NameCensus.

UK surname

Farquharson

Scottishsurname derived from the Gaelic words "fear" meaning man and "quhair" meaning where; essentially meaning "man from there".

In the 1881 census there were 1,699 people recorded with the Farquharson surname, ranking it #2,534 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,132, ranked #3,030, down from #2,534 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Edinburgh, Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry and Strathdon. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Angus Glens, South Staffordshire and Letham and Glamis.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Farquharson is 2,132 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 25.5%.

1881 census count

1,699

Ranked #2,534

Modern count

2,132

2016, ranked #3,030

Peak year

2016

2,132 bearers

Map years

8

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Farquharson had 1,699 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,534 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,132 in 2016, ranked #3,030.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,863 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Spacious Rural Living.

Farquharson surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Farquharson surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Farquharson 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 1,262 #2,257
1861 historical 1,252 #2,276
1881 historical 1,699 #2,534
1891 historical 1,708 #2,649
1901 historical 1,863 #2,823
1911 historical 87 #24,147
1997 modern 1,829 #3,285
1998 modern 1,920 #3,261
1999 modern 1,954 #3,234
2000 modern 1,906 #3,294
2001 modern 1,876 #3,278
2002 modern 1,962 #3,224
2003 modern 1,928 #3,208
2004 modern 1,946 #3,190
2005 modern 1,923 #3,187
2006 modern 1,967 #3,140
2007 modern 2,005 #3,124
2008 modern 2,022 #3,120
2009 modern 2,070 #3,123
2010 modern 2,097 #3,152
2011 modern 2,056 #3,165
2012 modern 2,044 #3,132
2013 modern 2,056 #3,172
2014 modern 2,111 #3,114
2015 modern 2,120 #3,068
2016 modern 2,132 #3,030

Geography

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Where Farquharsons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Edinburgh, Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry, Strathdon, Glasgow and Glenmuick, Tullich and Glengairn. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Angus Glens, South Staffordshire, Letham and Glamis, Culter and Errol and Inchture. 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 Edinburgh Edinburgh
2 Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry Forfar
3 Strathdon Aberdeen
4 Glasgow Lanark
5 Glenmuick, Tullich and Glengairn Aberdeen

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Angus Glens Angus
2 South Staffordshire 013 South Staffordshire
3 Letham and Glamis Angus
4 Culter Aberdeen City
5 Errol and Inchture Perth and Kinross

Forenames

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First names often paired with Farquharson

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Farquharson

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

Retired Professionals

Group

Spacious Rural Living

Nationally, the Farquharson surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Spacious Rural Living, within Retired Professionals. This does not mean every Farquharson household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These predominantly ageing households typically have no resident dependent children. Most are owner-occupiers and live in detached houses in low density residential developments (although renting is more common than in the rest of the Supergroup). White ethnicity predominates. Residents are typically beyond retirement age but those still in work have managerial, professional or skilled trade occupations. White ethnicity and Christian religious affiliation predominate. Neighbourhoods are located throughout rural UK.

Wider pattern

Typically married but no longer with resident dependent children, these well-educated households either remain working in their managerial, professional, administrative or other skilled occupations, or are retired from them – the modal individual age is beyond normal retirement age. Underoccupied detached and semi-detached properties predominate, and unpaid care is more prevalent than reported disability. The prevalence of this Supergroup outside most urban conurbations indicates that rural lifestyles prevail, typically sustained by using two or more cars per household.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Farquharson 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

Farquharson is most concentrated in decile 1 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy 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.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

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

Meaning and origin of Farquharson

The surname Farquharson is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic personal name "Fearchar". The earliest recorded instance of this name can be traced back to the early 12th century in the region of Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

The name Farquharson is believed to have originated from the lands of Farquharson, located near the village of Finzean in Aberdeenshire. The name is also closely associated with the Clan Farquharson, a Highland Scottish clan that played a significant role in the region's history.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the Farquharson name is found in the Ragman Rolls of 1296, which document the sworn allegiance of Scottish noblemen to King Edward I of England. Finlay de Farcharsone is listed among the Scottish landowners who swore fealty to the English king.

