NameCensus.

UK surname

Folkes

An English surname derived from the Old English "folc" meaning people or nation.

In the 1881 census there were 429 people recorded with the Folkes surname, ranking it #7,578 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 881, ranked #6,398, up from #7,578 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Broadway, Churcham, Sandhurst, St Mary-de-Lode, St Catherine Longford, Barnwood, Wootton Ville, North Hamlet, and Kempston. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Ipswich, South Staffordshire and Wychavon.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Folkes is 904 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 105.4%.

1881 census count

429

Ranked #7,578

Modern count

881

2016, ranked #6,398

Peak year

2014

904 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Folkes had 429 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #7,578 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 881 in 2016, ranked #6,398.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 643 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Folkes surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Folkes surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Folkes 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 281 #8,028
1861 historical 225 #10,843
1881 historical 429 #7,578
1891 historical 430 #8,344
1901 historical 574 #7,311
1911 historical 643 #6,497
1997 modern 816 #6,435
1998 modern 830 #6,561
1999 modern 852 #6,471
2000 modern 840 #6,519
2001 modern 826 #6,496
2002 modern 832 #6,570
2003 modern 842 #6,383
2004 modern 841 #6,399
2005 modern 811 #6,540
2006 modern 822 #6,481
2007 modern 829 #6,502
2008 modern 842 #6,476
2009 modern 867 #6,473
2010 modern 880 #6,513
2011 modern 860 #6,554
2012 modern 840 #6,586
2013 modern 900 #6,343
2014 modern 904 #6,350
2015 modern 885 #6,396
2016 modern 881 #6,398

Geography

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Where Folkes' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Broadway, Churcham, Sandhurst, St Mary-de-Lode, St Catherine Longford, Barnwood, Wootton Ville, North Hamlet,, Kempston and London parishes. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Ipswich, South Staffordshire, Wychavon, Bedford and Cheltenham. 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 Broadway Worcestershire
2 Churcham, Sandhurst, St Mary-de-Lode, St Catherine Longford, Barnwood, Wootton Ville, North Hamlet, Gloucestershire
3 Kempston Bedfordshire
4 London parishes London 3
5 London parishes London 2

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Ipswich 014 Ipswich
2 South Staffordshire 014 South Staffordshire
3 Wychavon 018 Wychavon
4 Bedford 018 Bedford
5 Cheltenham 006 Cheltenham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Folkes

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Folkes

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

Folkes 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

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

Meaning and origin of Folkes

The surname Folkes has its origins in England, with records indicating its presence as early as the 12th century. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English word "folc," which means "people" or "tribe." This suggests that the name may have initially been used to identify individuals who lived among a particular group or community.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Folkes can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This document mentions a person named "Folcus" living in Lincolnshire, England, providing evidence of the name's existence during the Norman period.

During the Middle Ages, the Folkes surname was particularly prevalent in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk in East Anglia. Many of the early bearers of the name were likely associated with the local villages and settlements, with some place names potentially contributing to the evolution of the surname. For instance, the village of Folkestone in Kent may have influenced the spelling variations of the name.

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Folkes throughout history is Martin Folkes (1690-1754), an English mathematician, astronomer, and antiquarian. He served as the President of the Royal Society from 1741 to 1753 and made significant contributions to the study of ancient manuscripts and antiquities.

Another prominent figure was Sir William Browne Folkes (1786-1858), a British politician and landowner. He served as a Member of Parliament for Norfolk and was actively involved in local affairs, contributing to the development of his community.

In the literary realm, John Folkes (1633-1697) was an English poet and playwright. He is best known for his work "The English Friar," a satirical play that criticized the Catholic Church and its practices during the Reformation era.

The Folkes surname was also associated with maritime history. Captain Thomas Folkes (1700-1776) was a renowned British naval officer who participated in several significant battles during the 18th century, including the Battle of Quiberon Bay during the Seven Years' War.

Lastly, Robert Folkes (1765-1835) was a British artist and engraver who gained recognition for his intricate engravings of landscapes and architectural subjects. His works were highly sought after and can be found in various museum collections.

