NameCensus.

UK surname

Honeysett

A surname deriving from a place name referring to a person residing near a honeysuckle-covered enclosure or settlement.

In the 1881 census there were 328 people recorded with the Honeysett surname, ranking it #9,126 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 395, ranked #11,991, down from #9,126 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Hastings St Mary-in-the-Castle, Hastings St Andrew, London parishes and Ashburnham, Dallington, Brightling, Ninfield. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Rother, Wealden and Ashford.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Honeysett is 525 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 20.4%.

1881 census count

328

Ranked #9,126

Modern count

395

2016, ranked #11,991

Peak year

1911

525 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Honeysett had 328 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #9,126 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 395 in 2016, ranked #11,991.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 525 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Honeysett surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Honeysett surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Honeysett 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 196 #10,573
1861 historical 220 #11,076
1881 historical 328 #9,126
1891 historical 434 #8,290
1901 historical 506 #7,977
1911 historical 525 #7,551
1997 modern 460 #9,907
1998 modern 469 #10,079
1999 modern 453 #10,400
2000 modern 441 #10,611
2001 modern 430 #10,619
2002 modern 440 #10,638
2003 modern 411 #11,044
2004 modern 433 #10,644
2005 modern 410 #10,979
2006 modern 417 #10,886
2007 modern 415 #11,047
2008 modern 417 #11,100
2009 modern 414 #11,407
2010 modern 429 #11,324
2011 modern 431 #11,155
2012 modern 408 #11,567
2013 modern 413 #11,639
2014 modern 405 #11,880
2015 modern 393 #12,059
2016 modern 395 #11,991

Geography

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Where Honeysetts are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Hastings St Mary-in-the-Castle, Hastings St Andrew, London parishes, Ashburnham, Dallington, Brightling, Ninfield, Hurstmonceux, Wartling and Sutton Valence. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Rother, Wealden and Ashford. 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 Hastings St Mary-in-the-Castle, Hastings St Andrew Sussex
2 London parishes London 3
3 Ashburnham, Dallington, Brightling, Ninfield Sussex
4 Hurstmonceux, Wartling Sussex
5 Sutton Valence Kent

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Rother 006 Rother
2 Wealden 014 Wealden
3 Rother 007 Rother
4 Ashford 013 Ashford
5 Rother 003 Rother

Forenames

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First names often paired with Honeysett

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Honeysett

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Honeysett is most associated with areas classed as Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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

Mainly concentrated in suburban areas, these terraced and semi-detached developments are less overcrowded than the Supergroup average, and resident households are more likely to own two or more cars. There are fewer residents aged 25-44, and a larger share of residents employed in administrative and secretarial occupations. Residents are more likely to have been born in the UK, less likely to have been born in the EU or Africa, and much less likely to self-identify as Bangladeshi.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Honeysett is most concentrated in decile 2 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.

2
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Honeysett falls in decile 5 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.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Honeysett

The surname "HONEYSETT" is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period. It is thought to be a locational name derived from a now-lost place name, possibly referring to a homestead or settlement where honey was produced or traded.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1327, where a Richard Honeysett is mentioned. This suggests that the name was already in use by the 14th century, possibly even earlier.

In the 15th century, the name appears in various forms, such as "Honysette" and "Honyshette," reflecting the variations in spelling that were common during that time. These variations may have been influenced by local dialects or the individual scribe's interpretation.

A notable figure bearing this surname was Sir John Honeysett (1525-1592), a prominent merchant and alderman in the city of London during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He played a crucial role in the development of the city's trade and commerce.

Another individual of note was William Honeysett (1673-1745), a renowned clockmaker from London. His intricate timepieces were highly sought after by the aristocracy and are now considered valuable antiques.

In the 18th century, the name appears to have spread to other parts of England, with records showing instances of the surname in counties such as Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

One of the most significant figures associated with this surname was Elizabeth Honeysett (1789-1862), a pioneering educator who established several schools for girls in the early 19th century. Her efforts paved the way for improved access to education for women during that era.

During the 19th century, the name continued to be found in various parts of England, with notable individuals like Robert Honeysett (1812-1889), a respected architect who designed several notable buildings in London.

