NameCensus.

UK surname

Hiscox

A locational surname derived from a place name likely meaning "Hick's cottages".

In the 1881 census there were 547 people recorded with the Hiscox surname, ranking it #6,313 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 854, ranked #6,557, down from #6,313 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff and Dudley. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Mendip, Dudley and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Hiscox is 972 in 1998. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 56.1%.

1881 census count

547

Ranked #6,313

Modern count

854

2016, ranked #6,557

Peak year

1998

972 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Hiscox had 547 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #6,313 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 854 in 2016, ranked #6,557.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 790 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Hiscox surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Hiscox surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Hiscox 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 417 #5,829
1861 historical 411 #6,248
1881 historical 547 #6,313
1891 historical 579 #6,585
1901 historical 759 #5,884
1911 historical 790 #5,520
1997 modern 934 #5,797
1998 modern 972 #5,809
1999 modern 966 #5,869
2000 modern 961 #5,878
2001 modern 931 #5,911
2002 modern 950 #5,928
2003 modern 918 #5,985
2004 modern 896 #6,107
2005 modern 892 #6,068
2006 modern 884 #6,119
2007 modern 886 #6,157
2008 modern 885 #6,210
2009 modern 914 #6,183
2010 modern 934 #6,200
2011 modern 914 #6,254
2012 modern 879 #6,360
2013 modern 890 #6,391
2014 modern 872 #6,524
2015 modern 862 #6,532
2016 modern 854 #6,557

Geography

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Where Hiscox' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, Dudley, London parishes and Pilton, North Wootton, Shepton Mallet, Croscombe. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Mendip, Dudley and Rhondda Cynon Taf. 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 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
2 Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff Gloucestershire
3 Dudley Staffordshire
4 London parishes London 1
5 Pilton, North Wootton, Shepton Mallet, Croscombe Somerset

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Mendip 010 Mendip
2 Mendip 009 Mendip
3 Mendip 006 Mendip
4 Dudley 008 Dudley
5 Rhondda Cynon Taf 006 Rhondda Cynon Taf

Forenames

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First names often paired with Hiscox

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Hiscox

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

Hiscox is most concentrated in decile 3 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.

3
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Hiscox falls in decile 9 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.

9
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Hiscox

The surname Hiscox is of English origin, tracing its roots back to the early medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "hisca" or "hiscian," meaning "to hiss" or "to whisper." This suggests that the name may have initially been a descriptive nickname given to someone who had a habit of hissing or whispering.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Hiscox can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Worcestershire from the year 1275, where a certain Robert Hiscokes is mentioned. This spelling variation, "Hiscokes," highlights the fluidity of surnames during that era, as standardized spellings were not yet established.

In the Hundred Rolls of 1273, a document recording landholders in various English counties, there is a reference to a Hugo Hiscoc residing in Oxfordshire. This entry provides evidence of the surname's presence in different parts of the country during the 13th century.

The Hiscox surname has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One such figure was Sir John Hiscox (1525-1592), a prominent merchant and politician who served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1577. His legacy includes his involvement in the establishment of the City of London School.

Another notable bearer of the Hiscox name was William Hiscox (1619-1691), an English clergyman and author who wrote several religious works, including "The Doctrine of Contentment" and "The Baptist's Self-Contradiction."

In the 18th century, James Hiscox (1740-1812) gained recognition as a talented engraver and printmaker, producing intricate etchings and engravings that captured the attention of art enthusiasts.

The 19th century saw the rise of Robert Isaac Hiscox (1818-1901), an influential Baptist minister and author who wrote extensively on theological topics, including his well-known work, "The Baptist Directory."

Moving into the 20th century, Sir William Guy Hiscox (1881-1965) made his mark as a British civil servant and diplomat, serving as the British Ambassador to Sweden from 1934 to 1939.

Throughout its history, the Hiscox surname has been associated with various places and locations across England, such as Hiscox Hill in Buckinghamshire and Hiscox Farm in Gloucestershire, reflecting the geographical spread of the name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Hiscox families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Hiscox 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. Somerset leads with 165 Hiscox' recorded in 1881 and an index of 19.25x.

County Total Index
Somerset 165 19.25x
Gloucestershire 111 10.63x
Middlesex 42 0.79x
Devon 35 3.16x
Wiltshire 27 5.73x
Staffordshire 23 1.28x
Surrey 23 0.89x
Worcestershire 15 2.16x
Yorkshire 14 0.27x
Cambridgeshire 13 3.85x
Glamorgan 9 0.97x
Buckinghamshire 8 2.48x
Hampshire 8 0.73x
Kent 8 0.44x
Leicestershire 8 1.35x
Dorset 7 2.00x
Lincolnshire 7 0.82x
Monmouthshire 6 1.56x
Warwickshire 4 0.30x
Northamptonshire 3 0.60x
Cornwall 2 0.33x
Essex 2 0.19x
Sussex 2 0.22x
Derbyshire 1 0.12x
Norfolk 1 0.12x
Shropshire 1 0.22x
Suffolk 1 0.15x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Shepton Mallet in Somerset leads with 63 Hiscox' recorded in 1881 and an index of 654.89x.

