NameCensus.

UK surname

Graver

An occupational surname referring to an engraver or carver, derived from Middle English "graver" meaning "one who carves."

In the 1881 census there were 376 people recorded with the Graver surname, ranking it #8,326 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 680, ranked #7,884, up from #8,326 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Rainham, West, London parishes and Syderstone. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include North Norfolk, County Durham and Broadland.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Graver is 698 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 80.9%.

1881 census count

376

Ranked #8,326

Modern count

680

2016, ranked #7,884

Peak year

1999

698 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Graver had 376 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #8,326 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 680 in 2016, ranked #7,884.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 641 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Graver surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Graver surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Graver 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 260 #8,512
1861 historical 322 #7,911
1881 historical 376 #8,326
1891 historical 496 #7,478
1901 historical 486 #8,224
1911 historical 641 #6,510
1997 modern 666 #7,533
1998 modern 688 #7,582
1999 modern 698 #7,533
2000 modern 648 #7,951
2001 modern 651 #7,785
2002 modern 670 #7,772
2003 modern 655 #7,798
2004 modern 655 #7,790
2005 modern 621 #8,056
2006 modern 637 #7,923
2007 modern 634 #8,028
2008 modern 636 #8,044
2009 modern 660 #7,978
2010 modern 671 #8,050
2011 modern 650 #8,155
2012 modern 648 #8,096
2013 modern 687 #7,855
2014 modern 687 #7,893
2015 modern 691 #7,806
2016 modern 680 #7,884

Geography

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Where Gravers are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Rainham, West, London parishes, Syderstone, Hellesdon, St Mary in the Marsh, St Clement, St Martin at Oak, St Mary at Coslany, St Michael at Cos and Lakenham , Eaton St Andrew, Town Close, St Stephen, St Peter Mancroft, St Giles, St Andrew, St John. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to North Norfolk, County Durham, Broadland, East Hampshire and Breckland. 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 Rainham, West Norfolk
2 London parishes London 3
3 Syderstone Norfolk
4 Hellesdon, St Mary in the Marsh, St Clement, St Martin at Oak, St Mary at Coslany, St Michael at Cos Norfolk
5 Lakenham , Eaton St Andrew, Town Close, St Stephen, St Peter Mancroft, St Giles, St Andrew, St John Norfolk

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 North Norfolk 001 North Norfolk
2 County Durham 015 County Durham
3 Broadland 017 Broadland
4 East Hampshire 012 East Hampshire
5 Breckland 002 Breckland

Forenames

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First names often paired with Graver

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Graver

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

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Graver is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. 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

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Graver is most concentrated in decile 7 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.

7
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Graver 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 Graver 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 Graver, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Graver

The surname Graver has its origins in England and can be traced back to the mid-13th century. It derives from the Old English word "grafere," which referred to an engraver or sculptor. The earliest recorded spelling of the name appears in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire from 1273, where it is listed as "Richard le Gravere."

Throughout the medieval period, the Graver surname was predominantly found in the counties of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire. In the 14th century, records show individuals with the name Graver living in villages such as Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire and Thatcham in Berkshire. The name is also mentioned in the Subsidy Rolls of Oxfordshire from 1327, indicating its presence in the region.

One of the earliest known individuals with the surname Graver was William Graver, who was born in Thatcham, Berkshire, in 1412. He was a skilled woodcarver and is believed to have worked on the construction of several churches in the area, though his specific contributions remain uncertain.

In the 16th century, the Graver surname gained prominence when John Graver (1560-1637) became a renowned engraver and printmaker in London. He was known for his intricate engravings of religious scenes and portraits, which were highly sought after by the nobility and wealthy patrons of the arts.

Another notable individual was Thomas Graver (1588-1656), a scholar and clergyman from Oxfordshire. He attended Oxford University and later became the rector of Drayton Parslow in Buckinghamshire, where he served for over 30 years.

During the 17th century, the Graver surname spread beyond its traditional strongholds in southern England. Records show individuals with this name living in places like Yorkshire and Lancashire, suggesting migration patterns within the country.

One noteworthy figure from this period was Richard Graver (1635-1704), a merchant from Bristol who made his fortune in the transatlantic trade. He was instrumental in establishing trade routes between England and the American colonies, contributing to the city's economic growth.

As the centuries passed, the Graver surname continued to be associated with various professions, including artisans, clergy, and merchants. However, it remained relatively uncommon compared to other English surnames, reflecting its specific occupational origins.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Graver families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Graver 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. Norfolk leads with 235 Gravers recorded in 1881 and an index of 42.00x.

County Total Index
Norfolk 235 42.00x
Middlesex 50 1.37x
Cheshire 17 2.12x
Surrey 14 0.79x
Yorkshire 10 0.28x
Essex 9 1.25x
Cornwall 8 1.94x
Hertfordshire 7 2.79x
Devon 4 0.53x
Durham 4 0.37x
Kent 3 0.24x
Lancashire 3 0.07x
Suffolk 3 0.68x
Lincolnshire 2 0.34x
Northamptonshire 2 0.58x
Cambridgeshire 1 0.43x
Dorset 1 0.42x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Syderstone in Norfolk leads with 31 Gravers recorded in 1881 and an index of 4843.75x.

