NameCensus.

UK surname

Gwilt

An occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "gwylte," referring to someone who was a dyer or cloth worker.

In the 1881 census there were 288 people recorded with the Gwilt surname, ranking it #9,988 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 652, ranked #8,163, up from #9,988 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Sedgley, Diddlebury, Skirmage, Holdgate, Abdon, Long Stanton and Churchstoke. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Powys, Caerphilly and Walsall.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Gwilt is 671 in 2011. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 126.4%.

1881 census count

288

Ranked #9,988

Modern count

652

2016, ranked #8,163

Peak year

2011

671 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Gwilt had 288 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #9,988 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 652 in 2016, ranked #8,163.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 426 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Gwilt surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Gwilt surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Gwilt 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 142 #13,428
1861 historical 125 #17,678
1881 historical 288 #9,988
1891 historical 298 #11,167
1901 historical 426 #9,067
1911 historical 410 #9,126
1997 modern 574 #8,398
1998 modern 612 #8,275
1999 modern 612 #8,336
2000 modern 635 #8,074
2001 modern 630 #7,972
2002 modern 659 #7,864
2003 modern 657 #7,778
2004 modern 662 #7,731
2005 modern 649 #7,781
2006 modern 648 #7,819
2007 modern 656 #7,806
2008 modern 646 #7,952
2009 modern 662 #7,960
2010 modern 667 #8,082
2011 modern 671 #7,954
2012 modern 653 #8,049
2013 modern 666 #8,058
2014 modern 669 #8,069
2015 modern 662 #8,077
2016 modern 652 #8,163

Geography

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Where Gwilts are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Sedgley, Diddlebury, Skirmage, Holdgate, Abdon, Long Stanton, Churchstoke, Welshpool and Bitterley. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Powys, Caerphilly, Walsall and Shropshire. 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 Sedgley Staffordshire
2 Diddlebury, Skirmage, Holdgate, Abdon, Long Stanton Shropshire
3 Churchstoke Montgomeryshire
4 Welshpool Montgomeryshire
5 Bitterley Shropshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Powys 009 Powys
2 Caerphilly 009 Caerphilly
3 Walsall 026 Walsall
4 Powys 003 Powys
5 Shropshire 010 Shropshire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Gwilt

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Gwilt

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

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Gwilt is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support 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

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

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

Gwilt 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

Gwilt 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 Gwilt is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

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

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Gwilt

The surname Gwilt is of English origin, believed to have originated in the southeastern county of Sussex during the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word "gewilted," which means "faded" or "wilted." This suggests that the name may have been initially given as a descriptive nickname to someone who appeared pale or sickly.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex from 1296, where a John Gewylte is mentioned. The name also appears in various spellings, such as Gylte, Gult, and Gwylte, in various medieval records from the region.

In the 16th century, the name is documented in the parish records of East Sussex, with entries for the baptism of Elizabeth Gwilt in 1562 and the marriage of John Gwilt and Joan Crunden in 1590. These records provide insight into the surname's continued presence in the area during this time period.

The Gwilt surname is also associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One such figure is Joseph Gwilt (1784-1863), an English architect and writer who authored several influential works on architecture, including the "Encyclopaedia of Architecture" and "Rudiments of Architecture." His contributions to the field of architecture and architectural education were significant during the early 19th century.

Another prominent individual with the Gwilt surname was Richard Gwilt (1791-1865), an English engraver and artist known for his intricate engravings of architectural subjects. His detailed works, such as "Views of the Chapel at Eton College," showcased his skill and precision in capturing architectural details.

In the field of literature, George Gwilt (1804-1856) was an English writer and journalist who contributed to various publications, including the "Quarterly Review" and "Fraser's Magazine." He was known for his critiques and essays on literature and society.

The Gwilt surname also has connections to the military, with Major General Sir Reginald Gwilt (1865-1939) serving as a British Army officer during World War I. He played a significant role in the Battle of Gallipoli and later served as the Governor of Bermuda from 1924 to 1927.

While the Gwilt surname originated in Sussex, it has since spread to various parts of England and beyond, with individuals bearing this name contributing to various fields over the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Gwilt families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Gwilt 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. Shropshire leads with 145 Gwilts recorded in 1881 and an index of 59.74x.

