NameCensus.

UK surname

Highley

Originates from habitation name meaning the person resided near the high clearing or meadow.

In the 1881 census there were 480 people recorded with the Highley surname, ranking it #6,976 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 313, ranked #14,318, down from #6,976 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Rochdale, Halifax and Bedwelty. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Calderdale, Harrogate and Isle of Anglesey.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Highley is 571 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 34.8%.

1881 census count

480

Ranked #6,976

Modern count

313

2016, ranked #14,318

Peak year

1911

571 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Highley had 480 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #6,976 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 313 in 2016, ranked #14,318.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 571 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Highley surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Highley surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Highley 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 252 #8,733
1861 historical 337 #7,564
1881 historical 480 #6,976
1891 historical 489 #7,570
1901 historical 527 #7,753
1911 historical 571 #7,092
1997 modern 376 #11,533
1998 modern 387 #11,640
1999 modern 377 #11,954
2000 modern 379 #11,855
2001 modern 362 #12,076
2002 modern 359 #12,383
2003 modern 344 #12,577
2004 modern 342 #12,645
2005 modern 323 #13,133
2006 modern 329 #13,044
2007 modern 329 #13,168
2008 modern 320 #13,550
2009 modern 319 #13,832
2010 modern 324 #13,979
2011 modern 312 #14,230
2012 modern 316 #13,994
2013 modern 320 #14,104
2014 modern 315 #14,334
2015 modern 306 #14,536
2016 modern 313 #14,318

Geography

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Where Highleys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Rochdale, Halifax, Bedwelty and Warrington. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Calderdale, Harrogate and Isle of Anglesey. 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 Rochdale Lancashire
2 Halifax Yorkshire, West Riding
3 Bedwelty Monmouthshire
4 Rochdale Yorkshire, West Riding
5 Warrington Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Calderdale 005 Calderdale
2 Harrogate 018 Harrogate
3 Calderdale 003 Calderdale
4 Calderdale 022 Calderdale
5 Isle of Anglesey 007 Isle of Anglesey

Forenames

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First names often paired with Highley

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Highley

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

Highley is most concentrated in decile 1 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy 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.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Highley falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Highley 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 Highley, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Highley

The surname Highley originates from England and can be traced back to the 12th century. It is believed to be a locational name derived from the Old English words "heah" meaning high and "leah" meaning a meadow or clearing in a forest, referring to a high meadow or elevated clearing.

The earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, where it appears as "de Hehlie" and "de Heighley" in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. These early spellings suggest that the name was likely associated with a specific place, potentially a small village or hamlet with a similar name.

In the 13th century, the name appeared in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire as "de Heghle," which further reinforces the connection to a place name. During this time period, the use of locational surnames became increasingly common, allowing people to be identified by their place of origin or residence.

The Highley family can be traced back to notable individuals throughout history. One such individual was John Highley, a wealthy merchant and landowner from Gloucestershire who lived in the late 15th century. Records indicate that he owned substantial properties and was involved in local governance.

In the 16th century, Thomas Highley, born in 1534, was a prominent figure in the English Reformation and served as a Protestant minister in Worcestershire. He played a role in the religious and political turmoil of the era and was known for his vocal opposition to Catholic practices.

During the English Civil War in the 17th century, the Highley name gained prominence with Captain Richard Highley, born in 1612, who fought for the Parliamentarian forces. He was commended for his bravery and leadership in several battles against the Royalists.

In the literary world, William Highley, born in 1709, was a notable poet and playwright from Gloucestershire. His works, though not widely recognized today, were celebrated during his lifetime and contributed to the cultural landscape of the early 18th century.

Another significant figure bearing the Highley surname was Elizabeth Highley, born in 1798, who was a pioneering advocate for women's education. She established one of the first schools for girls in the West Midlands region of England and played a pivotal role in promoting educational opportunities for women during a time when such efforts were rare.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Highley families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Highley 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. Yorkshire leads with 216 Highleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 4.65x.

County Total Index
Yorkshire 216 4.65x
Lancashire 128 2.30x
Monmouthshire 60 17.69x
Middlesex 29 0.62x
Gloucestershire 18 1.96x
Kent 11 0.69x
Berkshire 3 0.85x
Hampshire 3 0.31x
Northamptonshire 2 0.45x
Warwickshire 2 0.17x
Buckinghamshire 1 0.35x
Glamorgan 1 0.12x
Oxfordshire 1 0.35x
Shropshire 1 0.25x
Somerset 1 0.13x
Staffordshire 1 0.06x
Surrey 1 0.04x
Sussex 1 0.13x
Worcestershire 1 0.16x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Todmorden Walsden in Lancashire leads with 61 Highleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 408.85x.

