NameCensus.

UK surname

Illingworth

An English locational surname originating from locations called Illingworth in Yorkshire.

In the 1881 census there were 3,395 people recorded with the Illingworth surname, ranking it #1,343 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 3,013, ranked #2,231, down from #1,343 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Calverley, Bradford and Batley. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Bradford.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Illingworth is 4,366 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 11.3%.

1881 census count

3,395

Ranked #1,343

Modern count

3,013

2016, ranked #2,231

Peak year

1911

4,366 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Illingworth had 3,395 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #1,343 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 3,013 in 2016, ranked #2,231.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 4,366 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Illingworth surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Illingworth surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Illingworth 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 2,076 #1,401
1861 historical 2,095 #1,382
1881 historical 3,395 #1,343
1891 historical 3,671 #1,302
1901 historical 4,267 #1,323
1911 historical 4,366 #1,181
1997 modern 3,113 #2,058
1998 modern 3,169 #2,116
1999 modern 3,205 #2,104
2000 modern 3,197 #2,102
2001 modern 3,125 #2,105
2002 modern 3,196 #2,101
2003 modern 3,046 #2,155
2004 modern 3,082 #2,133
2005 modern 3,004 #2,156
2006 modern 2,997 #2,160
2007 modern 3,022 #2,163
2008 modern 3,029 #2,169
2009 modern 3,023 #2,229
2010 modern 3,103 #2,226
2011 modern 3,098 #2,199
2012 modern 3,026 #2,209
2013 modern 3,093 #2,198
2014 modern 3,092 #2,210
2015 modern 3,066 #2,205
2016 modern 3,013 #2,231

Geography

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Where Illingworths are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Calverley, Bradford, Batley and Dewsbury. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Bradford. 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 Calverley Yorkshire, West Riding
2 Bradford Yorkshire, West Riding
3 Batley Yorkshire, West Riding
4 Dewsbury Yorkshire, West Riding

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Bradford 043 Bradford
2 Bradford 026 Bradford
3 Bradford 023 Bradford
4 Bradford 016 Bradford
5 Bradford 031 Bradford

Forenames

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First names often paired with Illingworth

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Illingworth

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

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Illingworth is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support 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

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

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

Illingworth 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

Illingworth falls in decile 8 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.

8
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Illingworth

The surname Illingworth is of English origin, derived from the place name Illingworth, a village in West Yorkshire, England. The name is believed to have emerged during the Anglo-Saxon period, with roots dating back to the 7th or 8th century.

The name Illingworth is a combination of two Old English words: "Illa" or "Ila," which means "hill" or "ridge," and "worth," meaning "an enclosed settlement" or "farm." Together, the name can be interpreted as "the enclosed settlement or farm on the hill or ridge."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Illingworth can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is mentioned as "Illingworde." This historic document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, provides valuable insights into the distribution of land and population in England during the late 11th century.

In the 13th century, records show variations of the name, such as "Illingworthe" and "Illingwurth," which reflect the linguistic evolution and regional dialects of the time. During this period, the Illingworth family is believed to have been prominent landowners in the area around the village of Illingworth.

One notable figure bearing the Illingworth surname was Sir Robert Illingworth (1518-1586), a wealthy merchant and Member of Parliament during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He served as an alderman and Sheriff of London and was knighted for his contributions to the city.

Another prominent individual was Reverend Cayley Illingworth (1783-1863), an English clergyman and theologian. He served as the Archdeacon of Stow and was known for his works on Christian doctrine and biblical exegesis.

In the 19th century, John Illingworth (1823-1904) was a notable figure in the textile industry. He established a successful textile manufacturing business in Bradford, Yorkshire, and was actively involved in local politics and philanthropy.

Benjamin Illingworth (1855-1920) was a prominent English cricketer who played Test cricket for England between 1884 and 1892. He was a right-handed batsman and occasional wicket-keeper, known for his exceptional batting skills and ability to score runs quickly.

The name Illingworth has also been associated with various place names in England, such as Illingworth Moor, Illingworth Hall, and Illingworth Street, reflecting the historical presence and influence of families bearing this surname in the region.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Illingworth families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Illingworth 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. Yorkshire leads with 2,750 Illingworths recorded in 1881 and an index of 8.39x.

