UK surname
A surname derived from the Germanic personal name "Hildwin" meaning "battle friend".
In the 1881 census there were 4 people recorded with the Hilding surname, ranking it #33,288 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 30, ranked #35,997, down from #33,288 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Rochdale, Hoole and Halifax. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Hilding is 134 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 650.0%.
1881 census count
4
Ranked #33,288
Modern count
30
2016, ranked #35,997
Peak year
1861
134 bearers
Map years
1
1861 to 1861
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Hilding surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Hilding surname density by area, 1861 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe 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 | 32 | #27,570 |
| 1861 | historical | 134 | #16,754 |
| 1881 | historical | 4 | #33,288 |
| 1891 | historical | 25 | #32,259 |
| 1901 | historical | 7 | #33,435 |
| 1911 | historical | 8 | #32,903 |
| 1997 | modern | 13 | #36,672 |
| 1998 | modern | 18 | #36,135 |
| 1999 | modern | 23 | #35,612 |
| 2000 | modern | 22 | #35,684 |
| 2001 | modern | 21 | #35,646 |
| 2002 | modern | 24 | #35,520 |
| 2003 | modern | 23 | #35,650 |
| 2004 | modern | 21 | #35,969 |
| 2005 | modern | 24 | #35,827 |
| 2006 | modern | 25 | #35,903 |
| 2007 | modern | 25 | #36,006 |
| 2008 | modern | 23 | #36,211 |
| 2009 | modern | 30 | #35,871 |
| 2010 | modern | 30 | #35,967 |
| 2011 | modern | 33 | #35,777 |
| 2012 | modern | 34 | #35,711 |
| 2013 | modern | 32 | #35,862 |
| 2014 | modern | 31 | #35,953 |
| 2015 | modern | 31 | #35,939 |
| 2016 | modern | 30 | #35,997 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Rochdale, Hoole, Halifax, London parishes and Barthomley. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rochdale | Lancashire |
| 2 | Hoole | Lancashire |
| 3 | Halifax | Yorkshire, West Riding |
| 4 | London parishes | London 3 |
| 5 | Barthomley | Cheshire |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Hilding surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Hilding, 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
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Hilding surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Hilding household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Hilding is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Hilding is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Hilding, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname HILDING has its origins in Sweden and dates back to the 11th century. It is believed to derive from the Old Norse word "hildr," meaning "battle" or "combat." The name was likely given to individuals who were known for their bravery and prowess in battle.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name HILDING can be found in the Icelandic sagas, which recount the stories and legends of the Norse people. In the Saga of Grettir the Strong, a character named Hilding Björnsson is mentioned as a prominent warrior and chieftain.
The HILDING name also appears in several medieval Swedish records and manuscripts, such as the Västgötalagen, a legal code from the 13th century. This suggests that the name had gained popularity among the Swedish nobility and landowners during this period.
In the 14th century, a man named Hilding Eriksson (born circa 1320) was a prominent landowner and military commander in the region of Uppland, Sweden. He is said to have played a crucial role in defending the Swedish territories against invading Danish forces.
Another notable figure with the HILDING surname was Nils Hilding (1604-1680), a Swedish statesman and diplomat who served as the Governor of Ingria (present-day western Russia) during the reign of Queen Christina.
In the 19th century, a Swedish artist and illustrator named Carl Hilding (1826-1901) gained recognition for his intricate woodcut illustrations, which often depicted scenes from Swedish folklore and traditional life.
The HILDING surname has also been associated with several notable academics and scholars throughout history. One example is Nils Hilding (1905-1994), a Swedish mathematician and professor who made significant contributions to the fields of topology and functional analysis.
While the HILDING name is primarily found in Sweden and Scandinavia, it has also spread to other parts of the world through migration and immigration. However, its origins can be traced back to the ancient Norse culture and the fierce warriors who bore this name as a symbol of their bravery and strength in battle.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Hilding surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Norfolk leads with 2 Hildings recorded in 1881 and an index of 33.50x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Norfolk | 2 | 33.50x |
| Lancashire | 1 | 2.17x |
| Warwickshire | 1 | 10.20x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Tatterford in Norfolk leads with 2 Hildings recorded in 1881 and an index of 0.00x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Tatterford | 2 | 0.00x |
| Birmingham | 1 | 30.58x |
| West Derby | 1 | 74.07x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Hilding surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Hilding surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
| Name | Count |
|---|---|
| George | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 4 people were recorded with the Hilding surname. That placed it at #33,288 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 30 in 2016. That gives Hilding a modern rank of #35,997.
A surname derived from the Germanic personal name "Hildwin" meaning "battle friend".
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Hilding bearers relative to the surrounding population.
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.