County Total Index
Shropshire 145 59.74x
Montgomeryshire 67 104.09x
Staffordshire 24 2.53x
Lancashire 15 0.45x
Kent 8 0.83x
Middlesex 7 0.25x
Surrey 5 0.37x
Buckinghamshire 3 1.77x
Cheshire 3 0.48x
Denbighshire 2 1.88x
Glamorgan 2 0.41x
Radnorshire 2 8.83x
Sussex 2 0.42x
Caernarfonshire 1 0.88x
Rutland 1 4.85x
Warwickshire 1 0.14x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Kerry in Montgomeryshire leads with 19 Gwilts recorded in 1881 and an index of 979.38x.

Place Total Index
Kerry 19 979.38x
Llanfair Waterdine 18 3396.23x
Pool 16 329.22x
Worthen 13 503.88x
Stanton Lacy 11 523.81x
Guilsfield 10 427.35x
Bridgnorth St Leonard 9 327.27x
Churchstoke 9 743.80x
Kingswinford 9 26.14x
Walton On Hill 9 49.83x
Westbury 9 720.00x
Lewisham 8 15.65x
Stoke St Milborough 8 1568.63x
Claverley 7 426.83x
Astley Abbotts 6 1000.00x
Atcham 6 1500.00x
Cainham 6 530.97x
Gt Ness 6 952.38x
Battersea 5 4.84x
Cleobury North 5 2777.78x
Clun Eddycliff 5 1086.96x
Darlaston 5 38.17x
Walsall Foreign 5 10.21x
Diddlebury 4 500.00x
Forden 4 454.55x
Glazeley 4 10000.00x
Kensington London 4 2.56x
Pilkington 4 31.60x
Trewern 4 1176.47x
Bishops Castle In 3 211.27x
Bitterley 3 312.50x
Clun 3 174.42x
Hambleden 3 206.90x
Meole Brace 3 238.10x
Poulton Cum Seacombe 3 42.08x
Westminster St James 3 10.39x
Brighton 2 2.09x
Chetton 2 416.67x
Hopesay 2 322.58x
Llanfihangel Beguildy 2 208.33x
Llansaintffraid 2 259.74x
Mainstone 2 1111.11x
Pontesbury 2 67.80x
Stansty 2 170.94x
Swansea Town 2 4.99x
West Bromwich 2 3.68x
Aston 1 0.51x
Castlewright 1 625.00x
Chirbury 1 69.93x
Clipsham 1 476.19x
Clunbury 1 105.26x
Clungunford 1 178.57x
Gorton 1 3.19x
Liverpool 1 0.49x
Llandudno 1 24.69x
Llanmerewig 1 333.33x
Lydham 1 909.09x
Montgomery 1 86.96x
Oswestry Town 1 12.87x
Rushall 1 17.92x
Shrewsbury St Mary 1 10.44x
Stockton 1 192.31x
Wednesbury 1 4.22x
Wem 1 27.70x
Wombourn Woodford 1 588.24x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 28
Elizabeth 12
Jane 10
Sarah 10
Ann 6
Annie 6
Martha 6
Alice 4
Hannah 4
Agnes 3
Eliza 3
Ellen 3
Lucy 3
Catherine 2
Elizth. 2
Florence 2
Frances 2
Harriet 2
Margaret 2
Rosannah 2
Ada 1
Anne 1
Bertha 1
Charity 1
Charlotte 1
Clara 1
Eleaner 1
Eleanor 1
Emily 1
Emma 1
Emmie 1
Esther 1
Evelyn 1
Fanny 1
Flora 1
Harriett 1
Harritt 1
Helen 1
Isabel 1
Isabella 1
Jessie 1
Julia 1
Laura 1
Margret 1
Margt. 1
Penelope 1
Rebecca 1
Rhoda 1
Rosa 1
Rosina 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 18
William 18
Richard 13
Thomas 12
Edward 10
Charles 8
James 7
Benjamin 6
Alfred 5
George 4
Edwin 3
Francis 3
Aaron 2
Herbert 2
Jno. 2
Joseph 2
Morris 2
Albert 1
Allen 1
Annie 1
Arthur 1
Chas. 1
David 1
Edwd. 1
Elijah 1
Elizabeth 1
Ernest 1
Field 1
Fred.R. 1
Fredrick 1
Henry 1
Josiah 1
Lewis 1
Mary 1
Mathan 1
Maurice 1
Newport 1
Paytoc 1
R. 1
Robert 1
Thos. 1
Walter 1
Willm.E. 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Gwilt surname: questions and answers

How common was the Gwilt surname in 1881?

In 1881, 288 people were recorded with the Gwilt surname. That placed it at #9,988 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Gwilt surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 652 in 2016. That gives Gwilt a modern rank of #8,163.

What does the Gwilt surname mean?

An occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "gwylte," referring to someone who was a dyer or cloth worker.

What does the Gwilt map show?

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