County Total Index
Yorkshire 2,750 8.39x
Lancashire 320 0.82x
Middlesex 54 0.16x
Durham 47 0.48x
Surrey 32 0.20x
Aberdeenshire 31 1.01x
Westmorland 17 2.34x
Cheshire 16 0.22x
Lincolnshire 13 0.25x
Midlothian 13 0.29x
Warwickshire 10 0.12x
Kent 9 0.08x
Perthshire 9 0.61x
Nottinghamshire 8 0.18x
Derbyshire 7 0.14x
Hampshire 7 0.10x
Berkshire 6 0.24x
Caithness 6 1.33x
Glamorgan 6 0.10x
Northumberland 5 0.10x
Somerset 5 0.09x
Norfolk 4 0.08x
Staffordshire 4 0.04x
Hertfordshire 2 0.09x
Inverness-shire 2 0.20x
Lanarkshire 2 0.02x
Sussex 2 0.04x
Oxfordshire 1 0.05x
Pembrokeshire 1 0.10x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Horton In Bradford in Yorkshire leads with 175 Illingworths recorded in 1881 and an index of 34.21x.

Place Total Index
Horton In Bradford 175 34.21x
Manningham 143 35.43x
Allerton 141 337.64x
Bradford 134 16.90x
Ossett Cum Gawthorpe 127 108.53x
Idle 111 73.07x
Pudsey 102 58.25x
North Bierley 83 46.92x
Thornton In Bradford 83 76.10x
Bowling 75 23.11x
Shipley 72 42.35x
Leeds 71 3.84x
Batley 67 21.52x
Gomersal 62 40.55x
Wakefield 51 20.28x
Eccleshill 47 58.96x
Methley 44 95.38x
Mirfield 35 19.46x
Bingley 34 16.30x
Halifax 34 7.07x
Thurgoland 33 149.32x
Barnsley 30 8.88x
Soothill 30 25.35x
Alverthorpe Cum Thornes 29 24.38x
Huddersfield 28 5.87x
Sheffield 28 2.68x
Clayton 25 31.18x
Headingley Cum Burley 25 11.86x
Lofthouse Cum Carlton 25 62.63x
Rothwell 24 36.27x
Blackburn 23 2.20x
Dewsbury 22 6.55x
Horsforth 22 30.63x
Liversedge 22 15.09x
North Meols 21 5.47x
Wortley In Bramley 21 8.09x
Drighlington 20 41.91x
Pendleton In Salford 20 4.28x
Wilsden 19 56.48x
Castleton 18 4.59x
Cleckheaton 16 13.26x
Hunslet 16 3.13x
Tarland 16 120.57x
Calverley Cum Farsley 15 16.13x
Castleford 15 12.57x
Colne 15 12.84x
Elland Cum Greetland 15 10.16x
Ellel 15 74.15x
Wyke In Bradford 15 25.60x
Broughton In Salford 14 3.90x
Hunshelf 14 87.17x
Stanley Cum Wrenthorpe 14 9.20x
Thornley Cum Wheatley 14 353.54x
Yeadon 14 18.92x
York St Mary 14 10.32x
Beeston 13 39.24x
Brightside Bierlow 13 2.02x
Heckmondwike 13 12.34x
Ilkley 13 24.28x
Keighley 13 3.72x
Skircoat 13 10.06x
East Ardsley 12 42.30x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 12 0.67x
Farnley In Bramley 12 29.34x
Ovenden 12 8.23x
Warmfield Cum Heath 12 108.40x
Fairburn 11 190.97x
Gateshead 11 1.49x
Hartlepool 11 7.87x
Henheads 11 416.67x
Preston 11 1.05x
Shipton In Pocklington 11 227.27x
Dewsbury Ossett Cum 10 140.25x
Golcar 10 11.54x
Hipperholme Cum 10 6.95x
Mile End Old Town London 10 1.42x
Warley 10 10.56x
Lewisham 9 1.50x
Netherthong 9 84.99x
Northowram 9 3.92x

FAQ

Illingworth surname: questions and answers

How common was the Illingworth surname in 1881?

In 1881, 3,395 people were recorded with the Illingworth surname. That placed it at #1,343 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Illingworth surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 3,013 in 2016. That gives Illingworth a modern rank of #2,231.

What does the Illingworth surname mean?

An English locational surname originating from locations called Illingworth in Yorkshire.

What does the Illingworth map show?

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