NameCensus.

UK surname

Jonathan

A Hebrew personal name that means "Gift of God."

In the 1881 census there were 178 people recorded with the Jonathan surname, ranking it #13,840 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 366, ranked #12,690, up from #13,840 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Llanguick and Merthyr Tydfil. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Rossendale, Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Jonathan is 366 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 105.6%.

1881 census count

178

Ranked #13,840

Modern count

366

2016, ranked #12,690

Peak year

2016

366 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Jonathan had 178 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #13,840 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 366 in 2016, ranked #12,690.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 310 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Jonathan surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Jonathan surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Jonathan 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 204 #10,250
1861 historical 310 #8,175
1881 historical 178 #13,840
1891 historical 207 #14,546
1901 historical 232 #13,769
1911 historical 238 #13,356
1997 modern 220 #16,607
1998 modern 239 #16,179
1999 modern 241 #16,179
2000 modern 234 #16,470
2001 modern 225 #16,664
2002 modern 246 #15,988
2003 modern 241 #16,013
2004 modern 244 #15,948
2005 modern 271 #14,780
2006 modern 288 #14,267
2007 modern 309 #13,760
2008 modern 311 #13,800
2009 modern 314 #13,985
2010 modern 345 #13,370
2011 modern 336 #13,498
2012 modern 327 #13,654
2013 modern 347 #13,260
2014 modern 359 #13,025
2015 modern 360 #12,880
2016 modern 366 #12,690

Geography

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Where Jonathans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Llanguick, Merthyr Tydfil, Beaumaris and Aberdare. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Rossendale, Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taf. 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 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
2 Llanguick Glamorganshire
3 Merthyr Tydfil Glamorganshire
4 Beaumaris Carnarvonshire
5 Aberdare Glamorganshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Rossendale 002 Rossendale
2 Cardiff 006 Cardiff
3 Rhondda Cynon Taf 015 Rhondda Cynon Taf
4 Rhondda Cynon Taf 012 Rhondda Cynon Taf
5 Rhondda Cynon Taf 014 Rhondda Cynon Taf

Forenames

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First names often paired with Jonathan

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Jonathan

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

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Jonathan surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Jonathan 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 is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Jonathan 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

Jonathan 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

Jonathan falls in decile 3 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.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Jonathan 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
Other Ethnic Group

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

Meaning and origin of Jonathan

The surname Jonathan derives from the Hebrew name Yonatan, which means "Yahweh has given" or "gift of God." It has its origins in ancient Israel, dating back to biblical times.

This surname is believed to have originated among Jewish communities in Europe and the Middle East. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jonathan can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible, referring to the son of King Saul and close friend of David.

During the Middle Ages, the name Jonathan was relatively uncommon in Europe, although it did appear in various records and manuscripts. In England, it was sometimes anglicized as "Jonathon" or "Johnathan."

One notable individual with the surname Jonathan was Rabbi David Jonathan of Lunel, a 13th-century French Jewish scholar and commentator on the Talmud. Another was Sir Nathaniel Jonathan, a 17th-century English merchant and politician who served as an alderman in the City of London.

In the United States, the surname Jonathan has been present since the colonial era. One of the earliest recorded instances is Jonathan Dickinson, a Quaker merchant born in 1663 in Jamaica who later settled in Philadelphia.

Another prominent figure was Jonathan Trumbull, a merchant and statesman who served as the Governor of Connecticut from 1769 to 1784 and played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War.

In the 19th century, Jonathan Bourne Jr. was an American industrialist and shipbuilder from Massachusetts, known for establishing the Bourne Mill and the town of Bournedale.

Other notable individuals with the surname Jonathan include Jonathan Teplitzky, an Australian film director, and Jonathan Miller, an English humorist, satirist, and opera director who was born in 1934.

Overall, the surname Jonathan has a rich history rooted in ancient Hebrew traditions and has been carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including scholars, politicians, merchants, and artists throughout the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Jonathan families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Jonathan 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. Glamorgan leads with 55 Jonathans recorded in 1881 and an index of 18.72x.

