NameCensus.

UK surname

Emmanuel

A surname of Hebrew origin meaning "God is with us," often adopted by Christians as a family name.

In the 1881 census there were 118 people recorded with the Emmanuel surname, ranking it #17,935 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,197, ranked #4,976, up from #17,935 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Briton Ferry and St Dunstan Stepney. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Carmarthenshire, Newham and Brent.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Emmanuel is 1,209 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 914.4%.

1881 census count

118

Ranked #17,935

Modern count

1,197

2016, ranked #4,976

Peak year

2014

1,209 bearers

Map years

7

1881 to 2016

Key insights

  • Emmanuel had 118 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #17,935 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,197 in 2016, ranked #4,976.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 183 in 1891.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Emmanuel surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Emmanuel surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Emmanuel 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 19 #29,904
1861 historical 66 #25,487
1881 historical 118 #17,935
1891 historical 183 #15,918
1901 historical 135 #19,203
1911 historical 120 #20,447
1997 modern 578 #8,362
1998 modern 627 #8,132
1999 modern 649 #7,950
2000 modern 676 #7,695
2001 modern 659 #7,714
2002 modern 738 #7,199
2003 modern 757 #6,960
2004 modern 845 #6,381
2005 modern 896 #6,048
2006 modern 954 #5,777
2007 modern 1,020 #5,521
2008 modern 1,069 #5,336
2009 modern 1,089 #5,364
2010 modern 1,206 #5,020
2011 modern 1,154 #5,168
2012 modern 1,128 #5,173
2013 modern 1,182 #5,058
2014 modern 1,209 #4,983
2015 modern 1,185 #5,026
2016 modern 1,197 #4,976

Geography

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Where Emmanuels are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Briton Ferry, St Dunstan Stepney, Aberdare and Pembrey. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Carmarthenshire, Newham, Brent and Bexley. 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 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
2 Briton Ferry Glamorganshire
3 St Dunstan Stepney London (East Districts)
4 Aberdare Glamorganshire
5 Pembrey Carmarthenshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Carmarthenshire 018 Carmarthenshire
2 Newham 019 Newham
3 Brent 027 Brent
4 Newham 027 Newham
5 Bexley 001 Bexley

Forenames

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First names often paired with Emmanuel

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Emmanuel

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

Emmanuel 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

Emmanuel falls in decile 3 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.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Emmanuel 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
Black - African

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

Meaning and origin of Emmanuel

The surname EMMANUEL has its origins in medieval France and is derived from the Hebrew name Immanuel, meaning "God is with us". It was initially adopted as a personal name by Christians, but gradually evolved into a hereditary surname in certain regions.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname EMMANUEL can be traced back to the 13th century in the northern French provinces of Normandy and Brittany. Historical records indicate that it was particularly prevalent in the towns of Caen and Rennes during this period.

In the 14th century, the EMMANUEL surname began appearing in various official documents and records across France, such as tax rolls and parish registers. One notable early bearer of the name was Jean EMMANUEL, a merchant from Rouen who is mentioned in a trade agreement dated 1368.

As the EMMANUEL surname spread throughout France, it also underwent several spelling variations, including Emanuelle, Emanuele, and Emanual. These variations were often influenced by local dialects and scribal errors in record-keeping.

During the Renaissance, the EMMANUEL surname gained prominence through the achievements of several notable individuals. Pierre EMMANUEL (1470-1537) was a renowned French poet and humanist scholar who served as the royal librarian to King Francis I. Another notable figure was Jean-Baptiste EMMANUEL (1615-1687), a French architect who designed the iconic Château de Versailles for King Louis XIV.

In the 17th century, the EMMANUEL surname began to spread beyond the borders of France. One prominent bearer was Immanuel EMMANUEL (1670-1734), a German theologian and philosopher who made significant contributions to the field of rational philosophy.

As the EMMANUEL surname continued to disperse throughout Europe, it also found its way to the British Isles. One of the earliest recorded instances in England is that of William EMMANUEL, a merchant from London who is mentioned in the city's records in 1692.

