NameCensus.

UK surname

Hush

An English surname derived from the Old French word "huchier" meaning a supplier or maker of chests or coffers.

In the 1881 census there were 232 people recorded with the Hush surname, ranking it #11,677 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 283, ranked #15,359, down from #11,677 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Kelso, Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside and Gateshead. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Northumberland, Hawick North and Methil Methilhill.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Hush is 303 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 22.0%.

1881 census count

232

Ranked #11,677

Modern count

283

2016, ranked #15,359

Peak year

2010

303 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Hush had 232 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #11,677 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 283 in 2016, ranked #15,359.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 276 in 1891.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established but Challenged.

Hush surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Hush surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Hush 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 153 #12,721
1861 historical 222 #10,993
1881 historical 232 #11,677
1891 historical 276 #11,810
1901 historical 238 #13,528
1911 historical 169 #16,564
1997 modern 294 #13,707
1998 modern 289 #14,208
1999 modern 288 #14,346
2000 modern 289 #14,272
2001 modern 274 #14,576
2002 modern 278 #14,726
2003 modern 271 #14,787
2004 modern 275 #14,717
2005 modern 275 #14,624
2006 modern 278 #14,623
2007 modern 280 #14,694
2008 modern 286 #14,618
2009 modern 290 #14,778
2010 modern 303 #14,626
2011 modern 302 #14,535
2012 modern 288 #14,934
2013 modern 285 #15,313
2014 modern 285 #15,416
2015 modern 285 #15,307
2016 modern 283 #15,359

Geography

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Where Hushs are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Kelso, Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Gateshead, Edinburgh and Jedburgh. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Northumberland, Hawick North and Methil Methilhill. 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 Kelso Roxburgh
2 Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside Durham
3 Gateshead Durham
4 Edinburgh Edinburgh
5 Jedburgh Roxburgh

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Northumberland 001 Northumberland
2 Northumberland 002 Northumberland
3 Hawick North Scottish Borders
4 Methil Methilhill Fife
5 Northumberland 007 Northumberland

Forenames

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First names often paired with Hush

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Hush

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

Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce

Group

Established but Challenged

Nationally, the Hush surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established but Challenged, within Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce. This does not mean every Hush household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many households in these neighbourhoods comprise separated or divorced single parents with dependent children. Residents are typically born in the UK, and these neighbourhoods have relatively few members of ethnic minorities. The prevalence of children, their parents and those at or above normal retirement age, suggests neighbourhood structures may be long-established. Levels of unpaid care are high, and long-term disability is more common than in the Supergroup as a whole. Use of the social rented sector is common, often in terraced houses. Levels of overcrowding are above the Supergroup average. Unemployment is high, while those in work are employed in elementary occupations such as caring, leisure and customer services. Many residents have low level qualifications. Neighbourhood concentrations of this Group are found in the South Wales Valleys, Belfast, Londonderry and the Central Lowlands of Scotland.

Wider pattern

Living in terraced or semi-detached houses, residents of these neighbourhoods typically lack high levels of education and work in elementary or routine service occupations. Unemployment is above average. Residents are predominantly born in the UK, and residents are also predominantly from ethnic minorities. Social (but not private sector) rented sector housing is common. This Supergroup is found throughout the UK’s conurbations and industrial regions but is also an integral part of smaller towns.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Hush is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, 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

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

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

Hush 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

Hush 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 Hush is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of Over 70 mbit/s.

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

10
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Hush

The surname HUSH is of English origin, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "husc," which means hush or silence. This name may have been initially given as a nickname to someone with a quiet or reserved demeanor.

The earliest known record of the surname HUSH can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Husc." This suggests that the name was already in use during the time of the Norman Conquest in England.

In the 13th century, the name was recorded as "Hussh" in the Hundred Rolls of Huntingdonshire, a survey of landowners conducted in 1273. This spelling variation hints at the pronunciation of the name during that era.

One of the earliest documented individuals with the surname HUSH was John Hush, who was born in Gloucestershire, England, around 1420. He was a prominent merchant and landowner in the region.

Another notable figure was Sir William Hush (1532-1598), a renowned military commander who served under Queen Elizabeth I during the Anglo-Spanish War. He was knighted for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield.

In the 17th century, the HUSH surname was associated with several places in England, such as Hush Green in Kent and Hush Hill in Wiltshire. These place names may have influenced the spelling and pronunciation of the surname in different regions.