Place Total Index
Todmorden Walsden 61 408.85x
Halifax 46 67.39x
Northowram 29 88.96x
Skircoat 25 136.31x
Trevethin 23 71.81x
Ovenden 18 87.00x
Castleton 16 28.78x
Sowerby In Halifax 16 105.26x
Holy Trinity 14 12.52x
Wuerdle Wardle 13 76.92x
Llanvihangel Llantarnam 11 170.02x
Hackney London 9 3.42x
Newland 9 116.43x
Wardleworth 9 28.28x
Bradford 8 7.11x
Spotland 8 12.92x
Huddersfield 7 10.33x
Langfield 7 86.10x
Warley 7 52.08x
Broughton In Salford 6 11.79x
Linthorpe 6 21.62x
Minster In Sheppey 6 22.62x
St Pancras London 6 1.59x
West Dean 6 40.13x
Caldicot 5 222.22x
Kensington London 5 1.92x
Risca 5 78.25x
Rogerstone 5 239.23x
Southowram 5 35.24x
St Marylebone London 5 2.00x
Blatchinworth 4 31.55x
Erringden 4 133.33x
Layton With Warbreck 4 19.58x
Little Tintern 4 769.23x
North Bierley 4 15.94x
Hipperholme Cum 3 14.68x
Newbury 3 26.60x
Stansfield 3 17.53x
Stretford 3 9.79x
Attercliffe Cum Darnall 2 4.62x
Birmingham 2 0.51x
Charlton 2 18.81x
Clifton In Halifax 2 71.94x
Everton 2 1.13x
Middlesbrough 2 3.30x
Monmouth 2 22.25x
Mynyddyslwyn 2 14.95x
Northampton St Sepulchre 2 8.91x
St Martin In Fields 2 7.12x
Tidenham 2 140.85x
Wakefield 2 5.60x
Abergavenny 1 7.87x
Aldershot 1 3.10x
Aylesbury 1 7.96x
Bedminster 1 1.41x
Brighton 1 0.63x
Butterworth 1 7.37x
Chapel Hill 1 151.52x
Chepstow 1 17.30x
Deptford St Paul 1 0.81x
Droitwich St Andrew 1 64.52x
Heckfield 1 111.11x
Islington London 1 0.22x
Kingstonupon Hull 1 26.81x
Leeds 1 0.38x
Liverpool 1 0.30x
Llanwonno 1 3.41x
Margate St John Baptist 1 3.41x
Melbourne 1 135.14x
Newington 1 0.58x
Newington 1 7.81x
Paddington London 1 0.58x
Ripon 1 9.27x
Rishworth 1 56.18x
Shrewsbury Holy Cross 1 22.32x
Spelsbury 1 113.64x
St Thomas Winchester 1 14.73x
Tettenhall 1 10.33x
Westbury On Severn East 1 4.81x
Woolwich 1 1.69x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 38
Sarah 22
Eliza 13
Elizabeth 13
Hannah 9
Alice 8
Ann 8
Emma 7
Annie 6
Betty 4
Caroline 4
Ellen 4
Grace 4
Kate 4
Martha 4
Agnes 3
Clara 3
Frances 3
Harriet 3
Jane 3
Louisa 3
Bertha 2
Edith 2
Emily 2
Fanny 2
Florence 2
Gertrude 2
Leah 2
Maria 2
Nancy 2
Sabina 2
Amy 1
B. 1
Berther 1
Bessie 1
Betsy 1
C. 1
Catharine 1
Catherine 1
Charlot 1
Daisy 1
Eleaner 1
Elizth. 1
Flora 1
Francis 1
Helen 1
Helena 1
Janet 1
Jessy 1
Zillia 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 36
James 19
William 16
Joseph 15
Thomas 15
Charles 11
George 11
Alfred 7
Samuel 7
Albert 6
Edward 6
Frank 6
Fred 6
David 5
Harry 5
Edwin 3
Ernest 3
Robert 3
Sam 3
Benjamin 2
Ed. 2
Henry 2
Herbert 2
Jno. 2
Mark 2
Robt. 2
Tom 2
Walter 2
Wm. 2
Arthur 1
Ashton 1
Aurthur 1
Bertram 1
C. 1
Cain 1
Charley 1
Clement 1
Edmund 1
Edwd. 1
Fawthorpe 1
Frederick 1
Geo. 1
Harrison 1
Johnney 1
Jos. 1
Leonard 1
Luke 1
Mathew 1
Matthew 1
Morris 1

FAQ

Highley surname: questions and answers

How common was the Highley surname in 1881?

In 1881, 480 people were recorded with the Highley surname. That placed it at #6,976 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Highley surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 313 in 2016. That gives Highley a modern rank of #14,318.

What does the Highley surname mean?

Originates from habitation name meaning the person resided near the high clearing or meadow.

What does the Highley map show?

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