NameCensus.

UK surname

Farnsworth

From an English place name meaning "fern enclosure" or "enclosure among the ferns."

In the 1881 census there were 1,243 people recorded with the Farnsworth surname, ranking it #3,267 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,506, ranked #4,108, down from #3,267 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Sutton-in-Ashfield, Fulwood, Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard and St Werburgh. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Gedling, Rotherham and Barnsley.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Farnsworth is 1,710 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 21.2%.

1881 census count

1,243

Ranked #3,267

Modern count

1,506

2016, ranked #4,108

Peak year

1911

1,710 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Farnsworth had 1,243 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #3,267 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,506 in 2016, ranked #4,108.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,710 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Farnsworth surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Farnsworth surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Farnsworth 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 740 #3,560
1861 historical 709 #3,824
1881 historical 1,243 #3,267
1891 historical 1,249 #3,457
1901 historical 1,621 #3,185
1911 historical 1,710 #2,867
1997 modern 1,536 #3,830
1998 modern 1,595 #3,854
1999 modern 1,608 #3,852
2000 modern 1,614 #3,817
2001 modern 1,569 #3,850
2002 modern 1,589 #3,881
2003 modern 1,527 #3,938
2004 modern 1,516 #3,961
2005 modern 1,496 #3,972
2006 modern 1,495 #3,977
2007 modern 1,515 #3,966
2008 modern 1,517 #3,982
2009 modern 1,550 #3,994
2010 modern 1,557 #4,063
2011 modern 1,559 #4,014
2012 modern 1,529 #4,008
2013 modern 1,546 #4,041
2014 modern 1,529 #4,107
2015 modern 1,507 #4,121
2016 modern 1,506 #4,108

Geography

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Where Farnsworths are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Sutton-in-Ashfield, Fulwood, Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, St Werburgh, Manchester and Nottingham St Mary. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Gedling, Rotherham, Barnsley, Kirklees and East Northamptonshire. 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 Sutton-in-Ashfield, Fulwood Nottinghamshire
2 Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard Nottinghamshire
3 St Werburgh Derbyshire
4 Manchester Lancashire
5 Nottingham St Mary Nottinghamshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Gedling 012 Gedling
2 Rotherham 028 Rotherham
3 Barnsley 013 Barnsley
4 Kirklees 047 Kirklees
5 East Northamptonshire 002 East Northamptonshire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Farnsworth

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Farnsworth

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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Farnsworth is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support 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

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

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

Farnsworth 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

Farnsworth falls in decile 6 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.

6
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Farnsworth

The surname Farnsworth originated in England, specifically in the county of Yorkshire. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "fearn" meaning fern and "worth" meaning an enclosed settlement or farm. This suggests that the name likely referred to a person who lived near a fern-covered enclosure or farm.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Farnsworth can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landowners and properties in England compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The name appears as "Farneswurthe," indicating its long-standing presence in the region.

The Farnsworth family has a rich history, with notable members appearing in various records throughout the centuries. One such individual was Sir Thomas Farnsworth, a prominent landowner and military commander who lived in the 16th century. He played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses, supporting the House of Lancaster.

Another notable figure was John Farnsworth, born in 1616, who was one of the early settlers in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He is believed to have arrived in America in the late 1630s and became a respected member of the community in Groton, Massachusetts.

In the 18th century, Benjamin Farnsworth, born in 1754, served as a soldier in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He fought in several major battles, including the Battle of Saratoga, and his bravery and dedication were widely recognized.

The 19th century saw the rise of Isaac Farnsworth, born in 1808, who was a successful businessman and inventor. He is credited with developing several innovative farming implements, including an early version of the modern hay rake.

Moving into the 20th century, Philo T. Farnsworth, born in 1906, made a significant contribution to the world of technology. He is best known for his pioneering work in the development of the electronic television system, earning him the title of "the father of electronic television."

These are just a few examples of notable individuals with the surname Farnsworth, highlighting the rich history and diverse accomplishments associated with this name throughout the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Farnsworth families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Farnsworth 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. Derbyshire leads with 390 Farnsworths recorded in 1881 and an index of 20.53x.

County Total Index
Derbyshire 390 20.53x
Nottinghamshire 247 15.10x
Yorkshire 153 1.27x
Lancashire 141 0.98x
Lincolnshire 50 2.58x
Durham 34 0.94x
Staffordshire 33 0.81x
Cheshire 30 1.12x
Essex 26 1.09x
Middlesex 24 0.20x
Surrey 24 0.41x
Warwickshire 22 0.72x
Leicestershire 17 1.26x
Suffolk 17 1.15x
Kent 9 0.22x
Gloucestershire 7 0.29x
Hertfordshire 5 0.60x
Worcestershire 5 0.32x
Hampshire 4 0.16x
Anglesey 1 0.47x
Devon 1 0.04x
Norfolk 1 0.05x
Northumberland 1 0.06x
Royal Navy 1 0.69x
Rutland 1 1.12x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Nottingham St Mary in Nottinghamshire leads with 68 Farnsworths recorded in 1881 and an index of 16.07x.