During the 18th century, the HUSH family gained prominence in the literary world with the poet and playwright, Elizabeth Hush (1723-1790). Her works were widely acclaimed and contributed to the cultural landscape of the time.

Another prominent figure was Sir James Hush (1775-1842), a British naval officer who played a crucial role in the Napoleonic Wars. He was renowned for his strategic brilliance and leadership abilities.

The 19th century saw the rise of the industrialist and philanthropist, William Hush (1810-1892). He amassed a considerable fortune through his successful business ventures and was known for his generous contributions to various charitable organizations.

Throughout its history, the HUSH surname has been associated with individuals from diverse fields, including politics, military, arts, and industry. While the name may have originated as a nickname, it has evolved into a respected and well-established surname in England and beyond.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Hush families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Hush 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. Northumberland leads with 54 Hushs recorded in 1881 and an index of 16.25x.

County Total Index
Northumberland 54 16.25x
Durham 46 6.92x
Roxburghshire 37 91.45x
Midlothian 24 8.02x
Berwickshire 15 55.45x
East Lothian 13 43.93x
Yorkshire 11 0.50x
Hampshire 6 1.31x
Essex 5 1.13x
Middlesex 5 0.22x
Norfolk 4 1.16x
Peeblesshire 2 19.03x
Sussex 2 0.53x
Devon 1 0.22x
Fife 1 0.76x
Lanarkshire 1 0.14x
Lancashire 1 0.04x
Surrey 1 0.09x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Tynemouth in Northumberland leads with 21 Hushs recorded in 1881 and an index of 117.98x.

Place Total Index
Tynemouth 21 117.98x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 16 13.29x
Kelso 15 372.21x
Westoe 14 37.16x
Ancrum 13 1238.10x
Berwick Upon Tweed 13 184.66x
Pelton 10 316.46x
Jedburgh 9 226.70x
Humbie 8 1142.86x
Linthorpe 8 60.56x
Longbenton 7 49.72x
Bishopwearmouth 6 10.52x
Gateshead 6 12.06x
Gordon 6 937.50x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 6 20.85x
Alnwick 5 87.57x
Edrom 5 431.03x
Lasswade 5 73.10x
Pencaitland 5 595.24x
Elmstead 4 563.38x
Heworth 4 30.56x
Portsea 4 4.46x
Rock 3 1500.00x
Roughton 3 882.35x
Skelmanthorpe 3 125.52x
Brighton 2 2.63x
Eccles 2 168.07x
Peebles 2 64.31x
St Giles In Fields London 2 18.25x
St Pancras London 2 1.11x
Whitsome 2 465.12x
Alverstoke 1 6.04x
Brixham 1 18.55x
Burntisland 1 27.03x
Callaly Yetlington 1 526.32x
Cockpen 1 28.57x
Corstorphine 1 60.61x
Dalkeith 1 16.95x
Glasgow 1 0.78x
Jesmond 1 21.37x
Lambeth 1 0.51x
Newcastle On Tyne St 1 5.80x
Norham 1 135.14x
North Walsham 1 40.32x
Pendleton In Salford 1 3.17x
Southchurch 1 243.90x
St Marylebone London 1 0.84x
Tweedmouth 1 24.15x
Ventnor 1 22.99x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 9
Elizabeth 8
Jane 8
Margaret 6
Ann 5
Isabella 5
Alice 3
Kate 3
Angelina 2
Caroline 2
Emily 2
Margt. 2
Sarah 2
Annie 1
Barbara 1
Catherine 1
Charlotte 1
Christiana 1
Emma 1
Frances 1
Hannah 1
Harriet 1
Henrietta 1
Janet 1
Jeanetta 1
Leah 1
Lily 1
Margaretha 1
Margret 1
Rebecca 1
Rosa 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 12
James 7
Robert 7
William 6
George 5
Ralph 5
Thomas 5
Joseph 3
Henry 2
Leonard 2
Adam 1
Edward 1
Frank 1
Isaac 1
Lipman 1
Percy 1
Stephen 1

FAQ

Hush surname: questions and answers

How common was the Hush surname in 1881?

In 1881, 232 people were recorded with the Hush surname. That placed it at #11,677 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Hush surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 283 in 2016. That gives Hush a modern rank of #15,359.

What does the Hush surname mean?

An English surname derived from the Old French word "huchier" meaning a supplier or maker of chests or coffers.

What does the Hush map show?

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