NameCensus.

UK surname

Edmund

From Old English words meaning "prosperous protector".

In the 1881 census there were 309 people recorded with the Edmund surname, ranking it #9,517 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 225, ranked #18,105, down from #9,517 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Llangendeirne, Aberdeen and Old Machar and Pembrey. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Swansea, Kilwinning West and Blacklands and Westminster.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Edmund is 563 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 27.2%.

1881 census count

309

Ranked #9,517

Modern count

225

2016, ranked #18,105

Peak year

1861

563 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Edmund had 309 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #9,517 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 225 in 2016, ranked #18,105.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 563 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Edmund surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Edmund surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Edmund 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 435 #5,644
1861 historical 563 #4,680
1881 historical 309 #9,517
1891 historical 458 #7,974
1901 historical 210 #14,677
1911 historical 182 #15,859
1997 modern 170 #19,505
1998 modern 173 #19,821
1999 modern 178 #19,592
2000 modern 162 #20,735
2001 modern 155 #21,047
2002 modern 165 #20,619
2003 modern 171 #19,953
2004 modern 161 #20,840
2005 modern 162 #20,716
2006 modern 167 #20,447
2007 modern 173 #20,243
2008 modern 174 #20,385
2009 modern 181 #20,277
2010 modern 201 #19,387
2011 modern 195 #19,610
2012 modern 198 #19,340
2013 modern 210 #18,932
2014 modern 214 #18,825
2015 modern 222 #18,225
2016 modern 225 #18,105

Geography

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Where Edmunds are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Llangendeirne, Aberdeen and Old Machar, Pembrey, Llanelly and Glasgow. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Swansea, Kilwinning West and Blacklands, Westminster, Ardrossan North West and Lewisham. 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 Llangendeirne Carmarthenshire
2 Aberdeen and Old Machar Aberdeen
3 Pembrey Carmarthenshire
4 Llanelly Carmarthenshire
5 Glasgow Lanark

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Swansea 019 Swansea
2 Kilwinning West and Blacklands North Ayrshire
3 Westminster 005 Westminster
4 Ardrossan North West North Ayrshire
5 Lewisham 008 Lewisham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Edmund

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Edmund

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Edmund is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, 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

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

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

Edmund 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

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

Meaning and origin of Edmund

The surname EDMUND has its origins in England, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era. It is derived from the Old English personal name Eadmund, which means "prosperous protector" or "rich guard." The name is composed of the elements "ead," meaning prosperity or fortune, and "mund," meaning protector or guardian.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of land ownership and population in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name is mentioned in various counties, including Gloucestershire, Dorset, and Somerset.

During the Middle Ages, the surname EDMUND was associated with several notable individuals. One of the earliest was Edmund the Martyr, the King of East Anglia, who was killed by the Danes in 869 AD. Another significant figure was Edmund Ironside, the son of King Ethelred the Unready, who briefly ruled as the King of England in 1016 before his death.

The name continued to be prominent in later centuries. Edmund Spenser (1552-1599) was a renowned English poet and author of the epic poem "The Faerie Queene." Edmund Halley (1656-1742) was an English astronomer who calculated the orbit of the comet that bears his name, now known as Halley's Comet.

In the 19th century, Edmund Cartwright (1743-1823) was an English inventor who revolutionized the textile industry with his power loom. Edmund Burke (1729-1797) was a prominent Irish statesman, philosopher, and political theorist who played a significant role in the British conservative tradition.

The surname EDMUND has also been associated with various place names across England, such as Edmundbyers in County Durham, Edmundthorpe in Leicestershire, and Edmundsham in Dorset. These place names often refer to settlements or areas that were once owned or governed by individuals bearing the name EDMUND.

While the surname EDMUND is not as common as some other English surnames, it has a rich historical legacy and has been carried by numerous notable figures throughout the centuries, reflecting its Anglo-Saxon roots and the importance of prosperity and protection in its meaning.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Edmund families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Edmund 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. Glamorgan leads with 83 Edmunds recorded in 1881 and an index of 15.87x.

County Total Index
Glamorgan 83 15.87x
Yorkshire 44 1.48x
Monmouthshire 19 8.75x
Carmarthenshire 15 11.85x
Middlesex 15 0.50x
Brecknockshire 12 19.97x
Caernarfonshire 12 9.88x
Aberdeenshire 11 3.95x
Lancashire 11 0.31x
Lanarkshire 9 0.93x
Derbyshire 6 1.28x
Sussex 6 1.18x
East Lothian 5 12.57x
Hampshire 5 0.81x
Midlothian 5 1.24x
Staffordshire 5 0.49x
Wiltshire 5 1.88x
Devon 4 0.64x
Somerset 4 0.83x
Dorset 3 1.52x
Durham 3 0.34x
Fife 3 1.69x
Suffolk 3 0.82x
Lincolnshire 2 0.42x
Merionethshire 2 3.64x
Northumberland 2 0.45x
Pembrokeshire 2 2.09x
Surrey 2 0.14x
Warwickshire 2 0.26x
Anglesey 1 1.88x
Berwickshire 1 2.75x
Buckinghamshire 1 0.55x
Cornwall 1 0.29x
Gloucestershire 1 0.17x
Kincardineshire 1 2.73x
Northamptonshire 1 0.35x
Shropshire 1 0.39x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Llanelly in Carmarthenshire leads with 14 Edmunds recorded in 1881 and an index of 49.09x.

