NameCensus.

UK surname

Forward

An English surname referring to someone living in the forward or front part of a village or area.

In the 1881 census there were 827 people recorded with the Forward surname, ranking it #4,550 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,500, ranked #4,123, up from #4,550 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Greenwich and Ticehurst. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Wiltshire, Bridgend and Torfaen.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Forward is 1,538 in 2000. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 81.4%.

1881 census count

827

Ranked #4,550

Modern count

1,500

2016, ranked #4,123

Peak year

2000

1,538 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Forward had 827 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #4,550 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,500 in 2016, ranked #4,123.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,212 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Forward surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Forward surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Forward 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 590 #4,332
1861 historical 558 #4,724
1881 historical 827 #4,550
1891 historical 906 #4,550
1901 historical 1,064 #4,535
1911 historical 1,212 #3,892
1997 modern 1,457 #4,011
1998 modern 1,512 #4,017
1999 modern 1,521 #4,032
2000 modern 1,538 #3,978
2001 modern 1,496 #3,991
2002 modern 1,497 #4,084
2003 modern 1,471 #4,064
2004 modern 1,456 #4,098
2005 modern 1,416 #4,154
2006 modern 1,401 #4,189
2007 modern 1,410 #4,206
2008 modern 1,430 #4,189
2009 modern 1,447 #4,231
2010 modern 1,472 #4,249
2011 modern 1,453 #4,248
2012 modern 1,475 #4,146
2013 modern 1,506 #4,141
2014 modern 1,510 #4,155
2015 modern 1,487 #4,171
2016 modern 1,500 #4,123

Geography

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Where Forwards are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Greenwich, Ticehurst, London parishes and Lambeth. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Wiltshire, Bridgend, Torfaen and East Dorset. 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 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
2 Greenwich London (South Districts)
3 Ticehurst Sussex
4 London parishes London 3
5 Lambeth London (South Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Wiltshire 050 Wiltshire
2 Bridgend 007 Bridgend
3 Torfaen 002 Torfaen
4 East Dorset 010 East Dorset
5 East Dorset 005 East Dorset

Forenames

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First names often paired with Forward

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Forward

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

Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs

Group

London Fringe

Within London, Forward is most associated with areas classed as London Fringe, part of Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs. 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

Predominantly located in neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Greater London, residents of these neighbourhoods typically have their highest qualifications below degree (Level 4) level, with those still in work engaged in skilled trades and occupations in distribution, hotels and restaurants. There is low ethnic diversity in these neighbourhoods and high levels of Christian religious affiliation. Detached or terraced houses predominate, often with spare rooms.

Wider London pattern

The age distribution of these neighbourhoods is skewed towards the middle-aged and old, although few residents live alone or in communal establishments and numbers of dependent children are around average. Owner occupation is the norm, as is residence in detached or semi-detached houses. Residential densities are low and many households have spare rooms. Most residents were born in the UK and, aside from some identifying as members of Chinese or Indian ethnicities, identify as White. Mixed ethnicity households are rare. Incidence of married couples is higher than average and few individuals have never been married. A large proportion of individuals still in employment work in administrative and secretarial occupations, or in the construction industry. Few residents are students, and many households own more than one car.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Forward is most concentrated in decile 2 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.

2
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Forward falls in decile 5 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.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Forward

The surname FORWARD is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "foreweard," meaning "going before" or "in front." It is believed to have originated in England during the Middle Ages, possibly as a descriptive name for someone who lived at the front of a village or settlement.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname FORWARD can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from 1200, where a certain Richard Forward is mentioned. This suggests that the name was already in use by the early 13th century.

In the 14th century, the surname FORWARD appeared in various records, including the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire from 1273, where a William Forward is listed. The Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1327 also mention a John Forward.

The name FORWARD may have been influenced by the Old English place name "Forweard," which is thought to have been derived from the same root word. This place name is found in the Domesday Book of 1086, indicating that it existed before the Norman Conquest.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the surname FORWARD was Sir John Forward (c. 1450-1516), a Member of Parliament for Somerset during the reign of Henry VIII. He was a prominent landowner and served as Sheriff of Somerset and Dorset.

Another historical figure bearing the surname FORWARD was Robert Forward (c. 1580-1658), an English clergyman and author who served as the Rector of Upminster in Essex. He wrote several religious works, including "The Christian's Vade-Mecum" and "The Christian Soldier's Spiritual Armour."

In the 17th century, a family of FORWARDs became influential in the city of Bristol, England. One member, Thomas Forward (1634-1692), was a wealthy merchant and served as Mayor of Bristol in 1686.

The FORWARD surname also has a notable connection to Scotland, with a branch of the family settling in the Highlands. One of the earliest recorded Scottish FORWARDs was Alexander Forward (c. 1690-1766), a landowner and laird of the Arndilly estate in Banffshire.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning Sir Walter Forward (1786-1852), a British naval officer who distinguished himself during the Napoleonic Wars. He rose to the rank of Vice Admiral and was knighted for his service.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Forward families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Forward 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. Kent leads with 104 Forwards recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.72x.

