NameCensus.

UK surname

Folly

A surname derived from the French word "folie," meaning foolish, foolhardy, or lacking good sense.

In the 1881 census there were 195 people recorded with the Folly surname, ranking it #13,054 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 133, ranked #25,765, down from #13,054 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Hayes, Callington and Illogan. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Conwy, Reading and Forest of Dean.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Folly is 351 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 31.8%.

1881 census count

195

Ranked #13,054

Modern count

133

2016, ranked #25,765

Peak year

1861

351 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Folly had 195 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #13,054 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 133 in 2016, ranked #25,765.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 351 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Folly surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Folly surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Folly 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 325 #7,157
1861 historical 351 #7,278
1881 historical 195 #13,054
1891 historical 260 #12,367
1901 historical 136 #19,110
1911 historical 112 #21,274
1997 modern 126 #23,461
1998 modern 138 #22,814
1999 modern 141 #22,702
2000 modern 145 #22,259
2001 modern 141 #22,344
2002 modern 146 #22,302
2003 modern 133 #23,359
2004 modern 134 #23,425
2005 modern 141 #22,688
2006 modern 134 #23,590
2007 modern 129 #24,503
2008 modern 123 #25,505
2009 modern 122 #26,220
2010 modern 135 #25,127
2011 modern 129 #25,673
2012 modern 132 #25,289
2013 modern 133 #25,655
2014 modern 135 #25,581
2015 modern 134 #25,607
2016 modern 133 #25,765

Geography

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Where Follys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Hayes, Callington, Illogan, Isleworth and Bledlow with Bledlow Ridge. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Conwy, Reading, Forest of Dean, North Hertfordshire and Hounslow. 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 Hayes Middlesex (Exclusive Of London Districts)
2 Callington Cornwall
3 Illogan Cornwall
4 Isleworth Middlesex (Exclusive Of London Districts)
5 Bledlow with Bledlow Ridge Buckinghamshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Conwy 010 Conwy
2 Reading 009 Reading
3 Forest of Dean 001 Forest of Dean
4 North Hertfordshire 005 North Hertfordshire
5 Hounslow 027 Hounslow

Forenames

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First names often paired with Folly

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Folly

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

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Folly surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Folly household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Folly 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

Folly is most concentrated in decile 7 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

7
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Folly 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 Folly is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Folly

The surname Folly originated in England during the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word "fol," meaning "foolish" or "lacking good judgment." The name likely referred to someone who was perceived as foolish or simple-minded by their contemporaries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Folie." This early record suggests that the name was already in use by the late 11th century.

During the 13th century, the name was sometimes spelled as "Folye" or "Folyee," reflecting the variations in spelling common during that era. These early spellings are also indicative of the name's Old English roots.

The Folly surname is closely associated with several place names in England, such as Folly Lane in Hertfordshire and Folly Bridge in Oxfordshire. These locations likely derived their names from individuals bearing the Folly surname or from the Old English word "fol."

One of the earliest known bearers of the Folly surname was Sir John Folly (c. 1300-1370), a prominent knight and landowner from Warwickshire. Another notable figure was William Folly (c. 1450-1520), a wealthy merchant and member of the Worshipful Company of Mercers in London.

In the 16th century, the Folly surname was well-established among the English gentry. Thomas Folly (c. 1520-1585) was a respected lawyer and member of the Inner Temple, while Richard Folly (c. 1550-1620) was a successful businessman and landowner in Somerset.

During the 17th century, the name gained further prominence with figures like Robert Folly (1605-1677), a prominent Puritan clergyman and author, and Elizabeth Folly (c. 1650-1720), a renowned poet and playwright.

