NameCensus.

UK surname

Grimsey

From a small island near the coast of Denmark.

In the 1881 census there were 338 people recorded with the Grimsey surname, ranking it #8,962 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 463, ranked #10,586, down from #8,962 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Hadleigh, Brightlingsea and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Babergh, Ipswich and Rushcliffe.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Grimsey is 563 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 37.0%.

1881 census count

338

Ranked #8,962

Modern count

463

2016, ranked #10,586

Peak year

1999

563 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Grimsey had 338 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #8,962 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 463 in 2016, ranked #10,586.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 549 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Grimsey surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Grimsey surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Grimsey 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 254 #8,683
1861 historical 255 #9,699
1881 historical 338 #8,962
1891 historical 393 #8,995
1901 historical 442 #8,818
1911 historical 549 #7,300
1997 modern 553 #8,617
1998 modern 551 #8,921
1999 modern 563 #8,812
2000 modern 555 #8,883
2001 modern 539 #8,936
2002 modern 537 #9,150
2003 modern 513 #9,314
2004 modern 512 #9,352
2005 modern 498 #9,467
2006 modern 484 #9,709
2007 modern 495 #9,642
2008 modern 489 #9,808
2009 modern 494 #9,953
2010 modern 494 #10,144
2011 modern 504 #9,895
2012 modern 481 #10,145
2013 modern 484 #10,281
2014 modern 477 #10,444
2015 modern 468 #10,518
2016 modern 463 #10,586

Geography

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Where Grimseys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Hadleigh, Brightlingsea, London parishes, Colchester St Botolph, St Mary at the Walls, St Giles, St Mary Magdalen, Holy Trinity, St Runwald, a and Thorrington, Frating. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Babergh, Ipswich and Rushcliffe. 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 Hadleigh Suffolk
2 Brightlingsea Essex
3 London parishes London 3
4 Colchester St Botolph, St Mary at the Walls, St Giles, St Mary Magdalen, Holy Trinity, St Runwald, a Essex
5 Thorrington, Frating Essex

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Babergh 004 Babergh
2 Babergh 010 Babergh
3 Ipswich 013 Ipswich
4 Rushcliffe 001 Rushcliffe
5 Babergh 005 Babergh

Forenames

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First names often paired with Grimsey

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Grimsey

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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Grimsey is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. 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 scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Grimsey is most concentrated in decile 4 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.

4
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Grimsey falls in decile 10 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.

10
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Grimsey is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 25-30 mbit/s.

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

5
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Grimsey

The surname Grimsey has its origins in England, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Old English words "grim" and "ey," meaning "grim" or "fierce" and "island," respectively. This suggests that the name may have originated from a location or landmark associated with an island or coastal area, possibly describing its rugged or imposing appearance.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Grimsey can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. This historical document contains references to individuals with similar surnames, such as "Grimstone" and "Grimshaw," indicating the existence of the name in various forms during the Norman period.

In the 13th century, records show the presence of the Grimsey family in the county of Yorkshire, particularly in the village of Grimston, which may have derived its name from the same etymological roots. This locality could have been the place of origin for some branches of the Grimsey family.

Notable individuals bearing the Grimsey surname include Richard Grimsey (c. 1540-1610), an English poet and clergyman from Gloucestershire. Another figure was Sir Thomas Grimsey (1675-1749), a British naval officer who served in the Royal Navy during the early 18th century and participated in several military campaigns.

The name Grimsey has also been associated with geographical locations, such as the Grimsey Islands, a small archipelago off the northern coast of Iceland. This connection suggests a possible Viking influence or migration pattern that contributed to the spread of the surname across different regions.

Other historical figures include William Grimsey (1782-1856), a British architect known for his work on several churches and public buildings in London, and Mary Grimsey (1840-1918), a renowned educator and advocate for women's rights in the United States.

While the Grimsey surname may not be among the most common today, its historical roots and associations with diverse locations and individuals across different eras demonstrate its enduring legacy and the rich tapestry of cultural influences that have shaped surnames over time.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Grimsey families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Grimsey 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. Suffolk leads with 168 Grimseys recorded in 1881 and an index of 41.83x.

County Total Index
Suffolk 168 41.83x
Essex 72 11.06x
Middlesex 50 1.52x
Surrey 23 1.43x
Cheshire 7 0.96x
Sussex 5 0.90x
Somerset 3 0.57x
Bedfordshire 2 1.17x
Hampshire 2 0.30x
Devon 1 0.15x
Kent 1 0.09x
Lancashire 1 0.03x
Lincolnshire 1 0.19x
Wiltshire 1 0.34x
Worcestershire 1 0.23x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Stoke By Nayland in Suffolk leads with 50 Grimseys recorded in 1881 and an index of 3846.15x.

