NameCensus.

UK surname

Hye

A surname possibly derived from the Germanic word "hou" meaning "hill" or "ridge".

In the 1881 census there were 22 people recorded with the Hye surname, ranking it #30,464 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 168, ranked #21,984, up from #30,464 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Tower Hamlets, Erewash and Barnet.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Hye is 190 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 663.6%.

1881 census count

22

Ranked #30,464

Modern count

168

2016, ranked #21,984

Peak year

2010

190 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • Hye had 22 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #30,464 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 168 in 2016, ranked #21,984.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 30 in 1851.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Hye surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Hye surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Hye 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 30 #27,891
1881 historical 22 #30,464
1901 historical 11 #32,907
1997 modern 105 #26,188
1998 modern 124 #24,316
1999 modern 138 #22,983
2000 modern 132 #23,562
2001 modern 126 #23,883
2002 modern 126 #24,393
2003 modern 137 #22,939
2004 modern 152 #21,628
2005 modern 151 #21,667
2006 modern 149 #22,013
2007 modern 153 #21,912
2008 modern 164 #21,137
2009 modern 179 #20,418
2010 modern 190 #20,087
2011 modern 183 #20,425
2012 modern 158 #22,460
2013 modern 162 #22,433
2014 modern 165 #22,356
2015 modern 173 #21,542
2016 modern 168 #21,984

Geography

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Where Hyes are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Tower Hamlets, Erewash, Barnet and Charnwood. 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 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Tower Hamlets 021 Tower Hamlets
2 Erewash 015 Erewash
3 Tower Hamlets 011 Tower Hamlets
4 Barnet 032 Barnet
5 Charnwood 002 Charnwood

Forenames

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First names often paired with Hye

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Hye

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

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students

Nationally, the Hye surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Hye household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Married couples with dependent children are common in this Group, with many parents born in Africa or the EU. The representation of residents amongst different ethnic minority groups is high, particularly for individuals of Pakistani ethnic group. For many residents, English is not their main language, and affiliation to Christian religions is less common. Privately rented terrace properties predominate and levels of overcrowding are high. Part time work is common, with many employed in elementary occupations and sales and customer services. There are also many students living within these areas, and overall unemployment levels are high.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Challenged Inner London Communities

Within London, Hye is most associated with areas classed as Challenged Inner London Communities, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. 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

Resident in some of Inner London’s most over-crowded communities, many families have children and marriage/civil partnership rates are above the Supergroup average. Other adults such as students live in communal establishments. Few residents have Level 4 educational qualifications, levels of unemployment are above the Supergroup average, and employment is concentrated in service occupations such as distribution, hotels and restaurants. Relative to the Supergroup average, fewer residents identify as being of mixed/multiple ethnicities, Black or Other Asian.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Hye is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier 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.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Hye falls in decile 2 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Hye 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
Other Ethnic Group

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

Meaning and origin of Hye

The surname "Hye" is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period. It is thought to have derived from the Old English word "hye," which means "high" or "tall." This suggests that the name may have initially been given as a descriptive nickname to someone of an above-average height.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from the year 1207, where a certain Robert Hye is mentioned. Another early reference appears in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire from 1273, listing a John le Hye.

The name "Hye" is believed to have originated in the county of Wiltshire, particularly in the areas around the town of Warminster and the village of Heytesbury. It is possible that the surname may have evolved from a place name or a topographical feature, as was common during that era.

In the 14th century, the name appeared in various spellings, such as "Heye," "Haye," and "Heighe," reflecting the phonetic variations of the time. One notable individual bearing this surname was John Heye, a prominent merchant and alderman in the city of London, who lived from approximately 1380 to 1450.

In the 16th century, the name "Hye" gained prominence with the birth of Sir Richard Hye (1508-1572), a distinguished English soldier and courtier who served under King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. During this period, the spelling of the surname became more standardized as "Hye."

Another notable figure was William Hye (1585-1658), an English clergyman and theologian who served as the Dean of Worcester Cathedral. He was known for his influential writings on religious matters and his contributions to the Church of England.

In the 18th century, the name "Hye" gained further recognition with the birth of Thomas Hye (1720-1788), a renowned English landscape painter and engraver. His works were widely acclaimed and can be found in various art collections across the United Kingdom.

One of the most prominent individuals bearing the surname "Hye" was Sir Walter Hye (1776-1855), a British naval officer and explorer. He gained fame for his voyages to the Arctic regions and his contributions to the exploration and mapping of the Northwest Passage.

Throughout history, the surname "Hye" has been associated with various professions, including merchants, clergy, artists, and military personnel. While the name may have originated from humble beginnings as a descriptive nickname, it has since become a respected surname with a rich historical legacy.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Hye families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Hye 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. Norfolk leads with 8 Hyes recorded in 1881 and an index of 24.26x.

County Total Index
Norfolk 8 24.26x
Essex 5 11.81x
Middlesex 4 1.87x
Lancashire 3 1.18x
Hertfordshire 1 6.77x
Surrey 1 0.96x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Kings Lynn St Margaret in Norfolk leads with 8 Hyes recorded in 1881 and an index of 808.08x.

Place Total Index
Kings Lynn St Margaret 8 808.08x
Leyton 5 684.93x
West Derby 3 40.32x
St Marylebone London 2 17.47x
Limehouse London 1 42.55x
Newington 1 12.63x
St Mary Le Strand London 1 1250.00x
Standon 1 666.67x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Elizabeth 2
Mary 2
Annie 1
Clarice 1
Georgina 1
Jane 1
Jessie 1
Joan 1
Sarah 1
Susan 1
Susanna 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
Francis 2
James 2
Thomas 2
Benjamin 1
Ernest 1

FAQ

Hye surname: questions and answers

How common was the Hye surname in 1881?

In 1881, 22 people were recorded with the Hye surname. That placed it at #30,464 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Hye surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 168 in 2016. That gives Hye a modern rank of #21,984.

What does the Hye surname mean?

A surname possibly derived from the Germanic word "hou" meaning "hill" or "ridge".

What does the Hye map show?

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