NameCensus.

UK surname

Earles

Derived from the Old English "eorl," indicating a man of noble rank or an earl.

In the 1881 census there were 196 people recorded with the Earles surname, ranking it #13,006 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 310, ranked #14,406, down from #13,006 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Prestbury, London parishes and Ashford. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include East Riding of Yorkshire, Swansea and Cheshire East.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Earles is 333 in 2009. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 58.2%.

1881 census count

196

Ranked #13,006

Modern count

310

2016, ranked #14,406

Peak year

2009

333 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Earles had 196 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #13,006 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 310 in 2016, ranked #14,406.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 261 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Earles surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Earles surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Earles 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 187 #10,978
1861 historical 163 #14,242
1881 historical 196 #13,006
1891 historical 228 #13,582
1901 historical 213 #14,563
1911 historical 261 #12,526
1997 modern 280 #14,136
1998 modern 295 #14,029
1999 modern 299 #14,000
2000 modern 297 #14,008
2001 modern 289 #14,069
2002 modern 296 #14,110
2003 modern 286 #14,259
2004 modern 302 #13,833
2005 modern 296 #13,947
2006 modern 299 #13,949
2007 modern 304 #13,927
2008 modern 315 #13,686
2009 modern 333 #13,434
2010 modern 332 #13,745
2011 modern 330 #13,664
2012 modern 293 #14,742
2013 modern 296 #14,876
2014 modern 302 #14,772
2015 modern 302 #14,687
2016 modern 310 #14,406

Geography

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Where Earles' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Prestbury, London parishes and Ashford. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to East Riding of Yorkshire, Swansea, Cheshire East and Hounslow. 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 Prestbury Cheshire
2 London parishes London 1
3 Ashford Middlesex (Exclusive Of London Districts)
4 London parishes London 3
5 London parishes London 2

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 East Riding of Yorkshire 015 East Riding of Yorkshire
2 Swansea 010 Swansea
3 Cheshire East 021 Cheshire East
4 Hounslow 006 Hounslow
5 Hounslow 023 Hounslow

Forenames

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First names often paired with Earles

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Earles

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Earles is most associated with areas classed as Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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

Mainly concentrated in suburban areas, these terraced and semi-detached developments are less overcrowded than the Supergroup average, and resident households are more likely to own two or more cars. There are fewer residents aged 25-44, and a larger share of residents employed in administrative and secretarial occupations. Residents are more likely to have been born in the UK, less likely to have been born in the EU or Africa, and much less likely to self-identify as Bangladeshi.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Earles is most concentrated in decile 9 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.

9
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Earles 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 Earles is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

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

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Earles

The surname Earles originated in England, with roots dating back to the 12th century. It is derived from the Old English word "eorl," which means "nobleman" or "warrior." This suggests that the original bearers of this name were likely members of the aristocracy or held prestigious military positions.

The earliest known record of the name Earles can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Erles." This historical document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, provides valuable insights into the distribution of land and population across England and parts of Wales after the Norman Conquest.

Over time, the name underwent various spelling variations, including Earle, Earlys, and Erles. These variations were common due to inconsistent spelling practices and regional dialects in medieval times. The name Earles is also closely associated with certain place names, such as Earls Colne in Essex and Earl Shilton in Leicestershire, indicating a possible connection between the surname and specific locations.

One of the earliest documented individuals bearing the surname Earles was Sir Walter Earles, who lived in the 13th century and served as a knight during the reign of King Edward I. Another notable figure was Sir Ralph Earles, a prominent landowner and military commander who fought alongside Edward III during the Hundred Years' War in the 14th century.

In the 16th century, John Earles (1598-1665) gained recognition as an English author, philosopher, and clergyman. He served as the Bishop of Worcester and Salisbury and is remembered for his literary works, including "Microcosmography" and "A Treatise on the Government of the Tongue."

The 17th century saw the rise of Sir Gervase Earles (1628-1691), a renowned English politician and lawyer who served as a Member of Parliament and held the position of Solicitor General during the reign of King Charles II.

Another notable figure was Sir Michael Earles (1660-1735), a British naval officer who played a crucial role in several battles during the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 18th century. His bravery and leadership earned him recognition and promotion within the Royal Navy.

