NameCensus.

UK surname

Croad

A locational surname derived from a place name, likely referring to someone from Croad.

In the 1881 census there were 253 people recorded with the Croad surname, ranking it #10,980 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 401, ranked #11,857, down from #10,980 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Sydling St.Nicholas, London parishes and Poole St James. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Isle of Wight, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Lancaster.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Croad is 466 in 1998. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 58.5%.

1881 census count

253

Ranked #10,980

Modern count

401

2016, ranked #11,857

Peak year

1998

466 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Croad had 253 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,980 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 401 in 2016, ranked #11,857.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 429 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Croad surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Croad surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Croad 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 116 #15,545
1861 historical 144 #15,817
1881 historical 253 #10,980
1891 historical 310 #10,812
1901 historical 420 #9,169
1911 historical 429 #8,815
1997 modern 448 #10,113
1998 modern 466 #10,140
1999 modern 459 #10,310
2000 modern 453 #10,371
2001 modern 447 #10,294
2002 modern 433 #10,780
2003 modern 422 #10,825
2004 modern 407 #11,135
2005 modern 405 #11,078
2006 modern 404 #11,159
2007 modern 405 #11,270
2008 modern 394 #11,622
2009 modern 409 #11,524
2010 modern 418 #11,582
2011 modern 410 #11,644
2012 modern 411 #11,500
2013 modern 411 #11,669
2014 modern 418 #11,614
2015 modern 404 #11,814
2016 modern 401 #11,857

Geography

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Where Croads are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Sydling St.Nicholas, London parishes, Poole St James and Newchurch. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Isle of Wight, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Lancaster, Poole and West Dorset. 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 Sydling St.Nicholas Dorset
2 London parishes London 1
3 Poole St James Dorset
4 Newchurch Hampshire
5 London parishes London 3

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Isle of Wight 018 Isle of Wight
2 Rhondda Cynon Taf 024 Rhondda Cynon Taf
3 Lancaster 001 Lancaster
4 Poole 015 Poole
5 West Dorset 005 West Dorset

Forenames

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First names often paired with Croad

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Croad

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

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Croad surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Croad household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

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, Croad 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

Croad is most concentrated in decile 2 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.

2
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Croad 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 Croad is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 25-30 mbit/s.

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

5
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Croad

The surname Croad has its origins in England, tracing back to the early medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "crod," which meant a croft or a small plot of cultivated land. The name likely referred to someone who lived on or worked a croft, making it an occupational surname.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Croad can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from the 12th century, where a person named William Crod is mentioned. This suggests that the name was already in use during the Norman period in England.

In the 13th century, the spelling of the name evolved to Crode, as seen in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1275, which listed a Richard Crode. This variation in spelling was common during that time due to the lack of standardized orthography.

The Croad surname is also linked to various place names in England, such as Croadhill in Somerset and Croadtown in Berkshire. These place names likely originated from individuals bearing the Croad surname who settled in those areas, influencing the naming of the locations.

One notable figure with the Croad surname was Sir John Croad (1547-1625), an English politician and Member of Parliament for Bridgwater in Somerset during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He played a significant role in local politics and served as a justice of the peace for Somerset.

Another individual of note was Thomas Croad (1668-1743), an English clergyman and author who served as the rector of St. Mary's Church in Barnstaple, Devon. He published several religious works, including "The Believer's Portion" and "The Christian's Pattern."

In the 18th century, the Croad surname gained prominence with the birth of William Croad (1737-1809), a prominent English architect and surveyor. He designed several notable buildings in London, including the St. Mary Axe Church and the Bethlem Royal Hospital.

During the 19th century, James Croad (1825-1892) made a name for himself as a respected civil engineer. He was instrumental in the construction of several railways and bridges across England, including the Saltash Royal Albert Bridge over the River Tamar.

Finally, one cannot overlook the contribution of John Croad (1886-1968), a renowned British artist and illustrator known for his paintings depicting rural life in England. His works were exhibited at the Royal Academy and are held in various art collections around the world.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Croad families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Croad 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. Dorset leads with 75 Croads recorded in 1881 and an index of 43.72x.

