NameCensus.

UK surname

Gravel

A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a gravel pit or on gravelly soil.

In the 1881 census there were 157 people recorded with the Gravel surname, ranking it #15,046 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 103, ranked #30,515, down from #15,046 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Llangendeirne and Aberavon. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include North Lincolnshire and Doncaster.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Gravel is 157 in 1881. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 34.4%.

1881 census count

157

Ranked #15,046

Modern count

103

2016, ranked #30,515

Peak year

1881

157 bearers

Map years

6

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Gravel had 157 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #15,046 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 103 in 2016, ranked #30,515.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 157 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Gravel surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Gravel surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Gravel 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 104 #16,746
1861 historical 137 #16,465
1881 historical 157 #15,046
1891 historical 144 #18,842
1901 historical 138 #18,955
1911 historical 89 #23,922
1997 modern 80 #29,554
1998 modern 77 #30,289
1999 modern 80 #30,152
2000 modern 80 #30,139
2001 modern 85 #29,396
2002 modern 85 #29,867
2003 modern 84 #29,978
2004 modern 83 #30,352
2005 modern 83 #30,486
2006 modern 85 #30,556
2007 modern 87 #30,666
2008 modern 92 #30,286
2009 modern 95 #30,393
2010 modern 98 #30,540
2011 modern 97 #30,552
2012 modern 94 #31,258
2013 modern 97 #31,239
2014 modern 97 #31,518
2015 modern 99 #31,168
2016 modern 103 #30,515

Geography

Back to top

Where Gravels are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Llangendeirne, Aberavon, Merthyr Tydfil and Pembrey. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to North Lincolnshire and Doncaster. 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 Llangendeirne Carmarthenshire
3 Aberavon Glamorganshire
4 Merthyr Tydfil Glamorganshire
5 Pembrey Carmarthenshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 North Lincolnshire 020 North Lincolnshire
2 Doncaster 004 Doncaster
3 North Lincolnshire 023 North Lincolnshire
4 North Lincolnshire 006 North Lincolnshire
5 North Lincolnshire 005 North Lincolnshire

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Gravel

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Gravel

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Gravel 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

Gravel is most concentrated in decile 5 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.

5
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Gravel falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

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

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Gravel is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 20-25 mbit/s.

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

4
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Gravel

The surname Gravel is of French origin and can be traced back to the region of Normandy in northern France. It is believed to have derived from the Old French word "gravele," which means "gravel" or "small stones." This surname likely originated in medieval times, possibly during the 11th or 12th century.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Gravel surname can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landowners and properties in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name is mentioned in reference to a landowner named Ralf de Gravele, who held lands in Hertfordshire.

In the 13th century, there are records of a family named Gravel residing in the village of Gravel, located in the Pas-de-Calais region of northern France. This place name likely contributed to the surname's origin and early use.

During the Middle Ages, the Gravel surname was also associated with occupations related to construction or quarrying, as those involved in these trades often worked with gravel and other types of stone.

Notable individuals with the surname Gravel include:

1. Maurice Gravel (1923-2020), a Canadian politician who served as a member of the House of Commons and as a Senator. 2. Philippe Gravel (born 1951), a Canadian writer and novelist known for his works exploring Quebec's cultural identity. 3. Jean-Baptiste Gravel (1834-1909), a French-Canadian Roman Catholic priest and educator who founded the École de Médecine et de Chirurgie de Montréal (now known as the Université de Montréal). 4. Claudette Gravel (born 1945), a Canadian children's author and illustrator best known for her series "La Petite Patrie." 5. Louis Gravel (1842-1919), a French-Canadian politician who served as the Mayor of Québec City from 1897 to 1900.

The Gravel surname has been present in various regions of France, as well as in French-speaking areas of Canada, such as Quebec and parts of Ontario. Over time, variations in spelling, including Gravelle, Gravell, and Gravelle, have emerged, further reflecting the surname's evolution and geographical spread.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Gravel families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Gravel 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. Lincolnshire leads with 56 Gravels recorded in 1881 and an index of 22.87x.

County Total Index
Lincolnshire 56 22.87x
Glamorgan 31 11.63x
Carmarthenshire 14 21.69x
Lancashire 13 0.72x
Gloucestershire 10 3.33x
Monmouthshire 9 8.13x
Yorkshire 8 0.53x
Middlesex 7 0.46x
Northumberland 5 2.19x
Cumberland 1 0.76x
Derbyshire 1 0.42x
Devon 1 0.31x
Wiltshire 1 0.74x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Epworth in Lincolnshire leads with 52 Gravels recorded in 1881 and an index of 4561.40x.

Place Total Index
Epworth 52 4561.40x
Ystradyfodwg 11 47.03x
Bristol St George 10 71.99x
Aberystruth 9 92.21x
Aberavon 6 244.90x
Ardwick 6 36.61x
Llangendeirne 6 500.00x
Manchester 6 7.34x
Pembrey 6 202.02x
Longbenton 5 51.81x
Aughton 4 5714.29x
Mile End Old Town London 4 12.27x
Roath 4 33.03x
Merthyr Tydfil 3 11.71x
Owston 3 428.57x
Cardiff St Mary 2 13.61x
Llanguick 2 41.84x
Llantrisant 2 29.76x
St Marylebone London 2 2.45x
Bethnal Green London 1 1.50x
Chorlton On Medlock 1 3.46x
Devonport 1 27.32x
Doncaster 1 9.02x
Glossop Dale 1 8.90x
Kidwelly 1 75.76x
Kirk Ella 1 555.56x
Llanelly 1 6.88x
Llanrhidian Higher 1 59.17x
Rodbourne Cheney 1 95.24x
Sculcoates 1 4.16x
Shafton 1 434.78x
St Nicholas Lincoln 1 42.74x
Workington 1 13.25x

Top female names

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

Name Count
John 14
Richard 7
Thomas 6
David 5
James 5
William 5
Joseph 4
George 3
Henry 3
Arthur 2
Harry 2
Samuel 2
Albert 1
Christopher 1
Daniel 1
Edward 1
Edwin 1
Eli 1
Emerson 1
Evan 1
Fred 1
Freeman 1
Herbert 1
Horatio 1
Kershaw 1
Lewis 1
Oliver 1
Robert 1
Samuler 1
Solomon 1
Tom 1
Truman 1
Webster 1
Willie 1
Zaccheus 1

FAQ

Gravel surname: questions and answers

How common was the Gravel surname in 1881?

In 1881, 157 people were recorded with the Gravel surname. That placed it at #15,046 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Gravel surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 103 in 2016. That gives Gravel a modern rank of #30,515.

What does the Gravel surname mean?

A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a gravel pit or on gravelly soil.

What does the Gravel map show?

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