NameCensus.

UK surname

Gamon

A surname derived from a nickname for a spirited or lively individual.

In the 1881 census there were 168 people recorded with the Gamon surname, ranking it #14,380 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 148, ranked #23,958, down from #14,380 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to St Leonard Shoreditch, London parishes and Landkey. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Sevenoaks, Warrington and South Holland.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Gamon is 194 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 11.9%.

1881 census count

168

Ranked #14,380

Modern count

148

2016, ranked #23,958

Peak year

1911

194 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Gamon had 168 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #14,380 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 148 in 2016, ranked #23,958.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 194 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Gamon surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Gamon surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Gamon 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 125 #14,700
1861 historical 117 #18,635
1881 historical 168 #14,380
1891 historical 141 #19,108
1901 historical 153 #17,844
1911 historical 194 #15,250
1997 modern 137 #22,301
1998 modern 137 #22,922
1999 modern 139 #22,884
2000 modern 138 #22,960
2001 modern 133 #23,132
2002 modern 146 #22,302
2003 modern 137 #22,939
2004 modern 139 #22,891
2005 modern 142 #22,577
2006 modern 137 #23,270
2007 modern 136 #23,708
2008 modern 138 #23,763
2009 modern 148 #23,141
2010 modern 155 #22,985
2011 modern 146 #23,736
2012 modern 152 #23,069
2013 modern 155 #23,108
2014 modern 151 #23,745
2015 modern 148 #23,934
2016 modern 148 #23,958

Geography

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Where Gamons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around St Leonard Shoreditch, London parishes, Landkey and Chester St John the Baptist, St Mary-on-the-Hill, St Olave, St Michael, Spittle Boughton, Chester Ca. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Sevenoaks, Warrington, South Holland, Havering and Halton. 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 St Leonard Shoreditch London (East Districts)
2 London parishes London 3
3 Landkey Devon
4 London parishes London 2
5 Chester St John the Baptist, St Mary-on-the-Hill, St Olave, St Michael, Spittle Boughton, Chester Ca Cheshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Sevenoaks 015 Sevenoaks
2 Warrington 019 Warrington
3 South Holland 010 South Holland
4 Havering 003 Havering
5 Halton 001 Halton

Forenames

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First names often paired with Gamon

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Gamon

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Gamon is most associated with areas classed as Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs, 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

Mainly concentrated in suburban areas, these terraced and semi-detached developments are less overcrowded than the Supergroup average, and resident households are more likely to own two or more cars. There are fewer residents aged 25-44, and a larger share of residents employed in administrative and secretarial occupations. Residents are more likely to have been born in the UK, less likely to have been born in the EU or Africa, and much less likely to self-identify as Bangladeshi.

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

Gamon 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

Gamon falls in decile 8 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

8
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Gamon

The surname GAMON is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word "gamen," which means "game" or "sport." This suggests that the name may have been initially given as a nickname to someone who was known for their enjoyment of games or their playful nature.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the GAMON surname can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Gamenus." This entry indicates that the name was present in various parts of England during the 11th century.

In the 13th century, the GAMON surname was documented in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire, where it was spelled as "Gamun." This variation in spelling was common during that time, as standardized spellings were not yet established.

The GAMON surname was also associated with several place names in England, such as Gamon Street in London and Gamon Farm in Herefordshire. These place names may have been derived from the surname itself or vice versa.

One notable individual with the GAMON surname was John Gamon (c. 1530-1592), an English Protestant clergyman and religious writer who served as the Archdeacon of Derby. He played a significant role in the English Reformation and authored several works on religious topics.

Another historical figure bearing the GAMON name was Richard Gamon (1561-1619), an English merchant and explorer who participated in several voyages to the East Indies. He was instrumental in establishing trade routes and partnerships between England and various Asian regions.

In the 17th century, William Gamon (1605-1668) was a prominent English lawyer and judge who served as the Chief Justice of the Carmarthen Circuit in Wales. He was known for his fair and impartial judgments.

During the 18th century, John Gamon (1718-1788) was a British artist and engraver who gained recognition for his landscape paintings and etchings. His works were highly regarded and are now displayed in various art galleries and museums.