In the 14th century, the Farquharson family became prominent landowners in Aberdeenshire, holding the estates of Invercauld and Broughdearg. During this time, the name was also spelled as "Farcherson" and "Fercharson".

Notable individuals bearing the Farquharson surname include Robert Farquharson (1756-1837), a Scottish-American Revolutionary War veteran and early settler in Ohio. Another prominent figure was James Farquharson (1834-1907), a Scottish painter and etcher known for his landscape paintings.

In the literary world, George Farquharson (1678-1707) was a Scottish dramatist and playwright best known for his comedies "The Beaux' Stratagem" and "The Recruiting Officer". Additionally, Martha Farquharson (1846-1921) was a Scottish novelist and children's writer who published under the pen name "Tytler".

One of the most notable Farquharsons was Sir Robert Farquharson of Munie (1538-1589), who served as a Scottish judge and Lord of Session. He played a significant role in the legal and judicial system of Scotland during the 16th century.

The Farquharson surname has a rich history rooted in the Scottish Highlands, with its origins dating back to the 12th century. Throughout the centuries, individuals with this surname have made notable contributions in various fields, including literature, art, law, and military service.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Farquharson families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Farquharson 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. Aberdeenshire leads with 412 Farquharsons recorded in 1881 and an index of 26.94x.

County Total Index
Aberdeenshire 412 26.94x
Angus 305 19.93x
Perthshire 155 20.91x
Midlothian 144 6.51x
Lanarkshire 90 1.69x
Middlesex 81 0.49x
Banffshire 71 20.73x
Fife 51 5.22x
Kincardineshire 45 22.38x
Surrey 33 0.41x
Lancashire 32 0.16x
Renfrewshire 26 2.03x
Morayshire 22 8.57x
Hampshire 20 0.59x
Dorset 17 1.57x
Cumberland 16 1.13x
Essex 14 0.43x
Yorkshire 13 0.08x
Ayrshire 11 0.89x
Devon 10 0.29x
Durham 10 0.20x
Inverness-shire 9 1.82x
Wiltshire 9 0.62x
East Lothian 8 3.66x
Peeblesshire 8 10.30x
Roxburghshire 8 2.67x
Argyllshire 7 1.52x
Cornwall 7 0.37x
West Lothian 7 2.81x
Dunbartonshire 6 1.35x
Kent 5 0.09x
Northumberland 5 0.20x
Westmorland 5 1.38x
Channel Islands 4 0.82x
Royal Navy 4 2.03x
Cheshire 3 0.08x
Derbyshire 3 0.12x
Dumfriesshire 2 0.55x
Sussex 2 0.07x
Berwickshire 1 0.50x
Buckinghamshire 1 0.10x
Denbighshire 1 0.16x
Flintshire 1 0.23x
Glamorgan 1 0.03x
Gloucestershire 1 0.03x
Hertfordshire 1 0.09x
Nairnshire 1 1.98x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.04x
Oxfordshire 1 0.10x
Staffordshire 1 0.02x
Stirlingshire 1 0.16x
Worcestershire 1 0.05x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Dundee in Angus leads with 111 Farquharsons recorded in 1881 and an index of 19.43x.