Place Total Index
Syderstone 31 4843.75x
South Creake 24 1889.76x
West Rainham 18 4285.71x
Hale 17 613.72x
Norwich St Julian 15 635.59x
North Creake 13 1710.53x
Sedgeford 12 1263.16x
Lambeth 11 3.47x
Clerkenwell London 10 11.64x
Burnham Sutton Cum Burnham 9 2250.00x
Norwich St Peter Mancroft 9 320.28x
Sprowston 9 364.37x
Madron Penzance 8 53.40x
Heigham 7 23.31x
Hendon 7 53.48x
Booton 6 2400.00x
East Raynham 6 3333.33x
Norwich St Martin At Oak 6 176.47x
Stokesby With Herringby 6 1463.41x
Berkhampstead 5 88.65x
Edmonton 5 17.05x
Forest Gate 5 500.00x
Foulsham 5 423.73x
Grimston 5 354.61x
Hackney London 5 2.45x
Lakenham 5 62.89x
Leeds 5 2.46x
Norwich St Clement 5 77.04x
Norwich St George Colegate 5 245.10x
Egmere 4 3333.33x
Fakenham 4 144.93x
Gateshead 4 4.94x
Hindringham 4 547.95x
Horningtoft 4 1481.48x
Ratcliffe London 4 19.91x
Southcoates 4 19.98x
St George Hanover Square 4 6.24x
Fakenham Alethorpe 3 434.78x
Islington London 3 0.85x
Lee 3 16.65x
Prestwich 3 27.86x
St Pancras London 3 1.02x
Stoke Damerel 3 5.66x
Albury 2 123.46x
Castle Acre 2 120.48x
Chadwell St Mary 2 273.97x
Great Yarmouth 2 4.32x
Hackford In Aylsham 2 200.00x
Helhoughton 2 476.19x
Kensington London 2 0.99x
Paddington London 2 1.49x
Peterborough 2 8.07x
South Benfleet 2 235.29x
Sutton St Mary 2 36.36x
Thurne 2 740.74x
Beccles 1 14.03x
Beeston St Andrew 1 2000.00x
Burnham Westgate 1 82.64x
Chipping Barnet 1 22.78x
Church Knowle 1 142.86x
Conington 1 526.32x
Corton 1 142.86x
East Winch 1 200.00x
Hammersmith London 1 1.12x
Herringfleet 1 344.83x
Holy Trinity 1 1.15x
Kingston On Thames 1 2.35x
Little Amwell 1 113.64x
Moulton St Mary 1 333.33x
North Wootton 1 250.00x
Norwich St Augustine 1 44.25x
Norwich St Peter 1 27.25x
Norwich St Peter Hungate 1 208.33x
Shoreditch London 1 0.63x
St Marylebone London 1 0.51x
Swanton Novers 1 285.71x
Tormoham 1 3.12x
West Barsham 1 833.33x
Westminster St James 1 2.67x
Westminster St Margaret 1 5.70x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Sarah 19
Mary 16
Elizabeth 15
Ann 7
Emma 7
Hannah 7
Alice 6
Annie 6
Edith 5
Ellen 5
Emily 5
Caroline 4
Harriett 4
Rose 4
Catherine 3
Esther 3
Florence 3
Frances 3
Harriet 3
Jane 3
Martha 3
Susan 3
Agnes 2
Amelia 2
Eleanor 2
Eva 2
Fanny 2
Kate 2
Louisa 2
Lucy 2
Margaret 2
Maria 2
Ruth 2
Angelina 1
Bessie 1
Betrese 1
Betsy 1
Blanche 1
Diana 1
Eliza 1
Elizebeth 1
Enelder 1
Grace 1
Hellen 1
Ida 1
Janet 1
Jessie 1
Laria 1
Laura 1
Sybal 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
George 24
John 22
William 17
James 14
Charles 10
Henry 9
Alfred 7
Thomas 7
Edward 6
Robert 6
Frederick 5
Arthur 4
Abraham 2
Edmund 2
Ernest 2
Harry 2
Horace 2
Richard 2
Walter 2
A. 1
Alphons 1
Aubry 1
Benjamin 1
Cecil 1
Ebenezer 1
Edmond 1
Elijah 1
Elisha 1
Emmanuel 1
Francis 1
Frank 1
Fredrick 1
Geo. 1
Herbert 1
Infant 1
Isaac 1
J.F. 1
Jabez 1
Mark 1
Obadiah 1
Percy 1
Philip 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Graver surname: questions and answers

How common was the Graver surname in 1881?

In 1881, 376 people were recorded with the Graver surname. That placed it at #8,326 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Graver surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 680 in 2016. That gives Graver a modern rank of #7,884.

What does the Graver surname mean?

An occupational surname referring to an engraver or carver, derived from Middle English "graver" meaning "one who carves."

What does the Graver map show?

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