Throughout its history, the Folly surname has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and occupations of those who carried this name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Folly families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Folly 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 42 Follys recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.22x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 42 2.22x
Cornwall 19 8.87x
Surrey 14 1.52x
Lancashire 10 0.45x
Devon 9 2.29x
Staffordshire 9 1.41x
Buckinghamshire 8 6.99x
Lincolnshire 8 2.64x
Midlothian 8 3.16x
Cumberland 7 4.30x
Berkshire 6 4.22x
Glamorgan 6 1.82x
Kent 6 0.93x
Lanarkshire 6 0.98x
Oxfordshire 5 4.28x
Aberdeenshire 4 2.28x
Ayrshire 4 2.82x
Angus 3 1.71x
Yorkshire 3 0.16x
Dunbartonshire 2 3.93x
Hertfordshire 2 1.53x
Merionethshire 2 5.78x
Renfrewshire 2 1.36x
Sussex 2 0.63x
Brecknockshire 1 2.64x
Essex 1 0.27x
Hampshire 1 0.26x
Norfolk 1 0.34x
Northumberland 1 0.36x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.39x
West Lothian 1 3.51x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Isleworth in Middlesex leads with 14 Follys recorded in 1881 and an index of 166.47x.

Place Total Index
Isleworth 14 166.47x
Lezant 10 2083.33x
Hayton 7 760.87x
Teddington London 7 163.17x
West Bromwich 7 19.14x
Iver 6 408.16x
Newington 6 8.58x
Camberwell 5 4.14x
Chinnor 5 617.28x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 5 4.90x
Islington London 5 2.73x
Aberdeen St Nicholas 4 12.20x
Colsterworth 4 625.00x
Cookham 4 90.29x
Hayes 4 207.25x
Leckwith 4 512.82x
Spreyton 4 1600.00x
Ayr 3 44.91x
Blackburn 3 5.02x
Cheriton 3 114.07x
Heaton Norris 3 23.47x
Illogan 3 52.91x
St Mary Magdalene 3 191.08x
Ashford 2 134.23x
Bledlow 2 289.86x
Bray 2 47.96x
Burton Pidsea 2 869.57x
Chiswick 2 19.34x
Festiniog 2 27.36x
Kilbarchan 2 44.94x
Kingston On Thames 2 9.03x
Manchester 2 1.98x
Merthyr Tydfil 2 6.32x
New Kilpatrick 2 41.32x
Old Monkland 2 8.24x
Plymouth St Andrew 2 6.59x
Poundstock 2 588.24x
Avondale 1 27.93x
Barony 1 0.65x
Bracebridge 1 72.46x
Brighton 1 1.55x
Broxbourne 1 38.76x
Cantsfield 1 1428.57x
Cheshunt 1 21.93x
Chilton Candover 1 1000.00x
Colinton 1 35.34x
Cramond 1 52.08x
Crediton 1 26.81x
Devonport 1 22.08x
Ditchling 1 114.94x
Dunnichen 1 108.70x
Ealing 1 5.91x
Edinburgh Canongate 1 15.50x
Folkestone 1 7.99x
Fulletby 1 588.24x
Glasgow 1 0.92x
Govan 1 0.66x
Hammersmith London 1 2.15x
Harborne 1 4.89x
Horndon On Hill 1 263.16x
Kings Lynn St Margaret 1 11.45x
Lesnewth 1 1250.00x
Liff Benvie 1 3.76x
Loose 1 105.26x
Maidstone 1 5.20x
Norwood 1 23.09x
Nottingham St Mary 1 1.52x
Penderyn 1 97.09x
Richmond 1 7.74x
Rusholme 1 16.69x
Shoreditch London 1 1.22x
Sorn 1 35.97x
South Kyme 1 294.12x
Spitalfields London 1 7.03x
St Andrew Holborn London 1 12.21x
St George Hanover Square 1 3.00x
St Giles Cripplegate 1 39.84x
Stoke Damerel 1 3.63x
Tynemouth 1 6.63x
Walsall Foreign 1 3.03x

Top female names

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

Name Count
John 13
William 13
Joseph 6
Frederick 4
Henry 4
James 4
Richard 4
Charles 3
George 2
Jeremiah 2
Thomas 2
Chas. 1
Dennis 1
Edmund 1
Edwin 1
Francis 1
Fred 1
Harry 1
Mark 1
Matthew 1
Percy 1
Peter 1
Samuel 1
Stephen 1
Thos. 1
W. 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Folly surname: questions and answers

How common was the Folly surname in 1881?

In 1881, 195 people were recorded with the Folly surname. That placed it at #13,054 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Folly surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 133 in 2016. That gives Folly a modern rank of #25,765.

What does the Folly surname mean?

A surname derived from the French word "folie," meaning foolish, foolhardy, or lacking good sense.

What does the Folly map show?

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