UK surname
A surname originating from the French term for a Fleming or resident of Flanders.
In the 1881 census there were 54 people recorded with the Flemings surname, ranking it #26,009 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 27, ranked #36,189, down from #26,009 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Dudley and Rowley Regis. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Flemings is 139 in 1891. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 50.0%.
1881 census count
54
Ranked #26,009
Modern count
27
2016, ranked #36,189
Peak year
1891
139 bearers
Map years
1
1891 to 1891
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Flemings surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Flemings surname density by area, 1891 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe 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 | 84 | #19,067 |
| 1861 | historical | 79 | #23,702 |
| 1881 | historical | 54 | #26,009 |
| 1891 | historical | 139 | #19,311 |
| 1901 | historical | 62 | #27,252 |
| 1911 | historical | 96 | #23,193 |
| 1997 | modern | 22 | #35,584 |
| 1998 | modern | 25 | #35,365 |
| 1999 | modern | 25 | #35,413 |
| 2000 | modern | 25 | #35,382 |
| 2001 | modern | 29 | #34,839 |
| 2002 | modern | 27 | #35,243 |
| 2003 | modern | 25 | #35,471 |
| 2004 | modern | 26 | #35,519 |
| 2005 | modern | 26 | #35,674 |
| 2006 | modern | 24 | #35,981 |
| 2007 | modern | 23 | #36,142 |
| 2008 | modern | 24 | #36,148 |
| 2009 | modern | 28 | #35,988 |
| 2010 | modern | 28 | #36,084 |
| 2011 | modern | 26 | #36,193 |
| 2012 | modern | 25 | #36,227 |
| 2013 | modern | 27 | #36,150 |
| 2014 | modern | 29 | #36,058 |
| 2015 | modern | 29 | #36,040 |
| 2016 | modern | 27 | #36,189 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Dudley, Rowley Regis, Horningsham, Hill Deverill, Longbridge Deverill and Walsall. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) | Glamorganshire |
| 2 | Dudley | Staffordshire |
| 3 | Rowley Regis | Staffordshire |
| 4 | Horningsham, Hill Deverill, Longbridge Deverill | Wiltshire |
| 5 | Walsall | Staffordshire |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Flemings surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Flemings, 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
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Flemings surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Flemings household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Flemings is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Flemings is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Flemings, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname Flemings is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "Flemmingr" or "Flemang", meaning a "native of Flanders". This surname was initially given to individuals who migrated from the region of Flanders, which is now part of modern-day Belgium and France.
The earliest records of the surname Flemings can be traced back to the late 11th century, shortly after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Many Flemish mercenaries and settlers accompanied William the Conqueror during this invasion, and some of them settled in various parts of England, establishing the Flemings surname.
One of the earliest references to the surname Flemings can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name is recorded as "Flemming" in this historical document.
In the 12th century, a notable figure named Richard Flemings was the Bishop of Lincoln from 1109 to 1128. He played a significant role in the reconstruction of Lincoln Cathedral after it was severely damaged by fire.
During the 13th century, a prominent individual named William Flemings served as the Sheriff of Nottingham and Derbyshire in 1269. He was also appointed as the Chief Forester of the Royal Forest of Sherwood, which was renowned for its association with the legendary figure of Robin Hood.
In the 14th century, Sir John Flemings (1310-1372) was a distinguished English soldier who fought alongside Edward III during the Hundred Years' War against France. He participated in several battles, including the Battle of Crécy in 1346, where he displayed remarkable bravery and leadership.
Another notable figure was Sir Thomas Flemings (1391-1455), who served as the Lord Chief Justice of England from 1425 to 1455. He played a crucial role in upholding the rule of law during the turbulent period of the Wars of the Roses between the House of Lancaster and the House of York.
The surname Flemings has also been associated with various place names in England, such as Flemingston in Glamorgan, Wales, and Flemington in Northamptonshire, which were likely settlements established by individuals with this surname.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Flemings surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Middlesex leads with 10 Flemings' recorded in 1881 and an index of 1.90x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Middlesex | 10 | 1.90x |
| Derbyshire | 8 | 9.70x |
| Yorkshire | 8 | 1.53x |
| Staffordshire | 6 | 3.37x |
| Lincolnshire | 5 | 5.94x |
| Worcestershire | 4 | 5.82x |
| Lancashire | 3 | 0.48x |
| Bedfordshire | 2 | 7.33x |
| Surrey | 2 | 0.78x |
| Berkshire | 1 | 2.53x |
| Cheshire | 1 | 0.86x |
| Hampshire | 1 | 0.93x |
| Kent | 1 | 0.56x |
| Leicestershire | 1 | 1.71x |
| Nottinghamshire | 1 | 1.41x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Mile End Old Town London in Middlesex leads with 6 Flemings' recorded in 1881 and an index of 53.52x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Mile End Old Town London | 6 | 53.52x |
| Great Grimsby | 5 | 93.46x |
| Chesterfield | 4 | 129.45x |
| Rowley Regis | 4 | 80.81x |
| Staveley | 4 | 273.97x |
| Wollescote | 4 | 727.27x |
| Yeadon | 4 | 338.98x |
| Royton | 3 | 157.07x |
| Crowle | 2 | 392.16x |
| Flitton | 2 | 1666.67x |
| Ashby De La Zouch | 1 | 74.07x |
| Babworth | 1 | 769.23x |
| Bexley | 1 | 62.89x |
| Clerkenwell London | 1 | 8.05x |
| Ealing | 1 | 21.23x |
| Hampstead London | 1 | 12.20x |
| Kensington London | 1 | 3.42x |
| Kimberworth | 1 | 34.48x |
| Kintbury | 1 | 322.58x |
| Leeds | 1 | 3.39x |
| Newbold Astbury | 1 | 714.29x |
| Newington | 1 | 5.14x |
| Pirbright | 1 | 769.23x |
| Portsea | 1 | 4.73x |
| Wednesfield | 1 | 38.17x |
| Willenhall | 1 | 30.03x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Flemings surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Flemings surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
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 Flemings households.
FAQ
In 1881, 54 people were recorded with the Flemings surname. That placed it at #26,009 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 27 in 2016. That gives Flemings a modern rank of #36,189.
A surname originating from the French term for a Fleming or resident of Flanders.
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Flemings bearers relative to the surrounding population.
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.