NameCensus.

UK surname

Genge

A locational surname derived from places named Genge in Yorkshire and Buckinghamshire.

In the 1881 census there were 281 people recorded with the Genge surname, ranking it #10,175 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 226, ranked #18,044, down from #10,175 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, Chard and Wootton Fitzpaine, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bettiscombe, Marshwood. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include North Somerset, South Somerset and Torridge.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Genge is 316 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 19.6%.

1881 census count

281

Ranked #10,175

Modern count

226

2016, ranked #18,044

Peak year

1911

316 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Genge had 281 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,175 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 226 in 2016, ranked #18,044.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 316 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Genge surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Genge surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Genge 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 219 #9,712
1861 historical 135 #16,651
1881 historical 281 #10,175
1891 historical 284 #11,542
1901 historical 280 #12,193
1911 historical 316 #11,031
1997 modern 263 #14,769
1998 modern 267 #15,016
1999 modern 272 #14,912
2000 modern 266 #15,096
2001 modern 267 #14,839
2002 modern 266 #15,156
2003 modern 257 #15,341
2004 modern 270 #14,913
2005 modern 267 #14,954
2006 modern 262 #15,255
2007 modern 278 #14,773
2008 modern 274 #15,063
2009 modern 279 #15,184
2010 modern 279 #15,529
2011 modern 273 #15,606
2012 modern 254 #16,328
2013 modern 245 #17,025
2014 modern 244 #17,189
2015 modern 232 #17,689
2016 modern 226 #18,044

Geography

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Where Genges are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, Chard, Wootton Fitzpaine, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bettiscombe, Marshwood, Crewkerne, Wayford and Hawkchurch. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to North Somerset, South Somerset, Torridge, Bath and North East Somerset 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 Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff Gloucestershire
2 Chard Somerset
3 Wootton Fitzpaine, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bettiscombe, Marshwood Dorset
4 Crewkerne, Wayford Somerset
5 Hawkchurch Devon

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 North Somerset 007 North Somerset
2 South Somerset 022 South Somerset
3 Torridge 007 Torridge
4 Bath and North East Somerset 020 Bath and North East Somerset
5 East Dorset 012 East Dorset

Forenames

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First names often paired with Genge

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Genge

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

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Genge surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Genge household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

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

Central Connected Professionals and Managers

Group

City Support Workers

Within London, Genge is most associated with areas classed as City Support Workers, part of Central Connected Professionals and Managers. 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 throughout Inner London, these areas house relatively few workers in the most senior roles within organisations, and greater prevalence of administrative roles relative to the Supergroup mean. Residents are less likely to be of Chinese ethnicity and are more likely to have been born in Africa. Relative to the Supergroup average, residents are also more likely to live in social housing and live in overcrowded conditions.

Wider London pattern

Adult residents of these neighbourhoods are typically aged 25 to 44, working full-time in professional, managerial or associate professional occupations. There are few families with dependent children. The predominantly Inner London neighbourhoods have an international character, including many residents born elsewhere in Europe alongside high numbers of individuals identifying as of Chinese ethnicity. Many individuals are never married, childless and/or living alone. Above average numbers of individuals, likely to be full-time students, live in communal establishments. Elsewhere, privately rented flats are the dominant housing type. Residents of these areas are well-qualified, with a significant number holding Level 4 or above qualifications. There is a correspondingly high level of individuals employed full-time in professional, managerial and associated professional or technical occupations. Employing industries are financial, real estate, professional, administration, and, to a lesser degree, transport and communications. Unemployment is uncommon.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Genge is most concentrated in decile 1 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.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Genge falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Genge

The surname GENGE is of English origin, with roots tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon era. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "genge," which means "companion" or "follower." This suggests that the name may have originally been used to identify individuals who were part of a group or clan.

The earliest known record of the name GENGE dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was spelled "Genge." This entry suggests that the name was already in use during the 11th century in England.

During the medieval period, the name GENGE was prevalent in the counties of Somerset and Dorset in southwestern England. It is possible that the name may have originated from a place name or a location within these regions.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname GENGE was Sir William Genge, who lived in Somerset during the 14th century. He is mentioned in various chronicles and records from that era.

Another notable figure bearing the name GENGE was John Genge, a wealthy merchant and landowner from Dorset, who lived from circa 1450 to 1525. He was known for his involvement in local affairs and his philanthropic contributions.

In the 16th century, the spelling of the name evolved to include variations such as "Genge" and "Ginge." These variations were likely influenced by regional dialects and local pronunciations.

A prominent individual with the surname GENGE during the 17th century was Richard Genge, born in 1635 in Somerset. He was a renowned scholar and theologian who authored several religious texts.

During the 18th century, the name GENGE spread to other parts of England, including London and the surrounding areas. One notable bearer of the name from this period was Samuel Genge, a successful businessman and philanthropist born in 1720 in Dorset.

As the name GENGE continued to be passed down through generations, it also found its way to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia, due to migration and exploration.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Genge families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Genge 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. Somerset leads with 102 Genges recorded in 1881 and an index of 22.96x.