In the 19th century, Sir Edmund Gamon (1825-1901) was a British politician and businessman who served as a Member of Parliament for several constituencies. He was also involved in various commercial ventures and played a significant role in the development of the railway industry in England.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the GAMON surname throughout history, illustrating its presence and significance in various fields and areas of society.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Gamon families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Gamon 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. Glamorgan leads with 33 Gamons recorded in 1881 and an index of 11.70x.

County Total Index
Glamorgan 33 11.70x
Surrey 22 2.79x
Devon 19 5.64x
Yorkshire 18 1.12x
Cheshire 16 4.48x
Lancashire 12 0.62x
Middlesex 12 0.74x
Hampshire 9 2.71x
Buckinghamshire 6 6.13x
Kent 6 1.09x
Worcestershire 5 2.36x
Durham 4 0.83x
Berkshire 1 0.82x
Dorset 1 0.94x
Lanarkshire 1 0.19x
Wiltshire 1 0.70x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Georgeham in Devon leads with 11 Gamons recorded in 1881 and an index of 2619.05x.

Place Total Index
Georgeham 11 2619.05x
Oystermouth 11 504.59x
Bradford 10 25.74x
St Faith Winchester 8 516.13x
Bishopston Lower 7 3500.00x
Camberwell 7 6.77x
Huddersfield 7 29.94x
Chester St John Baptist 6 93.46x
Chester St Mary On Hill 6 195.44x
Dorking 6 113.21x
Marwood 6 1333.33x
Shoreditch London 6 8.55x
Swansea Town 6 25.95x
Wolverton 6 295.57x
Liverpool 5 4.28x
Merthyr Tydfil 5 18.45x
Yardley 5 92.42x
Litherland 4 99.50x
Cockerton 3 193.55x
Halton 3 375.00x
Lambeth 3 2.12x
Newington 3 5.02x
Strood 3 95.24x
Landkey 2 606.06x
Llandaff 2 21.32x
Southwark Christchurch 2 26.35x
Westminster St James 2 12.01x
Carisbrooke 1 21.69x
Chatham 1 6.58x
Chiswick 1 11.30x
Edmonton 1 7.66x
Everton 1 1.63x
Fordington 1 43.67x
Glasgow 1 1.08x
Great Faringdon 1 57.14x
Great Neston 1 84.75x
Hoo 1 136.99x
Lee 1 12.47x
Marlborough 1 416.67x
Roath 1 7.81x
Southwick 1 21.93x
St Clement Danes London 1 29.85x
St Luke London 1 3.85x
Stoke 1 26.88x
Sutton 1 15.53x
Wakefield 1 8.12x
Wavertree 1 16.26x
Ystradyfodwg 1 4.04x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 16
Elizabeth 7
Ann 6
Bridget 4
Catherine 4
Edith 3
Margaret 3
Anne 2
Annie 2
Eliza 2
Elizth. 2
Emily 2
Jessie 2
May 2
Ruth 2
Sarah 2
Susannah 2
Amy 1
Angelina 1
Bertha 1
Christina 1
Clara 1
Dorah 1
Emma 1
Hannah 1
Helen 1
Hilda 1
Isabel 1
Jane 1
Kate 1
Letitia 1
Louisa 1
Lucena 1
M. 1
Mabel 1
Margt. 1
Martha 1
Moira 1
Patience 1
Rebekah 1
Rose 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 14
William 6
George 5
Thomas 5
Arthur 4
Frederick 4
Charles 3
Henry 3
Patrick 3
Ernest 2
Richard 2
Robert 2
Alfred 1
Ann 1
Austin 1
Benjamin 1
Cymbryd 1
Daniel 1
David 1
Edward 1
Edwin 1
Fred 1
Geoffry 1
Herbert 1
Howard 1
Hugh 1
Humphery 1
James 1
Luke 1
Martin 1
Patsey 1
Philip 1
Richd. 1
Rowland 1
Samuel 1
Sydney 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Gamon surname: questions and answers

How common was the Gamon surname in 1881?

In 1881, 168 people were recorded with the Gamon surname. That placed it at #14,380 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Gamon surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 148 in 2016. That gives Gamon a modern rank of #23,958.

What does the Gamon surname mean?

A surname derived from a nickname for a spirited or lively individual.

What does the Gamon map show?

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