NameCensus.

UK surname

Falvey

A surname derived from a place name in Ireland, referring to someone from Falvey.

In the 1881 census there were 63 people recorded with the Falvey surname, ranking it #24,711 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 389, ranked #12,109, up from #24,711 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, London parishes and St Pancras. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Swansea, King's Lynn and West Norfolk and Christchurch.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Falvey is 412 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 517.5%.

1881 census count

63

Ranked #24,711

Modern count

389

2016, ranked #12,109

Peak year

2014

412 bearers

Map years

4

1911 to 2016

Key insights

  • Falvey had 63 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #24,711 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 389 in 2016, ranked #12,109.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 112 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Falvey surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Falvey surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Falvey 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 66 #21,617
1861 historical 76 #24,114
1881 historical 63 #24,711
1891 historical 72 #27,804
1901 historical 84 #24,759
1911 historical 112 #21,274
1997 modern 366 #11,781
1998 modern 388 #11,612
1999 modern 378 #11,935
2000 modern 365 #12,196
2001 modern 370 #11,904
2002 modern 381 #11,865
2003 modern 377 #11,762
2004 modern 380 #11,717
2005 modern 380 #11,639
2006 modern 378 #11,714
2007 modern 393 #11,526
2008 modern 392 #11,661
2009 modern 394 #11,859
2010 modern 400 #11,992
2011 modern 396 #11,943
2012 modern 398 #11,755
2013 modern 406 #11,790
2014 modern 412 #11,743
2015 modern 399 #11,928
2016 modern 389 #12,109

Geography

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Where Falveys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, London parishes, St Pancras and Bedwelty. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Swansea, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Christchurch, South Northamptonshire and Richmondshire. 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 Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside Durham
2 London parishes London 1
3 London parishes London 3
4 St Pancras London (North Districts)
5 Bedwelty Monmouthshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Swansea 029 Swansea
2 King's Lynn and West Norfolk 002 King's Lynn and West Norfolk
3 Christchurch 003 Christchurch
4 South Northamptonshire 004 South Northamptonshire
5 Richmondshire 001 Richmondshire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Falvey

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Falvey

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Falvey is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. 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 residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Falvey 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

Falvey falls in decile 5 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.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Falvey 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 - Irish

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

Meaning and origin of Falvey

The surname Falvey is of Irish origin, originating in County Kerry, Ireland. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic "O'Falvey" or "O'Falvaigh," which can be traced back to the 12th century. The name is derived from the Irish word "falbh," meaning "to go" or "to wander," suggesting that the family's ancestors may have been wanderers or travelers.

The Falveys were a prominent family in County Kerry, with their ancestral homeland located in the Iveragh Peninsula. They were part of the Gaelic nobility and held significant influence in the region. One of the earliest recorded references to the name can be found in the Annals of Inisfallen, an Irish chronicle from the 12th century, which mentions the death of Donough O'Falvey, a notable figure from the family, in 1178.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Falveys were involved in various conflicts between the English and the Irish. In 1598, the Annals of the Four Masters recorded the death of Dermot O'Falvey, who was killed during the Nine Years' War against the English. Several members of the family served as captains and soldiers in the Irish Confederate Wars, defending their lands and traditions.

One notable figure from the Falvey family was Captain Garrett Falvey (c. 1600-1675), who fought alongside the Irish Confederate forces during the Irish Confederate Wars. He was known for his bravery and military prowess and was awarded lands in County Kerry for his services.

Another prominent Falvey was Daniel Falvey (1772-1844), a successful merchant and shipowner from Tralee, County Kerry. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Tralee Ship Canal, which facilitated trade and commerce in the region.

In the 19th century, John Falvey (1837-1923) was a renowned Irish author and journalist, known for his works on Irish history and culture. He was a staunch advocate for Irish independence and played an influential role in the Irish literary revival.

The Falvey surname has been carried around the world by Irish immigrants, particularly during the Great Famine of the 19th century. Today, it can be found in many countries with significant Irish diaspora populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Falvey families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Falvey 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. Kent leads with 18 Falveys recorded in 1881 and an index of 8.59x.

County Total Index
Kent 18 8.59x
Middlesex 15 2.44x
Surrey 8 2.67x
Lancashire 5 0.69x
Warwickshire 5 3.23x
Staffordshire 4 1.93x
Essex 2 1.65x
Somerset 2 2.02x
Yorkshire 2 0.33x
Hampshire 1 0.79x
Sussex 1 0.97x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Orpington in Kent leads with 11 Falveys recorded in 1881 and an index of 1718.75x.

Place Total Index
Orpington 11 1718.75x
Southwark St John 6 319.15x
Aston 5 11.72x
Sutton At Hone 5 1162.79x
Chiswick 4 119.05x
Garston 4 186.05x
Walsall Foreign 4 37.35x
St Andrew Holborn London 3 112.78x
St Giles In Fields London 3 99.67x
St Marylebone London 3 9.15x
Bath St Michael 2 400.00x
Leeds 2 5.82x
Caterham 1 75.76x
Deptford St Paul 1 6.18x
Hackney London 1 2.90x
Plumstead 1 14.31x
Southampton All Sts 1 46.30x
Southwark St George Martyr 1 8.09x
St George Hanover Square 1 9.24x
Walthamstow 1 22.94x
Warrington 1 11.57x
West Ham 1 3.73x
Westham 1 476.19x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 8
Ellen 6
Elizabeth 3
Catherine 2
Jane 2
Margaret 2
Ann 1
Dinah 1
Eliz 1
Hannah 1
Julia 1
Kate 1
L. 1
Margarett 1
Rose 1

Top male names

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

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Falvey households.

FAQ

Falvey surname: questions and answers

How common was the Falvey surname in 1881?

In 1881, 63 people were recorded with the Falvey surname. That placed it at #24,711 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Falvey surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 389 in 2016. That gives Falvey a modern rank of #12,109.

What does the Falvey surname mean?

A surname derived from a place name in Ireland, referring to someone from Falvey.

What does the Falvey map show?

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