NameCensus.

UK surname

Daniells

A variant of the surname "Daniel", derived from the Hebrew biblical name meaning "God is my judge".

In the 1881 census there were 406 people recorded with the Daniells surname, ranking it #7,880 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 497, ranked #10,024, down from #7,880 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, St Pancras and Maidsmoreton. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Portsmouth, Mendip and East Riding of Yorkshire.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Daniells is 722 in 1901. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 22.4%.

1881 census count

406

Ranked #7,880

Modern count

497

2016, ranked #10,024

Peak year

1901

722 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Daniells had 406 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #7,880 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 497 in 2016, ranked #10,024.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 722 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Daniells surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Daniells surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Daniells 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 265 #8,395
1861 historical 257 #9,629
1881 historical 406 #7,880
1891 historical 605 #6,341
1901 historical 722 #6,124
1911 historical 656 #6,401
1997 modern 557 #8,579
1998 modern 590 #8,492
1999 modern 592 #8,517
2000 modern 567 #8,733
2001 modern 561 #8,672
2002 modern 561 #8,845
2003 modern 548 #8,860
2004 modern 542 #8,956
2005 modern 546 #8,827
2006 modern 525 #9,135
2007 modern 515 #9,357
2008 modern 506 #9,548
2009 modern 510 #9,699
2010 modern 515 #9,821
2011 modern 510 #9,805
2012 modern 481 #10,145
2013 modern 503 #9,979
2014 modern 504 #10,023
2015 modern 494 #10,083
2016 modern 497 #10,024

Geography

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Where Daniells' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, St Pancras, Maidsmoreton and Newport Pagnell. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Portsmouth, Mendip, East Riding of Yorkshire, Sedgemoor and Rhondda Cynon Taf. 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 London parishes London 1
2 London parishes London 3
3 St Pancras London (North Districts)
4 Maidsmoreton Buckinghamshire
5 Newport Pagnell Buckinghamshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Portsmouth 016 Portsmouth
2 Mendip 012 Mendip
3 East Riding of Yorkshire 011 East Riding of Yorkshire
4 Sedgemoor 013 Sedgemoor
5 Rhondda Cynon Taf 012 Rhondda Cynon Taf

Forenames

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First names often paired with Daniells

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Daniells

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

Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs

Group

London Fringe

Within London, Daniells is most associated with areas classed as London Fringe, part of Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs. 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

Predominantly located in neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Greater London, residents of these neighbourhoods typically have their highest qualifications below degree (Level 4) level, with those still in work engaged in skilled trades and occupations in distribution, hotels and restaurants. There is low ethnic diversity in these neighbourhoods and high levels of Christian religious affiliation. Detached or terraced houses predominate, often with spare rooms.

Wider London pattern

The age distribution of these neighbourhoods is skewed towards the middle-aged and old, although few residents live alone or in communal establishments and numbers of dependent children are around average. Owner occupation is the norm, as is residence in detached or semi-detached houses. Residential densities are low and many households have spare rooms. Most residents were born in the UK and, aside from some identifying as members of Chinese or Indian ethnicities, identify as White. Mixed ethnicity households are rare. Incidence of married couples is higher than average and few individuals have never been married. A large proportion of individuals still in employment work in administrative and secretarial occupations, or in the construction industry. Few residents are students, and many households own more than one car.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Daniells is most concentrated in decile 7 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.

7
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Daniells falls in decile 7 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.

7
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Daniells

The surname Daniells originated in England during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Hebrew personal name Daniel, which means "God is my judge" in Biblical texts. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Daniel" and "Danielle."

In the 12th century, the name began to take on various spellings, including Danyell, Daniall, and Daniells. These variations were likely influenced by regional dialects and the evolving nature of the English language during that time period. The surname Daniells was particularly prevalent in the counties of Devon, Somerset, and Gloucestershire.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Daniells surname dates back to 1273, when a John Daniells was mentioned in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire. Additionally, the Feet of Fines for Essex in 1301 recorded a Thomas Daniells, indicating the widespread use of the name across different regions of England.

In the 14th century, the Daniells surname gained further prominence with the birth of Sir Robert Daniells (c. 1330-1390), a wealthy landowner and Member of Parliament for Somerset. Another notable figure from this period was John Daniells (c. 1355-1428), a prominent merchant and alderman in the City of London.

During the 16th century, the Daniells family established themselves as influential landowners in Devon. Sir Robert Daniells (c. 1510-1592) was a Member of Parliament for the county and played a significant role in local affairs. His son, Sir Francis Daniells (c. 1550-1622), followed in his footsteps and served as a Member of Parliament for Devon as well.

In the 17th century, the Daniells surname continued to be associated with notable individuals, such as Sir Thomas Daniells (1615-1683), a wealthy merchant and philanthropist from London. He funded the construction of several almshouses and was a generous benefactor to various charitable causes.

Another prominent figure from this era was Captain William Daniells (c. 1635-1712), a renowned English naval officer who served during the Anglo-Dutch Wars and the War of the Spanish Succession. His exploits at sea earned him widespread recognition and contributed to the Daniells family's reputation.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Daniells families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Daniells 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. Wiltshire leads with 57 Daniells' recorded in 1881 and an index of 16.48x.

