NameCensus.

UK surname

Havill

An English habitational surname derived from the village name Hawill or Havill, possibly from Old English heafod-hyll meaning "head hill".

In the 1881 census there were 189 people recorded with the Havill surname, ranking it #13,322 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 254, ranked #16,632, down from #13,322 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, Exeter St David (including Castle Yard) and Minster. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Swale, Nottingham and Exeter.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Havill is 362 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 34.4%.

1881 census count

189

Ranked #13,322

Modern count

254

2016, ranked #16,632

Peak year

1911

362 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Havill had 189 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #13,322 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 254 in 2016, ranked #16,632.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 362 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Inner Suburbs and Small Town Living.

Havill surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Havill surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Havill 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 149 #12,967
1861 historical 195 #12,263
1881 historical 189 #13,322
1891 historical 262 #12,297
1901 historical 267 #12,587
1911 historical 362 #10,020
1997 modern 248 #15,363
1998 modern 280 #14,550
1999 modern 281 #14,578
2000 modern 261 #15,314
2001 modern 257 #15,236
2002 modern 271 #14,966
2003 modern 259 #15,254
2004 modern 267 #15,038
2005 modern 264 #15,085
2006 modern 260 #15,329
2007 modern 268 #15,172
2008 modern 267 #15,349
2009 modern 268 #15,620
2010 modern 273 #15,764
2011 modern 265 #15,980
2012 modern 262 #16,001
2013 modern 268 #16,005
2014 modern 268 #16,111
2015 modern 261 #16,318
2016 modern 254 #16,632

Geography

Back to top

Where Havills are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, Exeter St David (including Castle Yard), Minster, London parishes and Budleigh, East. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Swale, Nottingham and Exeter. 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 Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff Gloucestershire
2 Exeter St David (including Castle Yard) Devon
3 Minster Kent
4 London parishes London 3
5 Budleigh, East Devon

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Swale 001 Swale
2 Swale 004 Swale
3 Swale 003 Swale
4 Nottingham 002 Nottingham
5 Exeter 012 Exeter

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Havill

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Havill

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Havill, 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

Inner Suburbs and Small Town Living

Nationally, the Havill surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Inner Suburbs and Small Town Living, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Havill household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Families with resident dependent children (but not students) are common. Established family groups and White ethnicity predominate, as do individuals born in the UK. They are more likely than the Supergroup average to have been resident in their terraced, semi-detached, or detached houses for more than one year. Levels of multiple car ownership are high. Properties are owned and typically have surplus living space. Associate professionals and administrative occupations are prevalent, and parents are likely to be in middle age or approaching retirement. Educational attainment is above the Supergroup average. Scattered developments and concentrations are found in many small towns.

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, Havill 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

Havill 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

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

Meaning and origin of Havill

The surname HAVILL has its origins in England, tracing back to the medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "haefel" or "hafol," which referred to a bramble or a shrub, suggesting a possible connection to a person living near such vegetation or a place name associated with it.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Havilla" in reference to a landowner in the county of Somerset. This historical document provides valuable insights into the distribution and prevalence of surnames during the Norman conquest of England.

In the 13th century, records show variations of the name such as "Havile" and "Havyll" appearing in various regions of England, including Essex, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire. The name's evolution and spelling variations were influenced by local dialects and scribal interpretations.

One notable bearer of the HAVILL surname was Sir Walter Havill, a prominent figure in the 14th century who served as a Member of Parliament for Somerset between 1361 and 1377. His involvement in local governance and representation highlights the significance of the name during that era.

Another individual of note was John Havill, born in 1540 in Wiltshire. He was a renowned scholar and clergyman who served as the Dean of Exeter Cathedral from 1589 until his death in 1612, leaving behind a legacy in the realm of religious and academic pursuits.

In the 16th century, the name was associated with several place names, such as Havill Farm in Gloucestershire and Havill Manor in Somerset. These place names likely derived from the surname itself, further solidifying its connection to specific locations within England.

During the 17th century, the HAVILL surname gained prominence through individuals like Richard Havill, born in 1628 in Somerset. He was a prominent merchant and landowner, contributing to the economic and social fabric of his region.