Place Total Index
Stoke By Nayland 50 3846.15x
Brightlingsea 19 510.75x
Hadleigh 16 410.26x
Hintlesham 15 2343.75x
Newington 13 10.67x
St Pancras London 12 4.52x
Combs 10 746.27x
Mendlesham 10 787.40x
Islington London 9 2.82x
Kirby Le Soken 9 957.45x
Friern Barnet 8 110.19x
Boxford 7 945.95x
Lambeth 7 2.43x
Nayland 7 686.27x
Semer 7 1891.89x
Thorrington 7 1707.32x
Tranmere 7 26.17x
Bures St Mary 6 612.24x
Frating 6 2142.86x
Ipswich St Margaret 6 44.02x
Kersey 6 1071.43x
Acton 5 25.87x
Colchester St Giles 5 77.76x
Colchester St Leonard 5 239.23x
Poplar London 5 8.03x
St Dunstan In East London 5 1923.08x
Ipswich St Mary Stoke 4 107.24x
Little Bentley 4 1111.11x
Melton 4 253.16x
Wivenhoe 4 155.04x
Chard 3 46.66x
Layham 3 491.80x
Newhaven 3 66.37x
Polstead 3 319.15x
Shelley 3 2142.86x
Walthamstow 3 12.80x
Bentley 2 434.78x
Bildeston 2 227.27x
Greenstead 2 210.53x
Harwich St Nicholas 2 39.76x
Ipswich St Peter 2 36.97x
Kempston 2 51.55x
Thorpe Le Soken 2 370.37x
Westminster St John 2 4.98x
Brading 1 11.14x
Brighton 1 0.89x
Camberwell 1 0.47x
Claydon 1 166.67x
Dovercourt 1 43.67x
Edmonton 1 3.77x
Erith 1 9.03x
Exning 1 49.26x
Farnborough 1 14.08x
Great Bentley 1 97.09x
Kensington London 1 0.55x
Kenton 1 46.30x
Kirkby Upon Bain 1 344.83x
Lawford 1 105.26x
Leiston 1 36.23x
Limehouse London 1 2.76x
Mile End Old Town London 1 1.43x
Nutfield 1 82.64x
Openshaw 1 5.46x
Shire Hall Yard 1 294.12x
Shrawley 1 192.31x
Southwark St George Martyr 1 1.51x
Southwick 1 34.01x
Thorpe 1 144.93x
Westleton 1 106.38x
Westport St Mary 1 47.39x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Sarah 14
Mary 11
Alice 10
Elizabeth 9
Emily 7
Ellen 6
Emma 6
Frances 5
Maria 5
Catherine 4
Charlotte 4
Edith 4
Eliza 3
Gertrude 3
Harriet 3
Kate 3
Louisa 3
Lucy 3
Rose 3
Ann 2
Florence 2
Harriett 2
Jane 2
Joyce 2
Keziah 2
Laura 2
Margaret 2
Martha 2
Matilda 2
Rosa 2
Anna 1
Anne 1
Annie 1
Bertha 1
Caroline 1
Dora 1
Eleanor 1
Elizh.E. 1
Elizibeth 1
Ellenor 1
Fanny 1
Flora 1
Francis 1
Grace 1
Hannah 1
Julia 1
Lilly 1
Luisa 1
Matildia 1
Topsy 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
George 18
William 17
Joseph 12
Henry 11
James 11
John 8
Robert 7
Arthur 6
Frederick 6
Harry 6
Thomas 6
Walter 6
Alfred 5
Benjamin 5
Isaac 5
Herbert 4
Charles 3
Ernest 3
Albert 2
Archer 2
Edward 2
Elias 2
Samuel 2
Adam 1
Benjn. 1
Daniel 1
David 1
Earnest 1
Ebenezer 1
Edgar 1
Edmund 1
Elijah 1
Fred 1
Frederic 1
Golding 1
Happy 1
Henery 1
Johnathan 1
Maurice 1
Melville 1
Oswald 1
Peter 1
Robt. 1
Spencer 1
Tom 1
Wesley 1

FAQ

Grimsey surname: questions and answers

How common was the Grimsey surname in 1881?

In 1881, 338 people were recorded with the Grimsey surname. That placed it at #8,962 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Grimsey surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 463 in 2016. That gives Grimsey a modern rank of #10,586.

What does the Grimsey surname mean?

From a small island near the coast of Denmark.

What does the Grimsey map show?

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