NameCensus.

UK surname

Edger

A surname derived from an occupational name for someone who trimmed edges or hedges.

In the 1881 census there were 309 people recorded with the Edger surname, ranking it #9,517 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 91, ranked #32,109, down from #9,517 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Barnstaple, Bishops Tawton, London parishes and Gateshead. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Allerdale, Bridgend and Northumberland.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Edger is 658 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 70.6%.

1881 census count

309

Ranked #9,517

Modern count

91

2016, ranked #32,109

Peak year

1861

658 bearers

Map years

6

1851 to 1911

Key insights

  • Edger had 309 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #9,517 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 91 in 2016, ranked #32,109.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 658 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established but Challenged.

Edger surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Edger surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Edger 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 498 #5,020
1861 historical 658 #4,075
1881 historical 309 #9,517
1891 historical 343 #9,994
1901 historical 202 #15,010
1911 historical 194 #15,250
1997 modern 96 #27,490
1998 modern 99 #27,785
1999 modern 95 #28,465
2000 modern 101 #27,555
2001 modern 93 #28,382
2002 modern 104 #27,303
2003 modern 98 #28,046
2004 modern 98 #28,297
2005 modern 95 #28,817
2006 modern 92 #29,576
2007 modern 92 #29,929
2008 modern 91 #30,431
2009 modern 97 #30,076
2010 modern 96 #30,854
2011 modern 94 #31,016
2012 modern 84 #32,502
2013 modern 89 #32,248
2014 modern 93 #32,025
2015 modern 95 #31,749
2016 modern 91 #32,109

Geography

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Where Edgers are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Barnstaple, Bishops Tawton, London parishes, Gateshead, Workington (Workington), Clossocks and Rockcliff. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Allerdale, Bridgend, Northumberland and Wychavon. 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 Barnstaple, Bishops Tawton Devon
2 London parishes London 3
3 Gateshead Durham
4 Workington (Workington), Clossocks Cumberland
5 Rockcliff Cumberland

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Allerdale 006 Allerdale
2 Allerdale 009 Allerdale
3 Bridgend 017 Bridgend
4 Northumberland 032 Northumberland
5 Wychavon 008 Wychavon

Forenames

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First names often paired with Edger

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Edger

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

Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce

Group

Established but Challenged

Nationally, the Edger surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established but Challenged, within Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce. This does not mean every Edger household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many households in these neighbourhoods comprise separated or divorced single parents with dependent children. Residents are typically born in the UK, and these neighbourhoods have relatively few members of ethnic minorities. The prevalence of children, their parents and those at or above normal retirement age, suggests neighbourhood structures may be long-established. Levels of unpaid care are high, and long-term disability is more common than in the Supergroup as a whole. Use of the social rented sector is common, often in terraced houses. Levels of overcrowding are above the Supergroup average. Unemployment is high, while those in work are employed in elementary occupations such as caring, leisure and customer services. Many residents have low level qualifications. Neighbourhood concentrations of this Group are found in the South Wales Valleys, Belfast, Londonderry and the Central Lowlands of Scotland.

Wider pattern

Living in terraced or semi-detached houses, residents of these neighbourhoods typically lack high levels of education and work in elementary or routine service occupations. Unemployment is above average. Residents are predominantly born in the UK, and residents are also predominantly from ethnic minorities. Social (but not private sector) rented sector housing is common. This Supergroup is found throughout the UK’s conurbations and industrial regions but is also an integral part of smaller towns.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Edger is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. 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 scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Edger is most concentrated in decile 4 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.

4
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Edger falls in decile 10 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

10
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Edger

The surname "EDGER" is of English origin and can be traced back to the early 13th century. It is derived from the Old English word "ecg," meaning "edge" or "border," and was likely initially used as an occupational name for someone who lived near the edge of a town or village.

One of the earliest known references to the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where a Richard le Edger is mentioned as residing in Oxfordshire. This document provides valuable insight into the widespread use of this surname during that time period.

Another significant historical reference is the Calendarium Inquisitionum post Mortem, a collection of post-mortem inquisitions from the reigns of Henry III and Edward I, which mentions a John Edger who held land in Berkshire in the late 13th century.

The surname "EDGER" has also been associated with various place names throughout England, such as Edgerston in Northumberland and Edgerton in Lancashire. These locations may have influenced the spelling variations of the name over time, including Edgerton, Edgington, and Egerton.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname "EDGER" was Roger Edger, who was born in 1327 in Nottinghamshire, England. He was a prominent landowner and served as a local magistrate during the reign of Edward III.

Another notable figure was Sir Thomas Edger (1495-1563), a wealthy merchant and member of the Worshipful Company of Drapers in London. He played a significant role in the city's trade and commerce during the Tudor period.

In the 17th century, William Edger (1612-1678) was a renowned scholar and theologian. He served as the Dean of Worcester Cathedral and was celebrated for his contributions to the field of religious studies.

During the 18th century, John Edger (1726-1801) was a respected architect who designed several notable buildings in London, including the Guildhall and the Old Bailey courthouse.

In the 19th century, Mary Edger (1823-1895) was a pioneering educator and advocate for women's rights. She founded several schools in Scotland and campaigned tirelessly for equal educational opportunities for girls and women.

These are just a few examples of individuals with the surname "EDGER" who have made significant contributions throughout history in various fields, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments associated with this name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Edger families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Edger 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. Cumberland leads with 57 Edgers recorded in 1881 and an index of 21.96x.