These examples illustrate the diverse backgrounds and achievements of individuals bearing the surname Folkes throughout history, contributing to the rich tapestry of English heritage and culture.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Folkes families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Folkes 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. Middlesex leads with 70 Folkes' recorded in 1881 and an index of 1.67x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 70 1.67x
Worcestershire 64 11.68x
Norfolk 57 8.84x
Gloucestershire 32 3.89x
Lancashire 22 0.44x
Kent 21 1.47x
Bedfordshire 20 9.21x
Staffordshire 20 1.41x
Leicestershire 15 3.23x
Surrey 15 0.73x
Cambridgeshire 10 3.76x
Essex 9 1.09x
Hampshire 9 1.05x
Yorkshire 9 0.22x
Suffolk 8 1.57x
Hertfordshire 7 2.42x
Dorset 6 2.18x
Warwickshire 6 0.57x
Somerset 5 0.74x
Sussex 5 0.71x
Derbyshire 4 0.61x
Devon 2 0.23x
Durham 2 0.16x
Monmouthshire 2 0.66x
Northamptonshire 2 0.51x
Berkshire 1 0.32x
Carmarthenshire 1 0.57x
Cheshire 1 0.11x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.18x
Pembrokeshire 1 0.75x
Royal Navy 1 2.00x
Shropshire 1 0.28x
Wiltshire 1 0.27x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Great Yarmouth in Norfolk leads with 56 Folkes' recorded in 1881 and an index of 104.83x.

Place Total Index
Great Yarmouth 56 104.83x
Broadway 26 1101.69x
Gradley 20 754.72x
Loughborough 15 71.09x
Gloucester Kingsholm St 10 325.73x
Kempston 9 182.56x
Plumstead 9 18.87x
Tottenham 9 13.47x
West Bromwich 9 11.10x
Bottisham 8 353.98x
Islington London 8 1.97x
Rowley Regis 8 20.27x
St Pancras London 8 2.37x
Wotton St Mary 8 187.35x
Arlesey 7 255.47x
Gloucester St Aldate 7 686.27x
Hornsey 7 13.20x
Lye 7 76.75x
South Ockendon 7 409.36x
Wardleworth 7 24.61x
Acton 6 24.40x
Aldershot 6 20.83x
Barton Mills 6 882.35x
Deptford St Paul 6 5.44x
Fordington 6 101.18x
Hackney London 6 2.55x
Huyton With Roby 6 102.92x
Bermondsey 5 4.00x
Bow London 5 9.36x
Brighton 5 3.50x
Camberwell 5 1.87x
Great Gaddesden 5 370.37x
Hawn 5 485.44x
Sevenoaks 5 43.10x
St George In East London 5 12.67x
Stourbridge 5 35.49x
Belper 4 31.42x
Paddington London 4 2.59x
Bilston 3 10.93x
Dodworth 3 69.44x
Frome 3 18.58x
Isleworth 3 16.09x
Ossett Cum Gawthorpe 3 20.20x
Skelton In Guisbrough 3 26.69x
Stoke Newington London 3 9.18x
Aston 2 0.69x
Bedford St Paul 2 13.42x
Cheetham 2 5.39x
Cheltenham 2 3.15x
Daventry 2 35.84x
Elton 2 11.63x
Harton 2 40.57x
Horfield 2 24.15x
Leamington 2 28.53x
Newington 2 1.29x
Pendleton In Salford 2 3.37x
Plymouth Charles The 2 5.20x
Portsea 2 1.19x
West Ham 2 1.09x
Broughton In Salford 1 2.20x
Dukinfield 1 2.34x
Gloucester Holy Trinity 1 140.85x
Kensington London 1 0.43x
Lambeth 1 0.27x
Luton 1 2.66x
Marlborough St Mary Virgin 1 38.31x
Old Stratford 1 16.69x
Oswestry Town 1 8.62x
Portsmouth 1 5.05x
Royal Navy 1 2.34x
Rugby 1 6.99x
Sandhurst 1 16.39x
Southwark St George Martyr 1 1.18x
Sproughton 1 112.36x
St Albans St Michael 1 30.96x
St Andrewthe Less 1 3.29x
Stotfold 1 24.04x
Westminster St James 1 2.32x
Winchcomb 1 24.51x
Woolwich 1 1.89x

Top female names

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

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 33
John 22
George 14
Alfred 13
James 11
Edward 10
Thomas 10
Robert 9
Henry 8
Joseph 8
Arthur 7
Frederick 7
Walter 7
Richard 6
Daniel 5
Samuel 5
Albert 3
Bartlett 2
Benjamin 2
Edwin 2
Frank 2
Harry 2
Herbert 2
Levi 2
Wm. 2
Agustus 1
Alma 1
Auther 1
Charles 1
Charlie 1
David 1
Dennis 1
Ernest 1
Fenton 1
Francis 1
Henery 1
Herman 1
Hugh 1
Humphrey 1
Hy.James 1
Isaac 1
Isaiah 1
Mark 1
Oswald 1
Percey 1
Percival 1
Reginald 1
Stephen 1
Tudor 1
Valentine 1

FAQ

Folkes surname: questions and answers

How common was the Folkes surname in 1881?

In 1881, 429 people were recorded with the Folkes surname. That placed it at #7,578 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Folkes surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 881 in 2016. That gives Folkes a modern rank of #6,398.

What does the Folkes surname mean?

An English surname derived from the Old English "folc" meaning people or nation.

What does the Folkes map show?

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