Place Total Index
Dundee 111 19.43x
Aberdeen Old Machar 101 31.63x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 100 11.23x
Strathdon 52 699.87x
Aberdeen St Nicholas 50 17.47x
Kirriemuir 34 90.07x
Liff Benvie 33 14.21x
Glenmuick Tullich 32 290.38x
Govan 30 2.27x
Blairgowrie 26 88.68x
Brechin 26 43.24x
Logie Coldstone 23 448.34x
Forfar 22 26.55x
Moulin 22 187.87x
Glenisla 19 424.11x
Mortlach 18 107.59x
Tarland 18 271.49x
Lambeth 17 1.18x
St Andrews 16 35.97x
Barony 15 1.11x
Forgan 15 80.09x
Glasgow 15 1.58x
Durris 14 243.48x
Gamrie 14 36.61x
Inveravon 14 95.89x
Crathie Braemar 13 142.08x
Peterhead 13 16.07x
Edinburgh Buccleuch 11 21.02x
Fordoun 11 97.60x
Islington London 11 0.69x
South Leith 11 4.42x
Towie 11 256.41x
West Greenock 11 4.79x
Auchterarder 10 48.33x
Harberton 10 127.71x
Montrose 10 10.79x
Perth East Church 10 14.31x
Aboyne 9 111.52x
Cadder 9 22.81x
East Greenock 9 7.45x
Monquhitter 9 56.85x
Muthill 9 93.07x
North Bradley 9 84.43x
Thornaby 9 14.72x
Toxteth Park 9 1.36x
Aberlour 8 73.60x
Coupar Angus 8 55.25x
Glenbucket 8 279.72x
Kelso 8 26.84x
Kensington London 8 0.87x
Sutton 8 13.74x
West Linton 8 126.38x
Westminster St James 8 4.71x
Arbroath 7 13.81x
Blair Athole 7 70.85x
Boharm 7 104.01x
Boness 7 20.41x
Bothwell 7 4.83x
Cargill 7 90.67x
Edinburgh St Stephens 7 16.07x
Fordyce 7 28.40x
Kilspindie 7 178.57x
Old Monkland 7 3.30x
Shoreditch London 7 0.98x
West Ham 7 0.97x
Alyth 6 30.08x
Auchtergaven 6 48.27x
Cleator 6 10.14x
Coull 6 133.63x
Hale 6 714.29x
Inishail 6 410.96x
Keith 6 16.43x
Kinglassie 6 80.54x
Kingoldrum 6 272.73x
Kirkmichael 6 124.74x
Langton Long Blandford 6 382.17x
Leochel Cushnie 6 87.08x
Perth West Church 6 17.06x
Salford 6 1.04x
Tarrant Gunville 6 298.51x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 22
Elizabeth 12
Jane 10
Sarah 8
Isabella 5
Jessie 5
Fanny 4
Agnes 3
Alice 3
Annie 3
Caroline 3
Margaret 3
Amy 2
Anna 2
Anne 2
Constance 2
Edith 2
Eliza 2
Emma 2
Euphemia 2
Harriet 2
Harriett 2
Helen 2
Janet 2
Louisa 2
Lydia 2
Maria 2
S. 2
Susan 2
Amelia 1
Ann 1
Beatrice 1
Betsey 1
Catherine 1
Denie 1
E. 1
E.A. 1
Elizth. 1
Ellen 1
Ethel 1
F. 1
J.H. 1
Jacobine 1
Ketusah 1
Laura 1
Lavinia 1
Lilly 1
Lizzie 1
M. 1
Sybil 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 23
James 13
William 12
Alexander 10
George 10
Robert 10
Charles 8
Archibald 4
David 4
Donald 4
Henry 4
Joseph 4
Andrew 3
Peter 3
Wm. 3
Edward 2
Edwin 2
Frederick 2
Albert 1
Allan 1
Angus 1
Arthur 1
Barclay 1
Benjamin 1
C.M. 1
Colin 1
F.R. 1
Flora 1
Francis 1
Fredk.I. 1
Herbert 1
Horace 1
Jas. 1
Lenox 1
Norman 1
Percy 1
Pure 1
Richard 1
Ronald 1
Thomas 1
Thos.Shippen 1

FAQ

Farquharson surname: questions and answers

How common was the Farquharson surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,699 people were recorded with the Farquharson surname. That placed it at #2,534 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Farquharson surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,132 in 2016. That gives Farquharson a modern rank of #3,030.

What does the Farquharson surname mean?

Scottishsurname derived from the Gaelic words "fear" meaning man and "quhair" meaning where; essentially meaning "man from there".

What does the Farquharson map show?

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