While the surname "HONEYSETT" is relatively uncommon today, its historical presence can be traced back to medieval England, with a possible connection to the honey trade or production. The variations in spelling and the individuals who bore this name have left their mark on various aspects of English history and culture.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Honeysett families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Honeysett 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. Sussex leads with 180 Honeysetts recorded in 1881 and an index of 32.77x.

County Total Index
Sussex 180 32.77x
Kent 85 7.65x
Surrey 28 1.76x
Middlesex 14 0.43x
East Lothian 8 18.54x
Royal Navy 6 15.46x
Gloucestershire 5 0.78x
Hampshire 4 0.60x
Cumberland 3 1.07x
Norfolk 1 0.20x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Herstmonceaux in Sussex leads with 23 Honeysetts recorded in 1881 and an index of 1393.94x.

Place Total Index
Herstmonceaux 23 1393.94x
Eastbourne 22 87.03x
Battle 13 350.40x
Burwash 13 509.80x
Dallington 12 2033.90x
Ashburnham 11 1279.07x
Charing 9 600.00x
East Farleigh 9 483.87x
Hastings St Mary In The 9 76.79x
Lewisham 9 15.18x
Mountfield 9 1304.35x
Hailsham 8 240.96x
Hawkhurst 8 231.88x
Tenterden 8 204.08x
Brighton 7 6.32x
Guestling 7 786.52x
Westfield 7 598.29x
Battersea 6 5.01x
Dirleton 6 355.03x
Hougham 6 90.77x
Lambeth 6 2.11x
Royal Navy 6 18.08x
Willingdon 6 431.65x
Brightling 5 666.67x
Camberwell 5 2.40x
Cheltenham 5 10.14x
Elmley 5 2173.91x
Laughton 5 617.28x
Sutton Valence 5 396.83x
Warbleton 5 304.88x
Bethersden 4 353.98x
Headcorn 4 240.96x
Mitcham 4 39.88x
Shoreditch London 4 2.83x
Westminster St John 4 10.08x
Bexhill 3 109.49x
Dymchurch 3 483.87x
Ellenborough Ewanrigg 3 154.64x
Hollington 3 153.85x
Hooe 3 576.92x
Portsea 3 2.29x
Sittingbourne 3 34.17x
Ashford 2 18.47x
Brenchley 2 50.25x
Eastchurch 2 181.82x
Frensham 2 85.84x
Hastings Holy Trinity 2 49.38x
Hastings St Mary 2 14.63x
Rotherfield 2 41.32x
Rotherhithe 2 4.97x
Tottenham 2 3.85x
Tranent 2 34.31x
Carisbrooke 1 10.79x
Chatham 1 3.27x
Croydon 1 1.13x
East Sutton 1 232.56x
Erith 1 9.13x
Heathfield 1 44.84x
Hellingly 1 54.35x
Hollingbourn 1 78.13x
Hornsey 1 2.43x
Islington London 1 0.32x
Lenham 1 45.05x
Maidstone 1 3.02x
Newington 1 0.83x
Norwich St Saviour 1 56.82x
Penhurst 1 833.33x
Reigate Borough 1 27.32x
St George Hanover Square 1 1.74x
St Pancras London 1 0.38x

Top female names

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

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 23
George 21
James 15
John 11
Thomas 10
Henry 9
Albert 5
Alfred 5
Charles 5
Frederick 5
Walter 5
David 4
Edward 4
Joseph 4
Edwin 3
Arthur 2
Edgar 2
Horace 2
Jesse 2
Chas. 1
Daniel 1
Earnest 1
Ephraim 1
Frayton 1
Fredk.J. 1
Fredrick 1
Geo. 1
Godfrey 1
Harry 1
Jabez 1
Jas. 1
Job 1
Lewis 1
Richard 1
Robt. 1
Stephen 1
Thos.B. 1
Willm. 1

FAQ

Honeysett surname: questions and answers

How common was the Honeysett surname in 1881?

In 1881, 328 people were recorded with the Honeysett surname. That placed it at #9,126 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Honeysett surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 395 in 2016. That gives Honeysett a modern rank of #11,991.

What does the Honeysett surname mean?

A surname deriving from a place name referring to a person residing near a honeysuckle-covered enclosure or settlement.

What does the Honeysett map show?

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