NameCensus.

UK surname

Dan

A Hebrew surname meaning "judge" or referring to someone from the tribe of Dan.

In the 1881 census there were 161 people recorded with the Dan surname, ranking it #14,801 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 566, ranked #9,075, up from #14,801 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Stockport, Faversham, Ospring Liberty and Drypool. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Cornwall, Isles of Scilly and Plymouth.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Dan is 566 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 251.6%.

1881 census count

161

Ranked #14,801

Modern count

566

2016, ranked #9,075

Peak year

2016

566 bearers

Map years

6

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Dan had 161 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #14,801 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 566 in 2016, ranked #9,075.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 218 in 1851.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Dan surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Dan surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Dan 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 218 #9,754
1881 historical 161 #14,801
1891 historical 10 #33,355
1901 historical 154 #17,775
1997 modern 167 #19,722
1998 modern 174 #19,729
1999 modern 183 #19,248
2000 modern 183 #19,239
2001 modern 173 #19,635
2002 modern 162 #20,839
2003 modern 158 #20,952
2004 modern 180 #19,424
2005 modern 168 #20,227
2006 modern 167 #20,447
2007 modern 194 #18,855
2008 modern 193 #19,077
2009 modern 219 #17,960
2010 modern 252 #16,701
2011 modern 272 #15,653
2012 modern 360 #12,673
2013 modern 389 #12,177
2014 modern 454 #10,818
2015 modern 489 #10,168
2016 modern 566 #9,075

Geography

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Where Dans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Stockport, Faversham, Ospring Liberty, Drypool, Manchester and St Martin. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Cornwall, Isles of Scilly, Plymouth and Harrow. 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 Stockport Cheshire
2 Faversham, Ospring Liberty Kent
3 Drypool Yorkshire, East Riding
4 Manchester Lancashire
5 St Martin Cornwall

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Cornwall 037 Cornwall
2 Isles of Scilly 001 Isles of Scilly
3 Plymouth 011 Plymouth
4 Harrow 007 Harrow
5 Plymouth 021 Plymouth

Forenames

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First names often paired with Dan

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Dan

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

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Dan surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Dan household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Dan 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

Dan 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

Dan falls in decile 2 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.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Dan is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

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

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Other

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

Meaning and origin of Dan

The surname Dan has its origins in the Middle English and Old Norse word "Danr" which means "a Dane". It was primarily used as an ethnic name for someone of Danish descent or origin. The name is believed to have first emerged in the Scandinavian countries, particularly in Denmark, during the 9th century.

The earliest recorded use of the surname Dan can be traced back to the late 11th century in England, where it likely arrived with the Danish settlers after the Norman Conquest. The Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landowners in England compiled in 1086, contains several entries of individuals with the surname Dan.

During the Middle Ages, the surname Dan was prevalent in various parts of England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Nottinghamshire. It was also found in Scotland, where the name was likely introduced by Danish Vikings who had settled in the northern regions.

One of the earliest known bearers of the surname Dan was Eadric Dan, a nobleman and landowner from Lincolnshire, England, who lived in the late 11th century. Another notable figure was Swein Dan, a Danish warrior and chieftain who participated in the Viking raids on England in the early 11th century.

In the 12th century, the surname Dan appeared in various spellings, such as Dann, Danne, and Danne, reflecting the regional variations and pronunciation differences. The place name Danbury in Essex, England, is believed to have derived from the Old English "Danabyrig", meaning "the fortified place of the Danes".

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Dan. One such figure was John Dan (1570-1636), an English clergyman and scholar who served as the Dean of Windsor and author of several theological works. Another was Thomas Dan (1612-1694), an English Puritan minister and author who wrote extensively on religious subjects.

In the 18th century, Samuel Dan (1722-1788) was a notable English clergyman and academic who served as the Master of Pembroke College, Oxford. Robert Dan (1756-1833) was a British naval officer who distinguished himself during the Napoleonic Wars and was knighted for his services.

The surname Dan has also been associated with notable individuals in other parts of the world, such as the French painter André Dan (1700-1757), known for his historical and religious paintings.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Dan families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Dan 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 35 Dans recorded in 1881 and an index of 9.68x.