Place Total Index
Nottingham St Mary 68 16.07x
Alfreton 55 95.29x
Derby St Werburgh 35 31.91x
Claylane 34 128.74x
Greasley 25 67.75x
Matlock 23 90.16x
Dore 22 606.06x
Radford 21 25.27x
Eastwood 20 136.71x
Barnsley 19 15.32x
Codnor Loscoe 19 126.25x
Hulme 19 6.32x
Chesterfield 17 23.87x
Litchurch 17 22.23x
Wednesbury 16 15.63x
Cromford 15 335.57x
Gorton 15 11.08x
Hucknall Under 14 165.88x
Ilkeston 14 26.28x
Basford 13 17.24x
Battersea 13 2.91x
Clare 13 183.62x
Heanor 13 45.76x
Sheffield 12 3.13x
Ince In Makerfield 11 16.42x
Kirkby In Ashfield 11 62.86x
Mansfield 11 19.43x
Snenton 11 17.12x
Tintwistle 11 76.87x
Wirksworth 11 63.69x
Worsbrough 11 31.22x
Crumpsall 10 29.46x
Hathersage 10 187.62x
Ripley 10 42.57x
Ecclesall Bierlow 9 3.68x
Heath 9 608.11x
Iveston 9 54.12x
Leicester St Margaret 9 2.74x
Rotherham 9 13.28x
West Derby 9 2.14x
Barugh 8 78.74x
Great Waltham 8 81.97x
Lea Ashton Ingol 8 83.68x
Lenton 8 20.76x
Longdon 8 141.09x
Shipley 8 12.82x
Trowell 8 457.14x
Ashton Under Lyne 7 2.22x
Conside Knitsley 7 24.94x
Crich 7 56.45x
Croxton Keyrial 7 307.02x
Gainsborough 7 15.30x
Heaton Norris 7 8.54x
Holbeck 7 8.79x
Nether Hallam 7 4.30x
Stranton 7 5.76x
Temple Normanton 7 853.66x
Wombwell 7 19.97x
Alvaston 6 110.91x
Attercliffe Cum Darnall 6 5.36x
Birmingham 6 0.59x
Bolsover 6 63.03x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 6 2.68x
Chadderton 6 8.52x
Dodworth 6 48.04x
East Ham 6 13.50x
Spalding 6 15.58x
Stoke 6 99.50x
Tottenham 6 3.10x
Bleasby 5 406.50x
Bromley London 5 1.87x
Conisbrough 5 44.33x
Derby St Alkmund 5 8.78x
Heage 5 49.75x
Huntington 5 1020.41x
Leeds 5 0.74x
St Albans St Peter 5 17.72x
St Swithin Lincoln 5 16.39x
Worcester St John 5 26.41x
York St Mary 5 10.04x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 83
Elizabeth 58
Sarah 51
Eliza 29
Emma 24
Ann 22
Hannah 21
Annie 18
Alice 17
Ellen 15
Jane 14
Martha 14
Emily 11
Fanny 11
Florence 11
Harriett 11
Clara 10
Harriet 10
Maria 10
Lucy 9
Charlotte 8
Amy 7
Caroline 7
Louisa 7
Ada 6
Susan 6
Anne 5
Kate 5
Minnie 5
Rose 5
Agnes 4
Edith 4
Frances 4
Julia 4
Margaret 4
Amelia 3
Catherine 3
Elizh. 3
Grace 3
Helen 3
Maud 3
Phoebe 3
Dorothy 2
Flora 2
Francis 2
Jemima 2
Lilly 2
Lily 2
Lizzie 2
Matilda 2

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 82
William 75
George 44
Thomas 35
James 34
Joseph 28
Charles 20
Frederick 20
Henry 20
Robert 19
Arthur 18
Samuel 18
Harry 12
Edward 11
Albert 9
Walter 9
Alfred 8
Daniel 8
Herbert 8
Frank 6
Wm. 6
Fredrick 5
Isaac 5
Richard 4
Thos. 4
Edwin 3
Fred 3
Josiah 3
Mark 3
Percy 3
Amos 2
Benjamin 2
Edmund 2
Eli 2
Ernest 2
Ezekiel 2
Francis 2
Geo. 2
Isaiah 2
Job 2
Oliver 2
Stephen 2
Tom 2
W. 2
Ed. 1
Frederic 1
Fredric 1
Jas.Wm. 1
Jesse 1
Jno. 1

FAQ

Farnsworth surname: questions and answers

How common was the Farnsworth surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,243 people were recorded with the Farnsworth surname. That placed it at #3,267 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Farnsworth surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,506 in 2016. That gives Farnsworth a modern rank of #4,108.

What does the Farnsworth surname mean?

From an English place name meaning "fern enclosure" or "enclosure among the ferns."

What does the Farnsworth map show?

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