NameCensus.

UK surname

Gillow

An English surname derived from a topographic name for someone living near a ravine or deep hollow.

In the 1881 census there were 228 people recorded with the Gillow surname, ranking it #11,826 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 152, ranked #23,516, down from #11,826 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Warton, North Meols and Poulton. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Liverpool, Barnsley and Darlington.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Gillow is 228 in 1881. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 33.3%.

1881 census count

228

Ranked #11,826

Modern count

152

2016, ranked #23,516

Peak year

1881

228 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Gillow had 228 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #11,826 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 152 in 2016, ranked #23,516.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 228 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Gillow surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Gillow surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Gillow 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 167 #11,936
1861 historical 215 #11,316
1881 historical 228 #11,826
1891 historical 194 #15,277
1901 historical 220 #14,245
1911 historical 222 #13,992
1997 modern 185 #18,506
1998 modern 203 #17,949
1999 modern 207 #17,855
2000 modern 198 #18,330
2001 modern 194 #18,287
2002 modern 189 #18,950
2003 modern 189 #18,738
2004 modern 187 #18,993
2005 modern 175 #19,727
2006 modern 171 #20,131
2007 modern 174 #20,166
2008 modern 170 #20,672
2009 modern 170 #21,095
2010 modern 174 #21,259
2011 modern 155 #22,790
2012 modern 159 #22,361
2013 modern 160 #22,621
2014 modern 155 #23,333
2015 modern 155 #23,194
2016 modern 152 #23,516

Geography

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Where Gillows are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Warton, North Meols, Poulton, Woodnesborough and Manchester. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Liverpool, Barnsley, Darlington, Bath and North East Somerset and Guildford. 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 Warton Lancashire
2 North Meols Lancashire
3 Poulton Lancashire
4 Woodnesborough Kent
5 Manchester Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Liverpool 037 Liverpool
2 Barnsley 011 Barnsley
3 Darlington 010 Darlington
4 Bath and North East Somerset 018 Bath and North East Somerset
5 Guildford 001 Guildford

Forenames

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First names often paired with Gillow

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Gillow

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

Gillow 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

Gillow falls in decile 7 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.

7
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Gillow

The surname Gillow has its origins in England, specifically in the region of Lancashire. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "gil," which means a small ravine or a deep dell. This suggests that the name was likely given to someone who lived near or in such a geographic feature.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gillow can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Gille" and "Gilla." These spellings provide evidence of the name's existence during the Norman conquest of England.

In the 13th century, the name evolved to take on various spellings, including "Gyllow," "Gillo," and "Gillowe." These variations were likely influenced by regional dialects and the scribes responsible for recording the name.

A notable bearer of the Gillow name was Robert Gillow, a renowned furniture maker born in 1704 in Rickergate, Carlisle, England. He established the Gillow furniture company, which became one of the most prestigious and influential furniture manufacturers in the country during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Another prominent figure with the Gillow surname was Richard Gillow, born in 1734 in Leighton Hall, Carnforth, Lancashire. He took over the family furniture business and played a significant role in its expansion and success, creating pieces for the Royal Family and other notable clients.

In the 19th century, William Gillow, born in 1795 in Lancaster, Lancashire, continued the family's legacy in the furniture trade. He introduced new manufacturing techniques and designs, contributing to the company's reputation for quality and innovation.

Thomas Gillow, born in 1789 in Worcestershire, England, was a notable Catholic priest and scholar. He served as the President of Ushaw College, a prominent Catholic seminary in Durham, and authored several theological works.

Another individual of note is Reverend Henry Gillow, born in 1809 in Westmorland, England. He was a Catholic priest and a renowned genealogist, publishing several works on the history of Catholic families in England.