Place Total Index
Llanelly 14 49.09x
St Brides Minor 12 1276.60x
Flamborough 11 763.89x
Llandilo Talybont 11 400.00x
Clynnog 10 602.41x
Llanblethian 9 1216.22x
Llangynwyd Middle 9 1343.28x
Llanelly 8 111.27x
Mynyddyslwyn 8 93.35x
Llangibby 7 1400.00x
Aberdeen Old Machar 6 10.33x
Barrow In Furness 6 12.37x
Hartington Town Quarter 6 1363.64x
Llanilid 6 5000.00x
Brightside Bierlow 5 8.56x
Coychurch Higher 5 1515.15x
Eglwysilan 5 55.07x
Hilderthorpe 5 333.33x
Llangeinor 5 162.34x
Nether Hallam 5 12.41x
Rodbourne Cheney 5 243.90x
Rutherglen 5 35.09x
South Leith 5 11.04x
St Pancras London 5 2.07x
Stenton 5 819.67x
Darlaston 4 28.53x
Kingston 4 465.12x
Llanwrtyd 4 459.77x
Newhills 4 70.18x
Roath 4 16.84x
Walton 4 727.27x
Barony 3 1.22x
Bethnal Green London 3 2.30x
Burton Agnes 3 833.33x
Cardiff St John 3 17.55x
Cupar 3 38.81x
Filey 3 124.48x
Holy Trinity 3 4.19x
Portland 3 28.30x
Skidby 3 810.81x
St Brides Major 3 428.57x
Stoke Damerel 3 6.85x
Stranton 3 9.97x
Tottenham 3 6.27x
Aston 2 0.96x
Bradford 2 2.78x
Festiniog 2 17.24x
Kensington London 2 1.20x
Llandegai 2 53.76x
Llanhilleth 2 139.86x
Llantillio Pertholey 2 157.48x
Llantwit Major 2 196.08x
Llanwonno 2 10.64x
Louth 2 18.17x
Rusholme 2 21.03x
Scarborough 2 7.39x
Southwold 2 92.17x
St Davids 2 92.59x
Swansea Town 2 4.66x
Wallsend 2 14.10x
Ystradyfodwg 2 4.36x
Bridlington 1 14.66x
Brighton 1 0.98x
Cardiff St Mary 1 3.47x
Clifton 1 3.36x
Cockburnspath 1 86.21x
Dawlish 1 21.46x
Denton 1 200.00x
Eastbourne 1 4.29x
Emberton 1 151.52x
Foveran 1 47.39x
Govan 1 0.42x
Laugharne 1 59.52x
Liverpool 1 0.46x
Lower Boddington 1 416.67x
North Bierley 1 6.22x
Pelsall 1 33.11x
Pendleton In Salford 1 2.35x
Poplar London 1 1.76x
St Lawrence 1 384.62x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 23
Elizabeth 16
Sarah 8
Jane 7
Margaret 6
Ann 5
Catherine 5
Alice 4
Annie 4
Emily 4
Rachel 4
Gwenllian 3
Hannah 3
Charlotte 2
Dorothy 2
Eliza 2
Ellen 2
Emma 2
Esther 2
Harriett 2
Kate 2
Martha 2
Susan 2
Betsy 1
Caroline 1
Edith 1
Elizh.M. 1
Ellinor 1
Gwen 1
Gwenny 1
Harriet 1
Henrietta 1
Isabell 1
Isabella 1
Jean 1
Jenett 1
Jessie 1
Louisa 1
Lucy 1
Majie 1
Margared 1
Margt.K. 1
Maria 1
Mgt.A. 1
Mildred 1
Olive 1
Phebe 1
Rebecca 1
Rosette 1
Ruth 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 29
John 13
George 10
Thomas 9
James 7
Richard 7
Charles 6
Evan 4
Daniel 3
David 3
Edmund 3
Henry 3
Robert 3
Edward 2
Francis 2
Joseph 2
Llewelyn 2
Morgan 2
Tom 2
Alfred 1
Arthur 1
Benjamin 1
Ebenezer 1
Edgar 1
Edw. 1
Everard 1
Frederick 1
Herbert 1
Jno. 1
Lewis 1
Major 1
Mark 1
Noah 1
Peter 1
Pockley 1
Vernon 1
Watkin 1
Wm. 1
Wm.Hy. 1

FAQ

Edmund surname: questions and answers

How common was the Edmund surname in 1881?

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

How common is the Edmund surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 225 in 2016. That gives Edmund a modern rank of #18,105.

What does the Edmund surname mean?

From Old English words meaning "prosperous protector".

What does the Edmund map show?

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