Throughout its history, the surname Earles has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including noblemen, military leaders, clergymen, authors, lawyers, and naval officers. While the name may have evolved in spelling over time, its origins and connections to England's rich heritage remain deeply rooted.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Earles families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Earles 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. Middlesex leads with 71 Earles' recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.71x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 71 3.71x
Berkshire 24 16.72x
Warwickshire 22 4.56x
Yorkshire 13 0.69x
Lancashire 12 0.53x
Devon 11 2.76x
Denbighshire 8 11.08x
Surrey 8 0.86x
Nottinghamshire 5 1.94x
Durham 4 0.70x
Kent 4 0.61x
Sussex 4 1.24x
Essex 2 0.53x
Worcestershire 2 0.80x
Buckinghamshire 1 0.87x
Cheshire 1 0.24x
Hampshire 1 0.26x
Hertfordshire 1 0.76x
Somerset 1 0.33x
Suffolk 1 0.43x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Ashford in Middlesex leads with 31 Earles' recorded in 1881 and an index of 2052.98x.

Place Total Index
Ashford 31 2052.98x
Reading St Lawrence 15 488.60x
Birmingham 12 7.47x
Wrexham Abbot 8 439.56x
Aston 7 5.27x
Hackney London 7 6.53x
Mile End Old Town London 7 17.20x
Winkleigh 7 875.00x
Reading St Mary 6 52.22x
Leeds 5 4.67x
Nottingham St Mary 5 7.50x
Southcoates 5 47.53x
West Derby 5 7.53x
East Bedfont 4 421.05x
Hastings St Mary In The 4 58.14x
Salford 4 6.00x
St Bride London 4 360.36x
Coventry Holy Trinity 3 20.83x
Hornsey 3 12.41x
Islington London 3 1.62x
St Giles 3 84.51x
St Pancras London 3 1.95x
Whitestone 3 1000.00x
Kings Norton 2 8.93x
Newington 2 2.83x
Poplar London 2 5.54x
Sutton Courtney 2 338.98x
Aldershot 1 7.62x
Barnes 1 25.38x
Beckenham 1 11.72x
Bromley London 1 2.38x
Bures St Mary 1 175.44x
Camberwell 1 0.82x
Chelsea London 1 1.74x
Chertsey 1 16.61x
Chorlton On Medlock 1 2.77x
Chulmleigh 1 109.89x
Deptford St Paul 1 1.99x
Easton In Gordano 1 80.65x
Great Bolton 1 3.33x
Guildford St Nicholas 1 60.61x
Hampton London 1 31.85x
Hartlepool 1 12.38x
Howden 1 77.52x
Kensington London 1 0.94x
Lambeth 1 0.60x
Lee 1 10.56x
Liverpool 1 0.73x
Macclesfield 1 5.33x
Paddington London 1 1.42x
Reading St Giles 1 7.10x
Rotherham 1 9.36x
Shadwell 1 138.89x
South Weald 1 30.96x
St Luke London 1 3.26x
Turweston 1 500.00x
Walmer 1 35.21x
Watford 1 9.78x
Willesden 1 5.55x
Wimbledon 1 9.56x
Woodford 1 23.42x

Top female names

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

Name Count
John 10
William 10
Charles 9
Thomas 9
Henry 6
James 6
Edward 5
Frederick 5
George 5
Arthur 3
Walter 3
Cornelius 2
Fredrick 2
Richard 2
Abraham 1
Alfred 1
Chales 1
Filpot 1
Foster 1
Frank 1
Fredk. 1
Harry 1
Herbert 1
Isaac 1
J. 1
Joseph 1
Joshua 1
Martin 1
Patrick 1
Reginald 1
Robert 1
Theodore 1
Thos. 1
Willm.J. 1

FAQ

Earles surname: questions and answers

How common was the Earles surname in 1881?

In 1881, 196 people were recorded with the Earles surname. That placed it at #13,006 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Earles surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 310 in 2016. That gives Earles a modern rank of #14,406.

What does the Earles surname mean?

Derived from the Old English "eorl," indicating a man of noble rank or an earl.

What does the Earles map show?

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