County Total Index
Glamorgan 55 18.72x
Middlesex 23 1.36x
Lancashire 21 1.05x
Brecknockshire 14 41.49x
Cardiganshire 12 29.15x
Carmarthenshire 9 12.65x
Nottinghamshire 7 3.08x
Caernarfonshire 6 8.79x
Flintshire 6 13.23x
Denbighshire 5 7.84x
Anglesey 3 10.03x
Cheshire 2 0.54x
Durham 2 0.40x
Merionethshire 2 6.48x
Monmouthshire 2 1.64x
Gloucestershire 1 0.30x
Montgomeryshire 1 2.59x
Surrey 1 0.12x
Yorkshire 1 0.06x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Merthyr Tydfil in Glamorgan leads with 16 Jonathans recorded in 1881 and an index of 56.66x.

Place Total Index
Merthyr Tydfil 16 56.66x
Aberdare 14 69.41x
Llanelly 14 346.53x
Hackney London 9 9.51x
Beeston 7 268.20x
Wigan 7 25.02x
Ystradyfodwg 7 27.16x
Llanguick 6 114.07x
Llanwonno 6 56.82x
Mold Leeswood 6 582.52x
Criccieth 5 714.29x
Cwmdu 5 139.66x
Everton 5 7.83x
Llanarth 5 431.03x
Llanrwst 5 226.24x
St Giles In Fields London 5 60.39x
Shoreditch London 4 5.47x
St Marylebone London 4 4.44x
Celie Aeron 3 1578.95x
Kirkdale 3 8.91x
Llanelly 3 18.73x
Toxteth Park 3 4.42x
Ulverston 3 51.46x
Beaumaris 2 181.82x
Festiniog 2 30.72x
Lanchester 2 217.39x
Llandingat 2 123.46x
Llansawel 2 363.64x
Northenden 2 294.12x
Aberystwyth 1 153.85x
Bangor 1 15.20x
Bristol St Paul In 1 11.34x
Cardigan St Mary 1 63.29x
Cwmrheidol 1 151.52x
Guilsfield 1 70.92x
Gwnnws Lower 1 384.62x
Halifax 1 4.07x
Kensington London 1 1.07x
Llanedy 1 74.63x
Llanfechell 1 188.68x
Llanllawddog 1 285.71x
Llanover 1 23.98x
Llantwit Vairdre 1 30.30x
Southwark St Saviour 1 11.53x
St Woollos 1 7.35x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 16
Margaret 9
Elizabeth 8
Ann 6
Jane 4
Sarah 4
Catherine 3
Annie 2
Ellen 2
Florence 2
Adah 1
Charlotte 1
Edith 1
Eleanor 1
Elisabeth 1
Eliza 1
Eliza.M. 1
Elizth. 1
Elvira 1
Emma 1
Fanny 1
Frances 1
Habled 1
J. 1
Jessie 1
Josephine 1
L...r 1
Louisa 1
M. 1
Marianne 1
Marqulla 1
Matilda 1
Maud 1
Rachael 1
Robina 1
Winifred 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 13
William 10
David 7
Edward 6
Henry 5
Thomas 5
James 4
Ellis 3
Richard 3
Evan 2
Frederick 2
Geo. 2
George 2
Joseph 2
Owen 2
Samuel 2
Timothy 2
Abrham 1
Alfred 1
Arthur 1
Claude 1
Daniel 1
Gwylym 1
Howell 1
Hy.Edward 1
Isaac 1
Jonathon 1
Joshua 1
Mason 1
Nathaniel 1
Robert 1
Thos. 1
Walter 1
Watkins 1
Willian 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Jonathan surname: questions and answers

How common was the Jonathan surname in 1881?

In 1881, 178 people were recorded with the Jonathan surname. That placed it at #13,840 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Jonathan surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 366 in 2016. That gives Jonathan a modern rank of #12,690.

What does the Jonathan surname mean?

A Hebrew personal name that means "Gift of God."

What does the Jonathan map show?

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