NameCensus.

UK surname

Hallen

A derivative of a place name or topographic feature relating to a nook or hollow.

In the 1881 census there were 118 people recorded with the Hallen surname, ranking it #17,935 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 110, ranked #29,225, down from #17,935 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Burslem, St Pancras and Manchester. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Cheshire East, Redbridge and Wychavon.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Hallen is 383 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 6.8%.

1881 census count

118

Ranked #17,935

Modern count

110

2016, ranked #29,225

Peak year

1861

383 bearers

Map years

6

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Hallen had 118 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #17,935 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 110 in 2016, ranked #29,225.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 383 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Hallen surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Hallen surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Hallen 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 197 #10,535
1861 historical 383 #6,680
1881 historical 118 #17,935
1891 historical 158 #17,705
1901 historical 83 #24,900
1911 historical 108 #21,736
1997 modern 81 #29,436
1998 modern 90 #28,920
1999 modern 99 #27,906
2000 modern 106 #26,848
2001 modern 99 #27,534
2002 modern 99 #28,082
2003 modern 96 #28,381
2004 modern 102 #27,637
2005 modern 106 #27,044
2006 modern 99 #28,453
2007 modern 101 #28,505
2008 modern 103 #28,519
2009 modern 117 #26,927
2010 modern 128 #26,036
2011 modern 123 #26,512
2012 modern 112 #28,174
2013 modern 108 #29,379
2014 modern 111 #29,113
2015 modern 113 #28,645
2016 modern 110 #29,225

Geography

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Where Hallens are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Burslem, St Pancras, Manchester, Thurrock, Grays and Llanfihangel Llantarnam. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Cheshire East, Redbridge, Wychavon, East Northamptonshire and Hounslow. 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 Burslem Staffordshire
2 St Pancras London (North Districts)
3 Manchester Lancashire
4 Thurrock, Grays Essex
5 Llanfihangel Llantarnam Monmouthshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Cheshire East 033 Cheshire East
2 Redbridge 031 Redbridge
3 Wychavon 012 Wychavon
4 East Northamptonshire 003 East Northamptonshire
5 Hounslow 018 Hounslow

Forenames

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First names often paired with Hallen

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Hallen

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

Young Asian Family Terraces

Within London, Hallen is most associated with areas classed as Young Asian Family Terraces, 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 households with dependent children typically live in terraced housing and are of (non-Chinese) Asian extraction. Individuals with Bangladeshi origins are particularly in evidence. Employment is often in elementary occupations or as process, plant or machine operatives, and part-time work is common. Students are much in evidence.

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

Hallen 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

Hallen falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Hallen is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

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

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Hallen

The surname Hallen originated in the Germanic regions of northern Europe, with roots dating back to the 8th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "hallr," meaning "slope" or "hillside." This suggests that the name may have initially referred to someone who lived on or near a sloping terrain.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hallen can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The entry "Hallanda" is listed as a place name, indicating the presence of individuals bearing this surname or a similar variation.

In the 12th century, records from the city of Bremen in northern Germany mention a merchant named Johannes Hallen, who was involved in the thriving Hanseatic League trade networks. This provides evidence of the name's early use in the mercantile communities of the region.

During the Middle Ages, the name Hallen appeared in various forms across northern Europe, including "Halen," "Hallen," and "Hallin." These variations reflect the regional dialects and linguistic influences of the areas where the name was prevalent.

One notable figure bearing the Hallen surname was Thomas Hallen, a 16th-century English clergyman and scholar who served as the Dean of Worcester from 1561 to 1568. Another individual of historical significance was Christoph Hallen, a German composer and organist who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

In the 18th century, the name Hallen was associated with several notable figures, including John Hallen (1721-1790), an English engraver and illustrator known for his intricate copper engravings. Additionally, Gerhard Hallen (1739-1819) was a Norwegian farmer and politician who served as a representative in the Norwegian Constituent Assembly, which drafted the country's constitution in 1814.

The 19th century saw the emergence of several individuals with the Hallen surname, such as the Norwegian writer and poet Andreas Hallen (1846-1925), whose works explored themes of rural life and nature. Another prominent figure was the Swedish architect Erik Hallen (1875-1947), who designed several notable buildings in Stockholm, including the Stockholm Public Library.