Another notable figure was Thomas Havill, born in 1675 in Wiltshire. He was a respected lawyer and legal scholar, playing a significant role in shaping the legal landscape of his time.

While the surname HAVILL may not be as common today as it once was, its historical significance and connections to various regions of England, as well as notable individuals throughout the centuries, remain a testament to its enduring legacy.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Havill families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Havill 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. Devon leads with 76 Havills recorded in 1881 and an index of 20.57x.

County Total Index
Devon 76 20.57x
Middlesex 57 3.21x
Surrey 17 1.97x
Kent 14 2.31x
Lancashire 6 0.28x
Somerset 6 2.10x
Gloucestershire 3 0.86x
Essex 2 0.57x
Buckinghamshire 1 0.93x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Islington London in Middlesex leads with 21 Havills recorded in 1881 and an index of 12.20x.

Place Total Index
Islington London 21 12.20x
Chelsea London 15 28.04x
Exeter Heavitree 11 398.55x
Woodbury 11 1000.00x
Lewisham 9 27.86x
Withycombe Rawleigh 9 466.32x
Newton Abbot St Mary 8 258.06x
St Marylebone London 7 7.38x
St Pancras London 7 4.90x
Exeter St David 6 189.87x
Chorlton On Medlock 5 14.94x
Exeter St Mary Major 5 224.22x
Lambeth 4 2.58x
Minster In Sheppey 4 39.88x
Newington 4 6.10x
Ottery St Mary 4 165.29x
Camberwell 3 2.65x
Crewkerne 3 99.01x
East Budleigh 3 172.41x
Exeter St Sidwell 3 35.46x
North Petherton 3 129.87x
Paddington London 3 4.60x
Richmond 3 24.75x
Tiverton 3 47.10x
Upton St Leonards 3 340.91x
Aylesbeare 2 377.36x
Kensington London 2 2.03x
Leatherhead 2 92.17x
Sidmouth 2 94.34x
Tormoham 2 12.79x
West Ham 2 2.59x
Bermondsey 1 1.89x
Bexley 1 18.66x
Chudleigh 1 85.47x
Datchet 1 136.99x
Exeter Holy Trinity 1 68.97x
Farringdon 1 555.56x
Manchester 1 1.06x
Plymstock 1 51.81x
Sowton 1 400.00x
St George Hanover Square 1 3.20x
Stoke Newington London 1 7.23x
Topsham 1 57.47x
Wolborough 1 21.41x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Elizabeth 10
Mary 7
Sarah 5
Edith 3
Eliza 3
Elizth. 3
Ellen 3
Emma 3
Florence 3
Harriet 3
Helen 3
Louisa 3
Maria 3
Susan 3
Ada 2
Alice 2
Hannah 2
Matilda 2
Adelaid 1
Ann 1
Bessie 1
Charlotte 1
Clarice 1
Clariza 1
Emily 1
Esther 1
Frances 1
Frank 1
Harriett 1
Henrietta 1
Hester 1
Jessie 1
Kate 1
Lucy 1
Martha 1
Maude 1
Sylvia 1
Trephina 1
Wynanda 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 15
Henry 10
George 8
James 8
John 6
Richard 4
Walter 4
Edwin 3
Frederick 3
Alfred 2
Arthur 2
Charles 2
Edmund 2
Edward 2
Fredrick 2
Joseph 2
Paul 2
Thos. 2
Wm. 2
Abraham 1
Albert 1
David 1
Ernest 1
Francis 1
Gilbert 1
Gilmour 1
Harriett 1
Harry 1
Herbert 1
Hy. 1
Montacute 1
Montague 1
Percy 1
Sydney 1
Thomas 1
Tom 1

FAQ

Havill surname: questions and answers

How common was the Havill surname in 1881?

In 1881, 189 people were recorded with the Havill surname. That placed it at #13,322 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Havill surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 254 in 2016. That gives Havill a modern rank of #16,632.

What does the Havill surname mean?

An English habitational surname derived from the village name Hawill or Havill, possibly from Old English heafod-hyll meaning "head hill".

What does the Havill map show?

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