In the 19th century, the EMMANUEL surname gained further recognition through the achievements of individuals such as Henri-Frédéric EMMANUEL (1812-1842), a French composer and pianist who is considered one of the pioneers of the Romantic era in music. Another notable figure was Sir Walter EMMANUEL (1869-1945), a British businessman and politician who served as a member of Parliament for several decades.

Overall, the surname EMMANUEL has a rich and diverse history, spanning centuries and crossing multiple national boundaries. From its humble origins in medieval France to its global dispersion, the name has been borne by scholars, artists, politicians, and individuals from all walks of life, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Emmanuel families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Emmanuel 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 47 Emmanuels recorded in 1881 and an index of 23.45x.

County Total Index
Glamorgan 47 23.45x
Middlesex 23 2.00x
Lancashire 15 1.10x
Carmarthenshire 8 16.49x
Denbighshire 4 9.20x
Monmouthshire 4 4.81x
Warwickshire 4 1.38x
Yorkshire 4 0.35x
Flintshire 3 9.70x
Merionethshire 3 14.25x
Essex 1 0.44x
Surrey 1 0.18x
Sussex 1 0.52x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Briton Ferry in Glamorgan leads with 24 Emmanuels recorded in 1881 and an index of 1004.18x.

Place Total Index
Briton Ferry 24 1004.18x
Aberdare 14 101.74x
Manchester 14 22.79x
Merthyr Tydfil 7 36.34x
Paddington London 6 14.18x
Willesden 5 46.08x
Denbigh 4 228.57x
Edgbaston 4 44.44x
Hartshead 4 784.31x
Llanelly 4 36.60x
Llangendeirne 4 444.44x
Trevethin 4 50.89x
Holywell 3 77.32x
St George Bloomsbury 3 45.45x
St Pancras London 3 3.24x
Bow London 2 13.65x
Islington London 2 1.79x
Talyllyn 2 243.90x
Brighton 1 2.55x
Cardiff St John 1 15.27x
Cheetham 1 9.81x
Hackney London 1 1.55x
Lambeth 1 1.00x
Llanfihangel Y Pennant 1 312.50x
West Ham 1 1.99x
Westminster St John 1 7.13x
Ystradyfodwg 1 5.69x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 13
Margaret 6
Elizabeth 4
Esther 4
Sarah 4
Alice 2
Eliz. 2
Martha 2
... 1
Ann 1
Anne 1
Bertha 1
Betsy 1
Caroline 1
Elizh. 1
Ellinor 1
Essie 1
Ethel 1
Eve 1
Fany 1
Gwenllian 1
Gwenny 1
Hannah 1
Ida 1
Jane 1
Janet 1
Jennet 1
Jennie 1
Julia 1
Katie 1
Laura 1
Lizzie 1
Lucy 1
M.F.Ann 1
Mathild 1
Millie 1
Miltiades 1
Rosette 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 8
David 4
William 3
Josiah 2
Thomas 2
Ambrose 1
Barnet 1
Benjamin 1
Daniel 1
Dd.J. 1
Edward 1
Edwd. 1
Elias 1
Emil 1
Emmanuel 1
George 1
Henry 1
Hyman 1
Isaac 1
Israel 1
Jacob 1
Joseph 1
Joshua 1
Lionel 1
Lipman 1
Michael 1
Morgan 1
Myer 1
Nuart 1
Owen 1
Rees 1
Robert 1
Samuel 1
Solomon 1
Thos. 1
Willie 1
Woolf 1

FAQ

Emmanuel surname: questions and answers

How common was the Emmanuel surname in 1881?

In 1881, 118 people were recorded with the Emmanuel surname. That placed it at #17,935 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Emmanuel surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,197 in 2016. That gives Emmanuel a modern rank of #4,976.

What does the Emmanuel surname mean?

A surname of Hebrew origin meaning "God is with us," often adopted by Christians as a family name.

What does the Emmanuel map show?

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