County Total Index
Devon 35 9.68x
Cornwall 29 14.75x
Kent 14 2.36x
Staffordshire 14 2.39x
Middlesex 13 0.75x
Yorkshire 12 0.70x
Lancashire 9 0.44x
Surrey 9 1.06x
Aberdeenshire 6 3.73x
Midlothian 5 2.15x
Morayshire 5 18.53x
Hampshire 4 1.12x
Essex 3 0.88x
Norfolk 3 1.12x
Lanarkshire 2 0.36x
Northumberland 2 0.77x
Somerset 2 0.72x
Sussex 2 0.68x
Anglesey 1 3.25x
Angus 1 0.62x
Banffshire 1 2.78x
Cheshire 1 0.26x
Durham 1 0.19x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.43x
Royal Navy 1 4.83x
Warwickshire 1 0.23x
Worcestershire 1 0.44x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. East Looe in Cornwall leads with 28 Dans recorded in 1881 and an index of 3500.00x.

Place Total Index
East Looe 28 3500.00x
Stoke Damerel 11 43.50x
Plymouth St Andrew 10 35.92x
Southcoates 9 94.24x
Walsall Borough 8 175.82x
Faversham 7 123.89x
Loose 6 689.66x
Tamworth 6 191.69x
Aberdeen Old Machar 5 14.89x
Duffus 5 210.08x
Liverpool 5 4.00x
Frimley 4 165.98x
Plymouth Charles The 4 25.13x
Portsea 4 5.74x
Stoke 4 273.97x
Bethnal Green London 3 3.98x
Chelsea London 3 5.73x
Compton 3 1250.00x
North Leith 3 27.88x
Roxwell 3 625.00x
St Pancras London 3 2.15x
Clerkenwell London 2 4.88x
Govan 2 1.44x
Kingstonupon Hull 2 144.93x
Newington 2 3.12x
Pulham St Mary Virgin 2 408.16x
Toxteth Park 2 2.87x
Bedlington 1 11.59x
Birmingham 1 0.69x
Burwardsley 1 370.37x
Cairney 1 106.38x
Camberwell 1 0.90x
Cornwood 1 144.93x
Downholland 1 357.14x
Eastbourne 1 7.42x
Edinburgh Buccleuch 1 18.18x
Edinburgh St Stephens 1 21.83x
Exeter Heavitree 1 37.17x
Gradley 1 90.91x
Great Crosby 1 17.79x
Hampstead London 1 3.70x
Hove 1 7.79x
Hunwick Helmington 1 80.65x
Kirkmichael 1 156.25x
Lambeth 1 0.66x
Lee 1 11.63x
Llanfihangel Esceifiog 1 185.19x
Madron Penzance 1 13.99x
Monifieth 1 17.61x
Nottingham St Mary 1 1.65x
Poplar London 1 3.05x
Royal Navy 1 5.65x
Selby 1 27.78x
Southwark St George Martyr 1 2.86x
Tavistock 1 24.27x
Tittleshall 1 322.58x
Wells St Cuthbert Out 1 44.44x
Westgate 1 6.25x
Wookey 1 161.29x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Elizabeth 9
Mary 8
Sarah 7
Eliza 6
Emma 5
Margaret 3
Ann 2
Beatrice 2
Emily 2
Esther 2
Florence 2
Hanh. 2
Jane 2
Minnie 2
Sophia 2
Ada 1
Alice 1
Anne 1
Annie 1
Bertha 1
Blanche 1
Charlotte 1
Clarinda 1
Edith 1
Ethel 1
Fany 1
Floria 1
Gertrude 1
Hannah 1
Harriet 1
Helen 1
Henrietta 1
Hester 1
Hetty 1
Jockabed 1
Louisa 1
Lucy 1
Mable 1
Maria 1
Martha 1
Nellie 1
Olive 1
Rose 1
Ruth 1
Susan 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
James 8
William 7
Charles 4
Henry 4
John 4
Thomas 4
Alfred 3
Joseph 3
Richard 3
Robert 3
Chas. 2
Ernest 2
Samuel 2
Albert 1
Alexander 1
Amy 1
Daniel 1
David 1
Edward 1
Edwin 1
Frank 1
Frederick 1
George 1
Harry 1
Herbt. 1
Horace 1
Josph. 1
Malcom 1
Mathew 1
Michail 1
Osborn 1
Percy 1
Phillip 1
Rumsey 1
Sampson 1
Sidney 1

FAQ

Dan surname: questions and answers

How common was the Dan surname in 1881?

In 1881, 161 people were recorded with the Dan surname. That placed it at #14,801 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Dan surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 566 in 2016. That gives Dan a modern rank of #9,075.

What does the Dan surname mean?

A Hebrew surname meaning "judge" or referring to someone from the tribe of Dan.

What does the Dan map show?

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