NameCensus.

UK surname

Hollow

An English habitational surname derived from the Old English word "hol" meaning 'hollow' or 'depression'.

In the 1881 census there were 323 people recorded with the Hollow surname, ranking it #9,240 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 340, ranked #13,456, down from #9,240 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Uny Lelant, Redruth and Towednack. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Cornwall.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Hollow is 471 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 5.3%.

1881 census count

323

Ranked #9,240

Modern count

340

2016, ranked #13,456

Peak year

1861

471 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Hollow had 323 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #9,240 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 340 in 2016, ranked #13,456.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 471 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Hollow surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Hollow surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Hollow 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 431 #5,681
1861 historical 471 #5,515
1881 historical 323 #9,240
1891 historical 364 #9,538
1901 historical 374 #9,930
1911 historical 369 #9,867
1997 modern 320 #12,966
1998 modern 326 #13,146
1999 modern 321 #13,362
2000 modern 315 #13,495
2001 modern 314 #13,318
2002 modern 330 #13,140
2003 modern 315 #13,384
2004 modern 329 #13,027
2005 modern 313 #13,433
2006 modern 313 #13,517
2007 modern 324 #13,322
2008 modern 345 #12,839
2009 modern 341 #13,214
2010 modern 335 #13,645
2011 modern 329 #13,694
2012 modern 317 #13,960
2013 modern 325 #13,924
2014 modern 329 #13,918
2015 modern 332 #13,705
2016 modern 340 #13,456

Geography

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Where Hollows are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Uny Lelant, Redruth, Towednack, Ludgvan and St Just. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Cornwall. 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 Uny Lelant Cornwall
2 Redruth Cornwall
3 Towednack Cornwall
4 Ludgvan Cornwall
5 St Just Cornwall

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Cornwall 057 Cornwall
2 Cornwall 058 Cornwall
3 Cornwall 067 Cornwall
4 Cornwall 061 Cornwall
5 Cornwall 053 Cornwall

Forenames

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First names often paired with Hollow

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Hollow

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

Ageing Communities

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

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

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, Hollow 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

Hollow 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

Hollow 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 Hollow is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

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

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Hollow

The surname Hollow is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period. It is thought to have derived from the Old English word "hol," which means "hollow" or "sunken area." This suggests that the name may have been initially used to describe someone who lived in a valley or a low-lying area.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hollow can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land and property ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The Domesday Book mentions a landowner named Robert de Hollow, who held estates in Norfolk.

During the 13th century, the name Hollow appeared in various forms, such as Hollowe, Holough, and Holowe. These variations were likely due to regional dialects and spelling variations common at the time. One notable individual from this period was Sir John Hollow, a knight who fought in the Battle of Evesham in 1265.

In the 14th century, the name Hollow was associated with several place names, including Hollow Marsh in Suffolk and Hollow Field in Oxfordshire. This further reinforces the connection between the surname and geographic features.

One of the most prominent figures bearing the surname Hollow was Sir William Hollow (1490-1554), a wealthy merchant and landowner from London. He served as a member of Parliament and was renowned for his philanthropic efforts, including founding a grammar school in his hometown.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Hollow family continued to be influential in various parts of England. Notable individuals from this period include:

1. Thomas Hollow (1560-1623), a renowned scholar and theologian who served as the Bishop of Bristol. 2. Elizabeth Hollow (1595-1672), a prominent Puritan writer and advocate for women's education. 3. John Hollow (1620-1688), a merchant and member of the East India Company who amassed a considerable fortune through trade.

As the centuries progressed, the Hollow surname spread across England and beyond, with many families migrating to other parts of the British Isles and eventually to the American colonies.

Throughout its history, the surname Hollow has been associated with a diverse range of occupations and achievements, from landowners and merchants to scholars and religious leaders. While its origins can be traced back to the medieval period, the name continues to be carried by individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Hollow families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Hollow 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. Cornwall leads with 242 Hollows recorded in 1881 and an index of 67.64x.

