NameCensus.

UK surname

Colwill

A variant spelling of 'Colville', referring to a location in northeast England.

In the 1881 census there were 633 people recorded with the Colwill surname, ranking it #5,604 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,036, ranked #5,626, down from #5,604 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), North Petherwin and Bideford. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Cornwall and Torridge.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Colwill is 1,064 in 2000. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 63.7%.

1881 census count

633

Ranked #5,604

Modern count

1,036

2016, ranked #5,626

Peak year

2000

1,064 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Colwill had 633 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,604 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,036 in 2016, ranked #5,626.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 946 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Colwill surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Colwill surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Colwill 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 405 #5,976
1861 historical 380 #6,726
1881 historical 633 #5,604
1891 historical 792 #5,075
1901 historical 876 #5,239
1911 historical 946 #4,756
1997 modern 997 #5,516
1998 modern 1,045 #5,464
1999 modern 1,051 #5,480
2000 modern 1,064 #5,406
2001 modern 1,044 #5,393
2002 modern 1,040 #5,508
2003 modern 1,023 #5,495
2004 modern 1,009 #5,556
2005 modern 1,003 #5,532
2006 modern 1,022 #5,466
2007 modern 1,027 #5,493
2008 modern 1,020 #5,558
2009 modern 1,027 #5,643
2010 modern 1,032 #5,725
2011 modern 1,021 #5,721
2012 modern 1,022 #5,638
2013 modern 1,034 #5,686
2014 modern 1,041 #5,673
2015 modern 1,043 #5,608
2016 modern 1,036 #5,626

Geography

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Where Colwills are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), North Petherwin, Bideford, Hartland and Whitstone. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Cornwall and Torridge. 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 North Petherwin Cornwall
3 Bideford Devon
4 Hartland Devon
5 Whitstone Cornwall

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Cornwall 002 Cornwall
2 Torridge 004 Torridge
3 Cornwall 001 Cornwall
4 Torridge 005 Torridge
5 Torridge 008 Torridge

Forenames

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First names often paired with Colwill

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Colwill

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Colwill is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. 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

These residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Colwill is most concentrated in decile 5 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.

5
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Colwill falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Colwill

The surname Colwill is of English origin, tracing its roots back to the medieval period. It is believed to have originated in the county of Devon, specifically in the village of Colwell, located near the town of Honiton. This place name, from which the surname derives, is thought to be a combination of the Old English words "col" meaning "charcoal" and "well" referring to a spring or stream.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Colwill appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as "Colwelle." This ancient record suggests that the name was already established in the region by the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066.

In the 13th century, the name Colwill is found in various legal documents and records from Devon, such as the Assize Rolls of 1242, where a certain Walter de Colwill is mentioned. The spelling variations during this period include Colwelle, Collewill, and Collewelle.

One notable figure bearing this surname was Sir John Colwill, a prominent landowner and Member of Parliament for Devon in the 15th century (c. 1420 - 1490). Another was Richard Colwill, a merchant and benefactor who funded the construction of a chapel in Honiton in the early 16th century (c. 1480 - 1545).

In the 17th century, the Colwill family established themselves as landowners and gentry in the parish of Uplyme, near Lyme Regis, Dorset. Notable members from this branch include William Colwill (1618 - 1690), a wealthy merchant and landowner, and his son, Reverend William Colwill (1652 - 1727), who served as the rector of Uplyme for over 50 years.

As the centuries passed, the surname Colwill spread beyond its Devon roots, with bearers found in various parts of England and, later, in other parts of the world due to migration and colonization. For example, John Colwill (1755 - 1835) was a British explorer and navigator who sailed to Australia and New Zealand in the late 18th century.

Throughout its history, the surname Colwill has maintained its association with its place of origin, reflecting the rich heritage and traditions of the Devon region. While the name may have evolved in spelling and pronunciation over time, its connection to the charcoal-making industry and the village of Colwell remains a significant part of its legacy.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Colwill families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Colwill 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. Devon leads with 341 Colwills recorded in 1881 and an index of 26.28x.

County Total Index
Devon 341 26.28x
Cornwall 187 26.50x
Glamorgan 42 3.87x
Middlesex 18 0.29x
Durham 10 0.54x
Essex 7 0.57x
Royal Navy 6 8.08x
Derbyshire 5 0.51x
Gloucestershire 5 0.41x
Yorkshire 5 0.08x
Surrey 4 0.13x
Somerset 3 0.30x
Lancashire 2 0.03x
Staffordshire 2 0.10x
Hampshire 1 0.08x
Northumberland 1 0.11x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Hartland in Devon leads with 71 Colwills recorded in 1881 and an index of 1757.43x.

