NameCensus.

UK surname

Dadson

An English surname originating as a patronymic meaning "son of Dad".

In the 1881 census there were 272 people recorded with the Dadson surname, ranking it #10,409 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 375, ranked #12,457, down from #10,409 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Northfleet, Tunbridge, Bidborough and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Ashford, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Dadson is 404 in 2011. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 37.9%.

1881 census count

272

Ranked #10,409

Modern count

375

2016, ranked #12,457

Peak year

2011

404 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Dadson had 272 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,409 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 375 in 2016, ranked #12,457.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 394 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Dadson surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Dadson surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Dadson 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 221 #9,630
1861 historical 276 #9,052
1881 historical 272 #10,409
1891 historical 371 #9,405
1901 historical 369 #10,040
1911 historical 394 #9,394
1997 modern 352 #12,117
1998 modern 360 #12,300
1999 modern 365 #12,245
2000 modern 363 #12,237
2001 modern 362 #12,076
2002 modern 373 #12,060
2003 modern 354 #12,319
2004 modern 351 #12,422
2005 modern 342 #12,579
2006 modern 351 #12,420
2007 modern 369 #12,098
2008 modern 362 #12,384
2009 modern 382 #12,150
2010 modern 395 #12,105
2011 modern 404 #11,786
2012 modern 379 #12,192
2013 modern 392 #12,100
2014 modern 392 #12,192
2015 modern 385 #12,256
2016 modern 375 #12,457

Geography

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Where Dadsons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Northfleet, Tunbridge, Bidborough, London parishes, Maidstone, Linton, Loddington and Malling, East. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Ashford, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Shepway and Gravesham. 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 Northfleet Kent
2 Tunbridge, Bidborough Kent
3 London parishes London 3
4 Maidstone, Linton, Loddington Kent
5 Malling, East Kent

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Ashford 014 Ashford
2 Tunbridge Wells 001 Tunbridge Wells
3 Maidstone 010 Maidstone
4 Shepway 006 Shepway
5 Gravesham 004 Gravesham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Dadson

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Dadson

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

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Dadson surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Dadson 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 is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Dadson 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

Dadson is most concentrated in decile 10 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.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Dadson 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 Dadson 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 Dadson, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Dadson

The surname Dadson is believed to have originated in England, specifically in the counties of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, during the medieval period. It is thought to be a patronymic name, derived from the Old English personal name "Daed" or "Dada," which means "fortunate" or "good fortune."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dadson can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Dadessune." This historical document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, was a comprehensive survey of landholdings and properties across England.

In the 13th century, the name Dadson appeared in various forms, such as "Dadisun," "Dadeson," and "Dadysun," reflecting the regional variations in spelling and pronunciation. During this time, the surname was also associated with certain place names, such as Dadson's Garth in Yorkshire, which may have contributed to its development.

Notable individuals with the surname Dadson include John Dadson (c. 1554-1638), an English religious scholar and author who wrote several theological works. Another notable figure was William Dadson (1720-1783), a British naval officer who served during the Seven Years' War and the American Revolutionary War.

In the 19th century, the surname Dadson gained prominence through individuals like Robert Dadson (1819-1892), a British explorer and adventurer who traveled extensively in Africa and documented his experiences in published works. Additionally, Charles Dadson (1842-1919) was a prominent English architect who designed several notable buildings in London and the surrounding areas.

One of the most famous individuals with the surname Dadson was Sir Christopher Dadson (1877-1954), a British diplomat and ambassador who served in various countries, including Egypt, Italy, and France. He played a crucial role in diplomatic relations during the interwar period and World War II.

While the surname Dadson is relatively uncommon, it has a rich history spanning centuries and is deeply rooted in the English culture and language. The name's evolution and association with notable figures across different fields have contributed to its enduring legacy.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Dadson families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Dadson 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. Kent leads with 186 Dadsons recorded in 1881 and an index of 20.55x.

County Total Index
Kent 186 20.55x
Middlesex 21 0.79x
Essex 16 3.06x
Sussex 15 3.35x
Wiltshire 9 3.84x
Yorkshire 7 0.27x
Cheshire 6 1.02x
Surrey 5 0.39x
Northamptonshire 3 1.20x
Lancashire 2 0.06x
Lincolnshire 1 0.24x
Somerset 1 0.23x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. East Malling in Kent leads with 34 Dadsons recorded in 1881 and an index of 1574.07x.