Throughout its history, the surname Hallen has been associated with various occupations, from merchants and clergymen to artists and politicians, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and contributions of those who have carried this name across generations.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Hallen families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Hallen 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. Monmouthshire leads with 30 Hallens recorded in 1881 and an index of 35.46x.

County Total Index
Monmouthshire 30 35.46x
Middlesex 16 1.37x
Yorkshire 16 1.38x
Staffordshire 11 2.78x
Essex 9 3.90x
Glamorgan 8 3.93x
Surrey 6 1.05x
Kent 5 1.25x
Lancashire 3 0.22x
Leicestershire 3 2.31x
Clackmannanshire 2 20.68x
Royal Navy 2 14.34x
Worcestershire 2 1.31x
Berkshire 1 1.14x
Cornwall 1 0.75x
Cumberland 1 0.99x
Derbyshire 1 0.55x
Devon 1 0.41x
Gloucestershire 1 0.44x
Hampshire 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. Llanvihangel Llantarnam in Monmouthshire leads with 17 Hallens recorded in 1881 and an index of 1055.90x.

Place Total Index
Llanvihangel Llantarnam 17 1055.90x
Burslem 11 97.17x
Leeds 11 16.80x
Grays Thurrock 9 418.60x
Cwmcarvan 7 7000.00x
Islington London 6 5.29x
Penarth 6 301.51x
St Marylebone London 4 6.40x
Greenwich 3 16.10x
Kensington London 3 4.61x
Raglan 3 1034.48x
Southwark St Saviour 3 49.92x
Warley 3 89.55x
Alloa 2 42.64x
Chatham 2 18.21x
Hemsworth 2 298.51x
Loughborough 2 33.96x
Barrow In Furness 1 5.29x
Bedwellty 1 6.69x
Broad Clist 1 119.05x
Caerleon 1 227.27x
Camberwell 1 1.34x
Cardiff St Mary 1 8.91x
Church Gresley 1 34.25x
Ealing 1 9.56x
Eglwysilan 1 28.25x
Falmouth 1 21.32x
Gloucester Barton St 1 74.07x
Hartlebury 1 109.89x
Hillingdon 1 26.81x
Keswick 1 77.52x
Kidderminster Borough 1 11.19x
Lambeth 1 0.98x
Leicester St Margaret 1 3.16x
Richmond 1 12.52x
Royal Navy 1 8.39x
Skelmersdale 1 43.29x
St Michael Winchester 1 204.08x
St Woollos 1 10.59x
Tilehurst 1 56.50x
Toxteth Park 1 2.13x
Westminster St James 1 8.31x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 9
Annie 5
Elizabeth 5
Sarah 5
Ann 2
Eliza 2
Ada 1
Adelaide 1
Agnes 1
Alice 1
Anielizer 1
Anne 1
Beatrice 1
Birthiah 1
Caroline 1
Clara 1
Deborah 1
Diana 1
E. 1
Elizth. 1
Ellen 1
Emily 1
Emma 1
Eva 1
Evelyn 1
Frances 1
Gertrude 1
Harriet 1
Helen 1
Henrietta 1
Jane 1
Jessie 1
Johense 1
Kate 1
Lizzy 1
Louisa 1
Margaret 1
Miriam 1
Sonia 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 11
James 5
William 5
Charles 3
Alfred 2
Arthur 2
George 2
Harry 2
Percy 2
Samuel 2
Thomas 2
Albert 1
David 1
Edward 1
Ernest 1
Frank 1
Frederick 1
Harding 1
Hjalmar 1
Hubert 1
Isaiah 1
Jesse 1
Joseph 1
Preston 1
Richard 1
Thos. 1
Valentine 1
Walter 1
Willm. 1

FAQ

Hallen surname: questions and answers

How common was the Hallen surname in 1881?

In 1881, 118 people were recorded with the Hallen surname. That placed it at #17,935 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Hallen surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 110 in 2016. That gives Hallen a modern rank of #29,225.

What does the Hallen surname mean?

A derivative of a place name or topographic feature relating to a nook or hollow.

What does the Hallen map show?

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