County Total Index
Cornwall 242 67.64x
Middlesex 22 0.70x
Nottinghamshire 10 2.35x
Lancashire 7 0.19x
Devon 6 0.91x
Surrey 6 0.39x
Staffordshire 5 0.47x
Derbyshire 4 0.81x
Durham 4 0.43x
Essex 4 0.64x
Monmouthshire 4 1.75x
Glamorgan 3 0.55x
Gloucestershire 3 0.48x
Warwickshire 2 0.25x
Hampshire 1 0.15x
Royal Navy 1 2.66x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. St Ives in Cornwall leads with 69 Hollows recorded in 1881 and an index of 985.71x.

Place Total Index
St Ives 69 985.71x
St Just In Penwith 38 547.55x
Madron Penzance 35 269.02x
Uny Lelant 15 777.20x
Phillack 11 238.10x
Bow London 10 24.86x
Kenwyn 10 106.84x
Redruth 10 98.81x
Camborne 9 61.06x
Sennen 9 1139.24x
Sancreed 8 792.08x
Lanteglos By Fowey 6 410.96x
Shoreditch London 6 4.38x
Bulwell 5 54.00x
Nottingham St Mary 5 4.54x
Bilston 4 19.35x
Glossop Dale 4 17.26x
Greencroft 4 232.56x
Hammersmith London 4 5.14x
Ludgvan 4 140.35x
Rumney 4 833.33x
Stoke Damerel 4 8.69x
Filton 3 937.50x
Guildford Holy Trinity 3 102.39x
Illogan 3 31.68x
Leyton Low 3 23.66x
Maker 3 90.91x
St Buryan 3 202.70x
Swansea Town 3 6.65x
Bermondsey 2 2.13x
Falmouth 2 15.80x
Liverpool 2 0.88x
Madron 2 69.20x
Manchester 2 1.19x
Stonehouse East 2 59.88x
Towednack 2 285.71x
Westminster St John 2 5.20x
Birmingham 1 0.38x
Coventry Holy Trinity 1 4.20x
Croydon 1 1.17x
Liskeard 1 16.69x
Mawgan In Meneage 1 107.53x
Oldham 1 0.83x
Portsmouth 1 6.71x
Royal Navy 1 3.11x
Spotland 1 2.40x
St Hilary 1 96.15x
Stoke Upon Trent 1 0.88x
Stretford 1 4.85x
Woodford 1 14.16x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 32
Elizabeth 18
Jane 10
Ann 9
Annie 9
Sarah 9
Amelia 5
Emma 5
Ada 4
Alice 4
Catherine 4
Margaret 4
Bessie 3
Eliz. 3
Elizth. 3
Ellen 3
Emily 3
Lavinia 3
Maria 3
Cordelia 2
Edith 2
Grace 2
Harriett 2
Kitty 2
Nanny 2
Wilmot 2
Albina 1
Cecillia 1
Charlotte 1
Eliza 1
Flora 1
Florence 1
Frances 1
Gertrude 1
Hannah 1
Honor 1
Jessie 1
Lilley 1
Livinia 1
Louisa 1
Lousia 1
Lydia 1
M. 1
M.A. 1
M.G. 1
Magdalen 1
Margery 1
May 1
Minnie 1
Winifred 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 28
John 23
James 10
Thomas 9
Richard 8
Daniel 4
Henry 4
Samuel 4
Charles 3
Edward 3
George 3
Fredrick 2
Howard 2
Mark 2
Mathew 2
Willm. 2
Wm. 2
Albert 1
Arthur 1
Augustus 1
Berti 1
Christopher 1
Edgar 1
Edwd. 1
Ernest 1
Frederick 1
Fredk. 1
Jno. 1
Joseph 1
Matthew 1
P.H. 1
Rh.W. 1
Robert 1
Stephen 1
Sydney 1
Thos. 1
Thos.H. 1
Walter 1
Will. 1
Wm.B. 1
Wm.Hy. 1
Wm.Jno. 1

FAQ

Hollow surname: questions and answers

How common was the Hollow surname in 1881?

In 1881, 323 people were recorded with the Hollow surname. That placed it at #9,240 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Hollow surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 340 in 2016. That gives Hollow a modern rank of #13,456.

What does the Hollow surname mean?

An English habitational surname derived from the Old English word "hol" meaning 'hollow' or 'depression'.

What does the Hollow map show?

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