County Total Index
Dorset 75 43.72x
Hampshire 75 14.00x
Middlesex 23 0.88x
Somerset 17 4.04x
Channel Islands 14 18.07x
Surrey 12 0.94x
Essex 10 1.94x
Westmorland 7 12.18x
Kent 6 0.67x
Leicestershire 6 2.07x
Gloucestershire 5 0.98x
Yorkshire 5 0.19x
Norfolk 4 1.00x
Sussex 4 0.91x
Durham 2 0.26x
Warwickshire 2 0.30x
Royal Navy 1 3.21x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Portsea in Hampshire leads with 21 Croads recorded in 1881 and an index of 20.00x.

Place Total Index
Portsea 21 20.00x
St Helier 14 55.51x
Melcombe Regis 11 154.71x
Whippingham 11 270.94x
Brading 10 140.45x
Buckland Newton 10 1298.70x
St George Hanover Square 10 21.71x
West Ham 10 8.78x
Alton Pancras 9 3913.04x
Bonchurch 9 1500.00x
Lambeth 9 3.95x
Preston 9 1428.57x
Sydling St Nicholas 9 1800.00x
Northwood 8 104.85x
Broomfield 7 1842.11x
Shalfleet 7 679.61x
Strickland Kettle 7 1272.73x
Chilton Trinity 6 4000.00x
Portland 6 65.01x
Sherborne 6 118.81x
Weymouth 6 184.62x
Ellerton Abbey 5 12500.00x
Hayes 5 806.45x
Kinson 5 149.25x
Stoke Golding 5 1020.41x
Bow London 4 12.02x
Chelsea London 4 5.08x
Kings Lynn St Margaret 4 33.14x
Wandsworth 3 11.92x
Warblington 3 140.85x
Bristol St Augustine 2 24.18x
Broadmayne 2 434.78x
Darlington 2 6.66x
Durrington 2 1250.00x
Leamington 2 45.77x
Southampton St Mary 2 5.94x
Westbury On Trym 2 11.51x
Yeovil 2 23.39x
Alverstoke 1 5.16x
Bristol St George 1 4.22x
Bromley 1 7.36x
Bromley London 1 1.74x
Clevedon 1 22.83x
Cliffe 1 67.11x
Dorchester St Peter 1 80.65x
Evershot 1 222.22x
Freshwater 1 40.82x
Hackney London 1 0.68x
Hinckley 1 14.56x
Hove 1 5.17x
Kensington London 1 0.69x
Midsomer Norton 1 25.25x
Paddington London 1 1.04x
Portsmouth 1 8.10x
Royal Navy 1 3.76x
St Martin In Fields 1 6.39x
Ventnor 1 19.61x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Elizabeth 14
Mary 12
Sarah 8
Kate 6
Ann 5
Annie 5
Eliza 5
Ellen 5
Emily 5
Emma 5
Alice 4
Louisa 4
Fanny 3
Hannah 3
Jane 3
Ada 2
Bessie 2
Caroline 2
Elizth. 2
Maria 2
Martha 2
Theresa 2
Charlott 1
Charlotte 1
Daisy 1
E.M.R. 1
Edith 1
Eleanor 1
Elira 1
Elizth.C. 1
Ethel 1
Eva 1
Evaline 1
Evelyn 1
Florence 1
Henrietta 1
Isabel 1
Jemima 1
Jessie 1
Julia 1
Kezia 1
Lavinia 1
Leonara 1
Letitia 1
Lilian 1
Lily 1
Lucy 1
Lydia 1
Mable 1
Virtue 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 18
George 15
John 12
James 11
Thomas 9
Henry 7
Alfred 6
Charles 6
Albert 5
Edwin 4
Walter 4
Frederick 3
Robert 3
Herbert 2
Herbet 2
Joseph 2
Josiah 2
Josias 2
Reginald 2
Aaron 1
Abslom 1
Barney 1
C. 1
Charley 1
Edward 1
Frank 1
Maud 1
Richard 1
Roland 1
Sidney 1
Tom 1

FAQ

Croad surname: questions and answers

How common was the Croad surname in 1881?

In 1881, 253 people were recorded with the Croad surname. That placed it at #10,980 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Croad surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 401 in 2016. That gives Croad a modern rank of #11,857.

What does the Croad surname mean?

A locational surname derived from a place name, likely referring to someone from Croad.

What does the Croad map show?

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