County Total Index
Wiltshire 57 16.48x
Middlesex 47 1.20x
Surrey 37 1.94x
Lancashire 33 0.71x
Buckinghamshire 30 12.69x
Essex 21 2.72x
Somerset 19 3.02x
Gloucestershire 16 2.09x
Kent 14 1.05x
Warwickshire 14 1.42x
Dorset 12 4.67x
Derbyshire 10 1.63x
Devon 10 1.23x
Bedfordshire 9 4.44x
Durham 7 0.60x
Suffolk 7 1.47x
Sussex 7 1.06x
Leicestershire 6 1.38x
Northumberland 6 1.03x
Rutland 5 17.41x
Glamorgan 4 0.59x
Herefordshire 4 2.49x
Hertfordshire 4 1.48x
Staffordshire 4 0.30x
Berkshire 3 1.02x
Worcestershire 3 0.59x
Hampshire 2 0.25x
Norfolk 2 0.33x
Northamptonshire 2 0.54x
Oxfordshire 2 0.83x
Caernarfonshire 1 0.63x
Cheshire 1 0.12x
Cornwall 1 0.23x
Yorkshire 1 0.03x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire leads with 16 Daniells' recorded in 1881 and an index of 323.89x.

Place Total Index
Newport Pagnell 16 323.89x
Birmingham 13 3.95x
Maids Moreton 13 2166.67x
Walton On Hill 13 51.69x
Fisherton Anger 12 187.50x
Harwich St Nicholas 11 184.56x
Penge 10 40.02x
Warminster 10 131.93x
Westbury 10 123.92x
Long Eaton 9 111.39x
Upton Scudamore 9 2142.86x
Berkley 8 1860.47x
Openshaw 8 36.80x
St Pancras London 8 2.54x
Streatham 8 27.57x
Enfield 7 27.27x
Enford 7 598.29x
Greenwich 7 11.24x
Lambeth 7 2.05x
Newton Cap 7 386.74x
Bromley London 6 6.97x
Mells 6 461.54x
Newcastle On Tyne St 6 19.89x
Wilshampstead 6 545.45x
Cocking 5 649.35x
Fornham St Geneveve 5 3846.15x
Lewisham 5 7.03x
North Meols 5 11.00x
Oakham Lordshold 5 166.11x
Sidmouth 5 107.30x
Westbury On Severn 5 164.47x
Bermondsey 4 3.43x
Hereford All Sts 4 54.42x
Imber 4 769.23x
Kensington London 4 1.84x
Leicester Newarke 4 176.99x
Semley 4 434.78x
St Marylebone London 4 1.92x
West Ham 4 2.35x
Bryanstone 3 857.14x
Cirencester 3 28.87x
Clevedon 3 45.80x
Lidlington 3 340.91x
Llantrisant 3 17.47x
Newington 3 2.08x
Prestbury 3 157.89x
Sidbury 3 172.41x
Tarrant Launceston 3 2500.00x
Westminster St Margaret 3 15.90x
Bathwick 2 28.69x
Blandford Forum 2 39.45x
Blisworth 2 140.85x
Bures St Mary 2 172.41x
Byfleet 2 117.65x
Cheltenham 2 3.38x
Dedham 2 85.47x
Gloucester St John Baptist 2 40.40x
Hackney London 2 0.91x
Hulme 2 2.06x
Little Bolton 2 3.35x
Little Thurrock 2 322.58x
Lutterworth 2 75.76x
Newbury 2 21.25x
Paddington London 2 1.39x
Poplar London 2 2.71x
Rugeley 2 21.12x
Shoreditch London 2 1.18x
St George Hanover Square 2 2.90x
Swyncombe 2 408.16x
Tring 2 27.78x
Balcombe 1 84.75x
Boughton Monchelsea 1 68.03x
Brighton 1 0.75x
Chelsea London 1 0.85x
Denton In North 1 344.83x
Dorchester Holy Trinity 1 48.08x
Llantwit Vairdre 1 13.05x
Prestwich 1 8.64x
Rainow 1 58.14x
St Osyth 1 53.19x

Top female names

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

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 29
John 22
James 16
George 11
Thomas 11
Joseph 10
Henry 9
Arthur 8
Charles 7
Robert 7
Albert 4
Alfred 4
Frank 4
Walter 4
Edward 3
Christopher 2
Cyrus 2
David 2
Edmund 2
Edwin 2
Ernest 2
Frederick 2
Herbert 2
Percy 2
Richard 2
Samuel 2
Alexander 1
Ambrose 1
E.S. 1
Edgar 1
F. 1
Fletcher 1
G. 1
Geo.Will 1
Georgh 1
Herculus 1
Job 1
Mark 1
Noah 1
Oliver 1
Oscar 1
Shadarack 1
Sidney 1
Silvanus 1
Stephen 1
Sydney 1
Tom 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Daniells surname: questions and answers

How common was the Daniells surname in 1881?

In 1881, 406 people were recorded with the Daniells surname. That placed it at #7,880 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Daniells surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 497 in 2016. That gives Daniells a modern rank of #10,024.

What does the Daniells surname mean?

A variant of the surname "Daniel", derived from the Hebrew biblical name meaning "God is my judge".

What does the Daniells map show?

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