County Total Index
Kent 104 3.72x
Middlesex 104 1.27x
Devon 95 5.58x
Somerset 95 7.21x
Sussex 68 4.93x
Surrey 56 1.40x
Dorset 52 9.68x
Hampshire 37 2.21x
Wiltshire 36 4.97x
Lancashire 33 0.34x
Cornwall 26 2.81x
Nottinghamshire 18 1.63x
Monmouthshire 15 2.54x
Essex 14 0.87x
Glamorgan 14 0.98x
Channel Islands 10 4.12x
Warwickshire 9 0.44x
Lincolnshire 7 0.53x
Brecknockshire 5 3.05x
Derbyshire 5 0.39x
Gloucestershire 5 0.31x
Lanarkshire 5 0.19x
Yorkshire 5 0.06x
Berkshire 4 0.65x
Pembrokeshire 4 1.54x
Worcestershire 3 0.28x
Ayrshire 2 0.33x
Cheshire 2 0.11x
Norfolk 2 0.16x
Denbighshire 1 0.32x
Leicestershire 1 0.11x
Staffordshire 1 0.04x
Suffolk 1 0.10x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Greenwich in Kent leads with 33 Forwards recorded in 1881 and an index of 25.33x.

Place Total Index
Greenwich 33 25.33x
Ticehurst 27 319.91x
Cranbrook 22 185.97x
Holdenhurst 21 47.73x
Cucklington 15 2000.00x
Nottingham St Mary 15 5.26x
Tiverton 15 51.11x
Crediton 14 86.74x
Lambeth 14 1.96x
Mere 14 170.32x
Shoreditch London 14 3.95x
Plymouth St Andrew 13 9.91x
Taunton St James 13 67.67x
Tonbridge 13 12.91x
Droylsden 12 37.88x
Chard 11 68.92x
Charlton Horethorne 10 746.27x
Kensington London 10 2.20x
Llantrisant 10 27.84x
River 10 564.97x
Axminster 9 112.64x
Bermondsey 9 3.69x
Brighton 9 3.23x
Chudleigh 9 166.05x
St Helier 9 11.40x
Stanford Le Hope 9 387.93x
Wilton 9 262.39x
Aston 8 1.41x
Battersea 8 2.66x
Gillingham 8 86.67x
Gorran 8 307.69x
Llanover 8 39.58x
Brightling 7 370.37x
Caterham 7 39.71x
Culmstock 7 290.46x
Frittenden 7 268.20x
Great Grimsby 7 8.43x
Hemington 7 426.83x
Mottisfont 7 479.45x
Shobrooke 7 388.89x
Taunton St Mary 7 28.95x
Willesden 7 9.07x
Wimborne 7 107.69x
Dover St James 6 49.02x
Manchester 6 1.37x
Milford 6 154.64x
Pendleton In Salford 6 5.19x
West Wittering 6 324.32x
Wimborne Minster 6 69.04x
All Hallows Barking 5 245.10x
Fugglestone St Peter 5 174.22x
Lymington 5 40.55x
Penderyn 5 111.86x
Plymouth Charles The 5 6.66x
Rye 5 38.14x
St Benet Pauls Wharf 5 1923.08x
St Pancras London 5 0.76x
Staveley 5 21.98x
Whitechapel London 5 6.20x
Battle 4 42.96x
Bow London 4 3.84x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 4 2.65x
Chelsea London 4 1.62x
Codford St Mary 4 412.37x
Epsom 4 20.59x
Forest Gate 4 178.57x
Formby 4 36.36x
Forrabury 4 481.93x
Govan 4 0.61x
Helston 4 41.54x
Holy Trinity St Mary 4 32.39x
Mile End New Town London 4 24.74x
Pembroke St Mary 4 11.94x
Risca 4 35.87x
Sherborne 4 25.28x
Southwark St George Martyr 4 2.43x
St Botolph Aldgate London 4 23.74x
St George Hanover Square 4 2.77x
Staines 4 30.86x
Stoke Newington London 4 6.27x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 45
Elizabeth 26
Sarah 21
Jane 20
Annie 19
Eliza 19
Ann 18
Ellen 12
Emily 12
Emma 12
Alice 11
Fanny 9
Hannah 9
Louisa 9
Rose 7
Caroline 6
Margaret 6
Bessie 5
Catherine 5
Charlotte 5
Clara 5
Edith 5
Florence 5
Frances 5
Maria 5
Martha 5
Susan 5
Amelia 4
Julia 4
Kate 4
Eva 3
Georgina 3
Harriet 3
Philadelphia 3
Selina 3
Susannah 3
Agnes 2
Amy 2
Beatrice 2
Bertha 2
Ethel 2
Gertrude 2
Grace 2
Harriett 2
Isabella 2
Jessie 2
Madeline 2
Clarrissa 1
Elizth. 1
Winfred 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 50
John 49
George 34
James 29
Henry 27
Charles 20
Thomas 20
Edward 16
Alfred 10
Harry 10
Walter 10
Frederick 8
Herbert 8
Robert 8
Samuel 8
Frank 7
Joseph 7
Arthur 6
Albert 5
Edwin 5
Isaac 5
Wm. 4
Ernest 3
Francis 3
Fred 3
Richard 3
Sidney 3
Andrew 2
Daniel 2
Fredk. 2
Giles 2
Harold 2
Stephen 2
Willm. 2
Austin 1
David 1
Earnest 1
Eastace 1
Elias 1
Elijah 1
Fred. 1
Fredderick 1
Jesse 1
Joe 1
Jos. 1
Lewis 1
Lot 1
Morgan 1
Philip 1
Reginald 1

FAQ

Forward surname: questions and answers

How common was the Forward surname in 1881?

In 1881, 827 people were recorded with the Forward surname. That placed it at #4,550 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Forward surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,500 in 2016. That gives Forward a modern rank of #4,123.

What does the Forward surname mean?

An English surname referring to someone living in the forward or front part of a village or area.

What does the Forward map show?

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