Catherine 1
Charlotte 1
Christiana 1
Elizth. 1
Ellen 1
Esther 1
Fanny 1
Jemima 1
Kate 1
Leah 1
Lily 1
Margaret 1
Martha 1
Matilda 1
Mitilda 1
Naoami 1
Rhoda 1
Rosanna 1
Susan 1
Susannah 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 17
William 7
Charles 5
George 5
Joseph 5
James 4
Samuel 4
Thomas 4
Alfred 3
Frederick 3
Henry 3
Arthur 2
Daniel 2
Ernest 2
Fred 2
Albert 1
Andrew 1
Benjamin 1
Edward 1
Frederic 1
Fredrick 1
Geo. 1
Hebden 1
Infant 1
J. 1
Jas. 1
Richard 1
Richd.S. 1
Stephen 1
Tom 1

FAQ

Colburn surname: questions and answers

How common was the Colburn surname in 1881?

In 1881, 190 people were recorded with the Colburn surname. That placed it at #13,270 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Colburn surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 461 in 2016. That gives Colburn a modern rank of #10,625.

What does the Colburn surname mean?

An English surname derived from a place name meaning "cold stream" or "cool burn."

What does the Colburn map show?

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