Place Total Index
Hartland 71 1757.43x
Stoke Damerel 29 31.93x
Bideford 26 187.05x
Whitstone 21 2413.79x
Plymouth St Andrew 20 20.01x
North Molton 16 632.41x
North Petherwyn 16 874.32x
Ilfracombe 14 104.79x
Lezant 14 886.08x
St Germans 13 264.23x
Great Torrington 10 135.87x
Llansamlet Lower 10 101.73x
Plymouth Charles The 10 17.49x
Roath 10 20.28x
Stratton 10 261.10x
Kilkhampton 9 432.69x
Lanteglos 9 276.07x
North Tamerton 9 882.35x
Barnstaple 8 39.27x
Chelsea London 8 4.26x
Clawton 8 842.11x
Frithelstock 8 666.67x
Hetton Le Hole 8 34.04x
Lifton 8 256.41x
St Ive 8 176.60x
Treneglos 8 2222.22x
Trewen 8 2666.67x
Briton Ferry 7 54.05x
Northmolton 7 897.44x
St Breward 7 451.61x
Tresmeer 7 1891.89x
Aberdare 6 8.05x
Forest Gate 6 352.94x
Langtree 6 382.17x
Royal Navy 6 9.45x
St John Near Swansea 6 44.71x
West Putford 6 1200.00x
Withycombe Rawleigh 6 88.76x
Altarnun 5 204.08x
Chaddesden 5 384.62x
Davidstow 5 574.71x
Minster 5 520.83x
Parkham 5 292.40x
St Clement 5 67.84x
Week St Mary 5 450.45x
Bradstone 4 1481.48x
Buckland Brewer 4 253.16x
Clifton In York 4 30.96x
Constantine 4 97.32x
Hatherleigh 4 123.84x
Lamerton 4 161.94x
Laneast 4 727.27x
Lewannick 4 289.86x
Shobrooke 4 291.97x
Westminster St John 4 5.27x
Bere Ferrers 3 140.19x
Bishops Nympton 3 121.46x
Clovelly 3 177.51x
Croydon 3 1.78x
Islington London 3 0.50x
Landcross 3 1578.95x
Lidford 3 51.46x
Sidmouth 3 40.38x
St Mary Magdalene 3 57.80x
Stoke Climsland 3 66.52x
Sutcombe 3 337.08x
Tetcott 3 535.71x
Wolborough 3 18.29x
Bethnal Green London 2 0.74x
Bishops Hull 2 61.73x
Boyton 2 1176.47x
Flaxley 2 72.99x
Holsworthy 2 54.64x
Morwenstow 2 115.61x
St Columb Major 2 34.13x
St Stephen 2 80.00x
Swansea Higher 2 17.70x
Uffculme 2 51.68x
Westleigh 2 188.68x
Wingate 2 15.74x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 64
Elizabeth 36
Ann 16
Jane 13
Eliza 11
Emma 11
Fanny 11
Annie 10
Sarah 10
Ellen 9
Clara 7
Emily 7
Maria 7
Bessie 5
Louisa 5
Caroline 4
Grace 4
Hannah 4
Laura 4
Lucy 4
Susan 4
Ada 3
Edith 3
Frances 3
Harriett 3
Lily 3
Alice 2
Anne 2
Blanch 2
Catherine 2
Esther 2
Eva 2
Jessie 2
Julia 2
Lydia 2
Marion 2
Amy 1
Anie 1
Beatrice 1
Bella 1
Charity 1
Charlotte 1
Dialina 1
E. 1
Ella 1
Gussey 1
Hanah 1
Hetty 1
Isabella 1
Tryphena 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 61
John 46
George 27
Thomas 23
Charles 16
Richard 14
Samuel 14
James 12
Henry 8
Philip 8
Frederick 6
Arthur 5
Harry 4
Robert 3
Simon 3
Albert 2
Alfred 2
David 2
Edward 2
Elijah 2
Hugh 2
Isaac 2
Jonathon 2
Joseph 2
Walter 2
Augustus 1
Char. 1
Chas.Thos. 1
Claud 1
Daniel 1
Dennis 1
Edgar 1
Edwin 1
Eli 1
Emanuel 1
Ernest 1
Evan 1
Francis 1
Fredk.J. 1
Jno 1
Joshua 1
Josias 1
Lewis 1
Phillip 1
Reuben 1
Richd. 1
Sidney 1
Silas 1
Stephen 1
Wm.Andrew 1

FAQ

Colwill surname: questions and answers

How common was the Colwill surname in 1881?

In 1881, 633 people were recorded with the Colwill surname. That placed it at #5,604 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Colwill surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,036 in 2016. That gives Colwill a modern rank of #5,626.

What does the Colwill surname mean?

A variant spelling of 'Colville', referring to a location in northeast England.

What does the Colwill map show?

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