The Gillow surname has its roots deeply embedded in the history and geography of Lancashire, England. Its connection to the furniture industry and its association with notable individuals have contributed to its enduring legacy and recognition throughout the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Gillow families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Gillow 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. Lancashire leads with 140 Gillows recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.40x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 140 5.40x
Kent 31 4.16x
Middlesex 6 0.27x
Westmorland 6 12.49x
Surrey 5 0.47x
Ayrshire 4 2.45x
Sussex 4 1.09x
Cheshire 3 0.62x
Durham 3 0.46x
Essex 3 0.70x
Fife 3 2.32x
Somerset 3 0.85x
Staffordshire 3 0.41x
Devon 2 0.44x
Herefordshire 2 2.23x
Gloucestershire 1 0.23x
Isle of Man 1 2.46x
Lanarkshire 1 0.14x
Suffolk 1 0.38x
Warwickshire 1 0.18x
Yorkshire 1 0.05x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Manchester in Lancashire leads with 29 Gillows recorded in 1881 and an index of 24.87x.

Place Total Index
Manchester 29 24.87x
Preston 26 37.49x
Blackburn 17 24.64x
Brindle 12 1348.31x
Widnes 11 58.82x
Ramsgate 8 65.74x
Everton 7 8.47x
Barrow In Furness 6 17.02x
Kendal 6 68.26x
West Derby 6 7.91x
Woodnesborough 6 882.35x
Bapchild 5 1612.90x
Canterbury St Alphage 5 625.00x
Lingfield 5 241.55x
Yealand Conyers 5 2173.91x
Newton On Ayr 4 81.63x
Sandwich St Mary 4 588.24x
Altrincham 3 35.59x
Burntisland 3 82.87x
Checkley 3 156.25x
Liverpool 3 1.91x
North Meols 3 11.82x
Salford 3 3.93x
Stock 3 652.17x
Battle 2 80.32x
Esh 2 42.28x
Fulham London 2 6.31x
Haslingden 2 18.62x
Islington London 2 0.94x
Lancaster 2 12.96x
Taunton St Mary 2 30.96x
Tormoham 2 10.40x
Tupsley 2 263.16x
Barony 1 0.56x
Barton Upon Irwell 1 5.12x
Bishopwearmouth 1 1.79x
Brighton 1 1.35x
Brislington 1 151.52x
East Bergholt 1 112.36x
Edgbaston 1 5.85x
Fulwood 1 35.71x
Hammersmith London 1 1.86x
Harpurhey 1 27.78x
Kearsley 1 18.32x
Kingstonupon Hull 1 57.47x
Kirkham 1 29.15x
Littlebourne 1 175.44x
Margate St John Baptist 1 7.33x
Maughold 1 31.95x
Oldham 1 1.20x
Ore 1 36.50x
Out Rawcliffe 1 161.29x
Penwortham 1 81.30x
St Nicholas At Wade 1 227.27x
St Pancras London 1 0.57x
Stratton 1 192.31x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 21
Elizabeth 10
Ann 7
Sarah 7
Jane 5
Margaret 5
Ellen 4
Agnes 3
Alice 3
Catherine 3
Emma 3
Hannah 3
Isabella 3
Florence 2
Georgina 2
Julia 2
Martha 2
Rachel 2
Eliza 1
Ethel 1
Frances 1
Grace 1
Ida 1
Isabel 1
Lizzie 1
Louisa 1
Lousia 1
M. 1
M.Eliza 1
Mabel 1
Margret 1
Margt. 1
Marie 1
Maud 1
May 1
Rebecca 1
Rose 1
Roshanna 1
Susan 1
Sussannah 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 14
John 13
Thomas 11
Robert 10
James 8
George 6
Joseph 6
Richard 6
Samuel 4
Edward 3
Henry 3
Alfred 2
Charles 2
Fredrick 2
Geo. 2
Thos. 2
Walter 2
(Fras) 1
Arthur 1
Douglas 1
Edmund 1
Elijah 1
Gaskell 1
Hugh 1
Leonard 1
Richd.C. 1

FAQ

Gillow surname: questions and answers

How common was the Gillow surname in 1881?

In 1881, 228 people were recorded with the Gillow surname. That placed it at #11,826 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Gillow surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 152 in 2016. That gives Gillow a modern rank of #23,516.

What does the Gillow surname mean?

An English surname derived from a topographic name for someone living near a ravine or deep hollow.

What does the Gillow map show?

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