Place Total Index
Shepton Mallet 63 654.89x
Cheltenham 24 29.78x
Stoke Lane 21 1707.32x
Bristol St George 20 41.40x
Honiton 19 309.95x
Dudley 15 17.74x
Wisbech St Peter 13 76.83x
Trowbridge 12 57.64x
Winterbourne 12 207.97x
Norton Canes 11 167.94x
Leeds 10 3.36x
Pilton 10 490.20x
Stoke Trister 10 1298.70x
Bristol St Mary Redcliff 9 94.64x
Filton 9 1636.36x
Paddington London 9 4.60x
Radstock 9 159.57x
Harrow On The Hill 8 75.19x
Leicester St Margaret 8 5.56x
Sidmouth 8 125.98x
Wincanton 8 181.41x
Blandford Forum 7 101.45x
Bristol St James St Paul 7 20.10x
Camberwell 7 2.06x
Saltford 7 864.20x
Upton Cum Chalvey 7 54.56x
Gelligaer 6 28.33x
Glastonbury 6 85.71x
Rowley Regis 6 11.98x
Stoke Upon Trent 6 3.15x
Sutton St Mary 6 74.53x
Topsham 6 114.72x
Chelsea London 5 3.12x
Great Hinton 5 1666.67x
Kensington London 5 1.69x
Battersea 4 2.04x
Bristol All Sts 4 1600.00x
Bristol St Peter 4 106.95x
Chard 4 38.54x
Frome 4 19.51x
Horfield 4 38.06x
Lambeth 4 0.86x
Lewisham 4 4.13x
St Botolph Aldersgate 4 65.47x
St Marylebone London 4 1.41x
Street 4 86.21x
Bedminster 3 3.72x
Birmingham 3 0.67x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 3 3.05x
Lee 3 11.37x
Melksham 3 36.67x
North Bradley 3 87.21x
Northampton Priory St 3 9.98x
South Stoneham 3 12.67x
St George Hanover Square 3 3.20x
Stoke 3 24.49x
Stonehouse 3 50.51x
Twerton 3 33.94x
Yatton 3 89.82x
Buckland Dinham 2 240.96x
Christchurch 2 16.79x
Fareham 2 15.24x
Kingston On Thames 2 3.21x
Maker 2 35.91x
Mangotsfield 2 19.21x
St Mary Extra 2 22.75x
Stanghow 2 93.90x
Stapleton 2 10.09x
Trevethin 2 5.50x
West Ham 2 0.86x
Westbury 2 18.20x
Westbury On Trym 2 5.65x
Wortley In Bramley 2 4.78x
Bethnal Green London 1 0.43x
Dunster 1 48.78x
Hornsey 1 1.48x
Matlock 1 8.93x
Southwark St George Martyr 1 0.93x
Stroud 1 4.92x
Walcot 1 2.19x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 29
Elizabeth 23
Sarah 15
Eliza 12
Ellen 12
Ann 10
Alice 9
Emily 8
Annie 7
Emma 7
Hannah 7
Fanny 6
Jane 5
Agnes 4
Charlotte 4
Edith 4
Ethel 4
Frances 4
Harriett 4
Kate 4
Louisa 4
Beatrice 3
Clara 3
Esther 3
Lucy 3
Martha 3
Ada 2
Amelia 2
Anna 2
Caroline 2
Catherine 2
Eleanor 2
Elizth. 2
Florence 2
Gertrude 2
Harriet 2
Julia 2
Mabel 2
Matilda 2
Maud 2
Rebecca 2
Rosannah 2
Susan 2
Bertha 1
Bessie 1
Christina 1
Edna 1
Elame 1
Henereatta 1
Susannah 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 32
George 24
John 24
Joseph 15
James 14
Thomas 14
Charles 12
Henry 11
Edward 10
Albert 9
Samuel 9
Walter 7
Arthur 6
Alfred 5
Frank 5
Frederick 4
Harry 4
Herbert 4
David 3
Isaac 3
Silas 3
Edwin 2
Fred 2
Giles 2
Ralph 2
Richard 2
Richd. 2
Wm. 2
C.E. 1
Earnest 1
Francis 1
Fras.Jas. 1
Fredk. 1
Geo.Wm. 1
Gilbert 1
Hedley 1
Hubert 1
Infant 1
Jas.Herbert 1
Jos. 1
Josiah 1
Louisa 1
Matthew 1
Not 1
Paris 1
Pharoah 1
Robert 1
Stephen 1
Steward 1
Sydney 1

FAQ

Hiscox surname: questions and answers

How common was the Hiscox surname in 1881?

In 1881, 547 people were recorded with the Hiscox surname. That placed it at #6,313 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Hiscox surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 854 in 2016. That gives Hiscox a modern rank of #6,557.

What does the Hiscox surname mean?

A locational surname derived from a place name likely meaning "Hick's cottages".

What does the Hiscox map show?

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