Place Total Index
East Malling 34 1574.07x
Tonbridge 29 88.82x
Northfleet 24 301.13x
Boughton Monchelsea 18 1800.00x
Cranbrook 17 443.86x
Maidstone 11 40.80x
Swindon 8 43.96x
West Ham 8 6.92x
Leyton 7 77.61x
Rawmarsh 7 75.35x
Bollington In 6 115.16x
Hornsey 6 17.88x
Boughton Under Blean 5 328.95x
Bromley 5 36.23x
Lewisham 5 10.36x
Hastings All Sts 4 95.01x
Hastings St Clement 4 95.01x
Hove 4 20.38x
Loose 4 300.75x
St Marylebone London 4 2.82x
Willesden 4 15.99x
Camberwell 3 1.77x
Ditton 3 967.74x
Erith 3 33.63x
Faversham 3 34.76x
Sittingbourne 3 41.96x
Stoke Albany 3 1034.48x
Bethnal Green London 2 1.74x
Charlton Next Woolwich 2 21.19x
Dartford 2 21.60x
Liverpool 2 1.05x
Minster In Sheppey 2 13.33x
Ore 2 60.06x
Rainham 2 80.32x
Walmer 2 50.76x
Brenchley 1 30.86x
Bromley London 1 1.71x
Chart Sutton 1 161.29x
Folkestone 1 5.69x
Gillingham 1 5.36x
Grays Inn Staple Inn 1 294.12x
Great Grimsby 1 3.71x
Hammersmith London 1 1.53x
Hampstead London 1 2.42x
Hastings St Mary In The 1 10.48x
Hollingbourn 1 95.24x
Horsemonden 1 75.76x
Lexden 1 47.62x
Marden 1 47.17x
Milton In Gravesend 1 7.37x
Nettleton 1 270.27x
Newington 1 1.02x
Penshurst 1 65.79x
Preston Next Faversham 1 46.95x
Ryarsh 1 200.00x
Snodland 1 38.91x
South Petherton 1 45.25x
Southwark St Saviour 1 7.33x
St Pancras London 1 0.47x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Sarah 14
Elizabeth 10
Emily 8
Mary 8
Alice 6
Ann 6
Annie 6
Eliza 5
Jane 4
Edith 3
Ellen 3
Kate 3
Minnie 3
Rhoda 3
Ada 2
Amy 2
Florence 2
Frances 2
Gertrude 2
Harriet 2
Jessie 2
Matilda 2
Olive 2
Phoebe 2
Sophia 2
Susan 2
Adelaide 1
Charlotte 1
Clara 1
Delia 1
Eleanor 1
Eleoner 1
Emey 1
Emilie 1
Emma 1
Francis 1
Hannah 1
Harriett 1
Julia 1
Lilian 1
Lillian 1
Lucy 1
Mabel 1
Malalda 1
Maria 1
Marth 1
Martha 1
May 1
Rebecca 1
William 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 22
George 15
John 10
James 8
Henry 7
Alfred 6
Thomas 6
Charles 5
Albert 4
Frank 3
Richard 3
Stephen 3
Arthur 2
Edgar 2
Edwin 2
Frederic 2
Frederick 2
Nicholas 2
Samuel 2
Steven 2
Sydney 2
Bengamin 1
Edward 1
Eli 1
Ernest 1
Francis 1
Fred 1
Fredrick 1
Harold 1
Harry 1
Harvey 1
Herbert 1
Hilary 1
Horace 1
Joseph 1
L. 1
L.H. 1
Leonard 1
Lewis 1
Mark 1
Moses 1
Raymond 1
Robert 1
True 1
Victor 1
Wilm.J. 1
Zephaniah 1

FAQ

Dadson surname: questions and answers

How common was the Dadson surname in 1881?

In 1881, 272 people were recorded with the Dadson surname. That placed it at #10,409 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Dadson surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 375 in 2016. That gives Dadson a modern rank of #12,457.

What does the Dadson surname mean?

An English surname originating as a patronymic meaning "son of Dad".

What does the Dadson map show?

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