County Total Index
Cumberland 57 21.96x
Durham 38 4.24x
Lancashire 33 0.92x
Northumberland 26 5.80x
Renfrewshire 21 8.99x
Angus 18 6.45x
Lanarkshire 18 1.85x
Middlesex 18 0.60x
Devon 17 2.71x
Berwickshire 8 21.92x
Glamorgan 8 1.52x
Wigtownshire 8 19.99x
Surrey 7 0.48x
Yorkshire 6 0.20x
Kent 5 0.49x
Cheshire 4 0.60x
Kirkcudbrightshire 3 6.88x
Westmorland 3 4.53x
Gloucestershire 2 0.34x
Midlothian 2 0.50x
Denbighshire 1 0.88x
Dunbartonshire 1 1.23x
East Lothian 1 2.50x
Monmouthshire 1 0.46x
Selkirkshire 1 3.67x
Suffolk 1 0.27x
Sussex 1 0.20x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Hartlepool in Durham leads with 14 Edgers recorded in 1881 and an index of 109.89x.

Place Total Index
Hartlepool 14 109.89x
Dundee 11 10.55x
Workington 11 74.02x
Abbey 10 28.06x
Eastwood 10 69.49x
Millom 10 125.79x
Aberavon 8 165.63x
Ashton In Makerfield 8 78.59x
Brampton 8 224.72x
Glasgow 8 4.62x
Ladykirk 8 1777.78x
Morpeth 8 151.80x
Bermondsey 7 7.80x
Crosscanonby 7 81.59x
Kirriemuir 7 101.60x
St Pancras London 7 2.89x
Bishops Tawton 6 306.12x
Cheetham 6 22.49x
Hetton Le Hole 6 52.82x
Kirkcolm 6 312.50x
Low Bolton 6 909.09x
Coxlodge 5 146.63x
Gateshead 5 7.45x
Govan 5 2.07x
Horwood 5 4166.67x
Pilton 5 241.55x
St Cuthbert W O 5 39.53x
Bedlington 4 26.70x
Deptford St Nicholas 4 49.02x
Elvet 4 61.82x
Hebron Cockle Park Earsdon 4 1081.08x
Hulme 4 5.36x
Linthorpe 4 22.43x
West Derby 4 3.82x
Barony 3 1.22x
Flimby 3 136.99x
Hammersmith London 3 4.04x
St George Bloomsbury 3 17.35x
Wigan 3 6.00x
Cowpen 2 19.36x
Hampstead London 2 4.26x
Kelton 2 55.87x
Lasswade 2 21.67x
Leswalt 2 72.99x
Monks Coppenhall 2 7.97x
Monkwearmouth Shore 2 11.43x
Westoe 2 3.93x
Altrincham 1 8.60x
Avondale 1 17.54x
Barnstaple 1 10.15x
Bishop Auckland 1 8.31x
Bothal Demesne 1 46.51x
Bromley 1 6.38x
Conside Knitsley 1 14.35x
Dalserf 1 10.28x
Denbigh 1 21.88x
Dukinfield 1 3.25x
Galashiels 1 9.92x
Great Bolton 1 2.11x
Isleworth 1 7.46x
Keymer 1 27.86x
Kirkcudbright 1 27.70x
Leeds 1 0.59x
Lydney 1 32.79x
Mile End Old Town London 1 1.56x
Nether Denton 1 303.03x
Newburn Hall 1 117.65x
Onehouse 1 277.78x
Orton 1 212.77x
Over Darwen 1 3.50x
Penrith 1 10.43x
Row 1 9.54x
Ryhope 1 16.05x
Stanwix 1 47.62x
Teddington London 1 14.64x
Temple Sowerby 1 232.56x
Tynemouth 1 4.16x
Waverton 1 200.00x
West Harlsey 1 1428.57x
Whitehaven 1 7.23x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 22
Elizabeth 11
Sarah 7
Ann 6
Jane 6
Margaret 6
Martha 5
Annie 4
Eliza 4
Isabella 4
Catherine 3
Emily 3
Ellen 2
Emma 2
Esther 2
Florence 2
Francis 2
Hannah 2
Harriet 2
Harriott 2
Laura 2
Margret 2
Agnes 1
Albertina 1
Alice 1
Amelia 1
Barbra 1
Beatrice 1
Bessie 1
Caroline 1
Derginia 1
Dorothy 1
Effie 1
Frances 1
Gertrude 1
Helen 1
Heziah 1
Louisa 1
Mealy 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
Robert 17
William 17
John 15
George 8
Joseph 7
Thomas 7
James 6
Henry 5
Edward 3
Alfred 2
Charles 2
David 2
Fredrick 2
Richard 2
Adam 1
Archibald 1
Arthur 1
Daniel 1
Ernest 1
Frederick 1
Fredk. 1
Isaac 1
Owen 1
Paul 1
Philip 1
Stephen 1
Walter 1
Warren 1
Wilm. 1

FAQ

Edger surname: questions and answers

How common was the Edger surname in 1881?

In 1881, 309 people were recorded with the Edger surname. That placed it at #9,517 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Edger surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 91 in 2016. That gives Edger a modern rank of #32,109.

What does the Edger surname mean?

A surname derived from an occupational name for someone who trimmed edges or hedges.

What does the Edger map show?

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