County Total Index
Somerset 102 22.96x
Dorset 64 35.33x
Surrey 21 1.56x
Worcestershire 15 4.16x
Wiltshire 11 4.51x
Yorkshire 11 0.40x
Gloucestershire 8 1.48x
Hampshire 8 1.41x
Warwickshire 8 1.15x
Devon 7 1.22x
Kent 7 0.74x
Middlesex 6 0.22x
Lancashire 5 0.15x
Lincolnshire 3 0.68x
Channel Islands 2 2.45x
Pembrokeshire 2 2.28x
Essex 1 0.18x
Hertfordshire 1 0.53x
Royal Navy 1 3.04x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Crewkerne in Somerset leads with 27 Genges recorded in 1881 and an index of 572.03x.

Place Total Index
Crewkerne 27 572.03x
Chard 14 260.22x
Kings Norton 14 43.32x
Hardington Mandeville 13 2166.67x
Croydon 12 16.07x
East Knoyle 11 1325.30x
Adel Cum Eccup 9 796.46x
Puddletown 9 810.81x
Birmingham 8 3.45x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 8 15.70x
Corscombe 8 1290.32x
Shaftesbury St James 8 842.11x
Wootton Fitzpaine 8 3809.52x
Cann 6 1132.08x
Greenwich 5 11.38x
Ilminster 5 161.29x
Portsmouth 5 38.37x
Taunton St Mary 5 61.27x
Uplyme 5 581.40x
West Coker 5 555.56x
Beaminster 4 199.01x
Beddington 4 76.92x
Charminster 4 277.78x
Everton 4 3.83x
Misterton 4 634.92x
Portland 4 41.07x
Wiveliscombe 4 161.29x
Yeovil 4 44.30x
Bridgewater 3 24.88x
East Coker 3 309.28x
Portsea 3 2.71x
Spalding 3 34.25x
Winterborne Steepleton 3 2142.86x
Camberwell 2 1.13x
East Chelborough 2 1818.18x
Hessle In Sculcoates 2 82.64x
Lyme Regis 2 92.17x
Milborne Port 2 112.36x
Pembroke St Mary 2 17.70x
Pendomer 2 2857.14x
Southwark St George Martyr 2 3.60x
St Helier 2 7.51x
Street 2 83.33x
Whitchurch Canonicorum 2 198.02x
Winsham 2 246.91x
Bradpole 1 67.57x
Bridport 1 26.81x
Bushey 1 22.08x
Clerkenwell London 1 1.53x
Dudley 1 2.28x
Ealing 1 4.05x
East Chinnock 1 181.82x
Faversham 1 11.14x
Islington London 1 0.37x
Kingston On Thames 1 3.10x
Liverpool 1 0.50x
Mile End Old Town London 1 1.70x
Nether Cerne 1 1111.11x
Preston Plucknett 1 476.19x
Royal Navy 1 3.56x
Shepton Mallet 1 20.04x
South Molton 1 31.65x
St Andrew Holborn London 1 8.37x
St Marylebone London 1 0.68x
Stocklinch Ottersey 1 909.09x
Stoke Abbott 1 192.31x
Stoke Under Hambdon 1 68.49x
Thulbear 1 1250.00x
Tormoham 1 4.11x
Trull 1 109.89x
West Ham 1 0.83x
Woolwich 1 2.87x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Elizabeth 15
Mary 15
Sarah 11
Emily 8
Jane 6
Ann 4
Emma 4
Annie 3
Charlotte 3
Hannah 3
Harriett 3
Kate 3
Lucy 3
Maria 3
Susan 3
Alice 2
Clara 2
Edith 2
Eliza 2
Elizth. 2
Ellen 2
Florence 2
Frances 2
Harriet 2
Jean 2
Laura 2
Mabel 2
Martha 2
Rosa 2
Bertram 1
Betsey 1
Catherine 1
Eleanor 1
Elma 1
Enma 1
Fanny 1
Gertrude 1
Jenny 1
Lillian 1
Lily 1
Louisa 1
Lousia 1
Mable 1
Matilda 1
Meliom 1
Myra 1
Rabinet 1
Rebecca 1
Rosetta 1
Winafred 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
George 19
John 16
William 14
Thomas 13
Charles 10
Henry 7
James 5
Edward 4
Frank 4
Richard 4
Walter 4
Albert 3
Robert 3
Benjamin 2
Francis 2
Thos. 2
Tom 2
Abraham 1
Alban 1
Alfred 1
Archibald 1
Benjn.W. 1
Dan 1
Edwin 1
Ernest 1
Frederick 1
Infant 1
Jas. 1
Jeremiah 1
Joseph 1
Laurence 1
Nathanl 1
Philip 1
R.A.S. 1
Reuben 1
Sam 1
Saml. 1
Samuel 1
Sidney 1
Theophilus 1
W.H. 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Genge surname: questions and answers

How common was the Genge surname in 1881?

In 1881, 281 people were recorded with the Genge surname. That placed it at #10,175 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Genge surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 226 in 2016. That gives Genge a modern rank of #18,044.

What does the Genge surname mean?

A locational surname derived from places named Genge in Yorkshire and Buckinghamshire.

What does the Genge map show?

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