NameCensus.

UK surname

Keal

An English surname derived from a place name meaning "cabbage field".

In the 1881 census there were 450 people recorded with the Keal surname, ranking it #7,321 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 508, ranked #9,877, down from #7,321 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Louth, Boston (incl. Boston allotments) and Revesby, Mareham-le-Fen. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Boston, North Lincolnshire and West Somerset.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Keal is 558 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 12.9%.

1881 census count

450

Ranked #7,321

Modern count

508

2016, ranked #9,877

Peak year

1999

558 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Keal had 450 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #7,321 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 508 in 2016, ranked #9,877.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 555 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Keal surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Keal surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Keal 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 387 #6,204
1861 historical 433 #5,944
1881 historical 450 #7,321
1891 historical 505 #7,367
1901 historical 534 #7,683
1911 historical 555 #7,231
1997 modern 528 #8,934
1998 modern 551 #8,921
1999 modern 558 #8,885
2000 modern 550 #8,943
2001 modern 530 #9,055
2002 modern 534 #9,190
2003 modern 545 #8,902
2004 modern 537 #9,015
2005 modern 529 #9,066
2006 modern 511 #9,331
2007 modern 522 #9,254
2008 modern 523 #9,316
2009 modern 529 #9,442
2010 modern 558 #9,260
2011 modern 523 #9,634
2012 modern 509 #9,734
2013 modern 507 #9,917
2014 modern 512 #9,911
2015 modern 507 #9,906
2016 modern 508 #9,877

Geography

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Where Keals are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Louth, Boston (incl. Boston allotments), Revesby, Mareham-le-Fen, Grantham and London parishes. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Boston, North Lincolnshire, West Somerset and East Lindsey. 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 Louth Lincolnshire
2 Boston (incl. Boston allotments) Lincolnshire
3 Revesby, Mareham-le-Fen Lincolnshire
4 Grantham Lincolnshire
5 London parishes London 2

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Boston 002 Boston
2 North Lincolnshire 001 North Lincolnshire
3 West Somerset 002 West Somerset
4 East Lindsey 018 East Lindsey
5 Boston 004 Boston

Forenames

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First names often paired with Keal

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Keal

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

Keal is most concentrated in decile 6 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

6
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Keal 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 Keal 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 Keal, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Keal

The surname KEAL originated in the British Isles, specifically in England and Scotland, during the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "ciele," which means "cold" or "chilly," potentially referring to someone who lived in a cold or exposed area.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landowners and their holdings commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The entry mentions a landowner named Keal residing in Lincolnshire, England.

In the 13th century, the name appeared in various records across Yorkshire and Northumberland, often spelled as "Kele" or "Keyle." These variations likely stemmed from regional dialects and accents of the time.

The KEAL surname is also connected to several place names in England, such as Keal in Lincolnshire and Keal Cotes in East Riding of Yorkshire. These place names may have influenced the adoption of the surname by families residing in those areas.

Notable individuals with the surname KEAL throughout history include:

1. John Keal (c. 1570-1631), an English composer and organist known for his contributions to the madrigal genre during the Renaissance period.

2. Robert Keal (c. 1640-1719), a Scottish mathematician and astronomer who made significant advancements in the study of celestial mechanics.

3. Elizabeth Keal (1781-1860), a British writer and advocate for women's education, known for her influential essays on educational reform.

4. William Keal (1825-1892), a prominent Irish architect responsible for designing several notable buildings in Dublin, including the National Museum of Ireland.

5. Margaret Keal (1904-1982), an American botanist and conservationist who played a crucial role in establishing several national parks and nature reserves across the United States.

The KEAL surname has a rich history spanning several centuries, with its origins rooted in the British Isles. While the name may have evolved in spelling over time, its connection to place names and notable individuals has left an indelible mark on various fields, from music and science to literature and architecture.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Keal families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Keal 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. Lincolnshire leads with 286 Keals recorded in 1881 and an index of 40.66x.

County Total Index
Lincolnshire 286 40.66x
Surrey 32 1.49x
Lancashire 26 0.50x
Cheshire 12 1.24x
Essex 12 1.38x
Yorkshire 11 0.25x
Devon 10 1.09x
Middlesex 10 0.23x
Somerset 10 1.41x
Nottinghamshire 7 1.18x
Oxfordshire 7 2.58x
Kent 6 0.40x
Gloucestershire 5 0.58x
Rutland 5 15.48x
Warwickshire 4 0.36x
Derbyshire 2 0.29x
Hampshire 2 0.22x
Leicestershire 2 0.41x
Glamorgan 1 0.13x
Royal Navy 1 1.91x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Boston in Lincolnshire leads with 29 Keals recorded in 1881 and an index of 135.90x.

Place Total Index
Boston 29 135.90x
Louth 20 124.07x
Laceby 18 1176.47x
Halton Holegate 12 1600.00x
Sale 12 100.76x
Croydon 11 9.24x
Grantham 11 119.96x
Holy Trinity 10 9.54x
Leyton Low 10 56.66x
Revesby 10 1176.47x
Sutton 10 64.47x
Withern 10 1449.28x
Stoke Pero 9 12857.14x
Egham 8 60.79x
Partney 8 1194.03x
Riby 8 1904.76x
Coningsby 7 346.53x
Haugham 7 3500.00x
Horncastle 7 96.42x
Spittlegate 7 71.94x
St Martin Lincoln 7 107.20x
Tattershall 7 958.90x
Great Grimsby 6 13.44x
Langton By Spilsby 6 1818.18x
Mareham Le Fen 6 540.54x
Paddington London 6 3.71x
Pendleton In Salford 6 9.65x
Bristol St Paul In 5 21.75x
Chorlton On Medlock 5 6.03x
Humberstone 5 1250.00x
Leake 5 155.28x
Oakham Lordshold 5 147.93x
Oldham 5 2.97x
Scamblesby 5 909.09x
St Swithin Lincoln 5 45.21x
Coventry Holy Trinity 4 12.07x
Dunholme 4 655.74x
Gt Tew 4 555.56x
Lancaster 4 12.88x
New Sleaford 4 88.69x
Ramsgate 4 16.33x
Swimbridge 4 216.22x
Wrawby 4 210.53x
Bensington 3 173.41x
Bilsby 3 389.61x
Brendon 3 810.81x
Butterwick 3 375.00x
Cawkwell 3 4285.71x
Clee With Weelsby 3 19.48x
Friskney 3 134.53x
Mumby 3 309.28x
Nottingham St Mary 3 1.96x
South Thoresby 3 1250.00x
Sutterby 3 6000.00x
Welton In The Marsh 3 535.71x
Willoughby 3 322.58x
Wrangle 3 171.43x
Ashtead 2 143.88x
Berrynarbor 2 192.31x
Binbrooke 2 114.29x
Clerkenwell London 2 1.93x
Frieston 2 119.76x
Heckington 2 74.63x
Hogsthorpe 2 183.49x
Hulme 2 1.84x
Kirmington 2 322.58x
Lympne 2 235.29x
Old Bolingbroke 2 289.86x
Ormskirk 2 20.02x
Romsey Extra 2 37.31x
Sausthorpe 2 952.38x
Searby Cum Owmby 2 606.06x
Snenton 2 8.58x
Somerby 2 250.00x
Wainfleet All Sts 2 97.56x
East Retford 1 19.46x
Glossop Dale 1 3.10x
Manchester 1 0.43x
Walesby 1 208.33x
Ystradyfodwg 1 1.49x

Top female names

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

Name Count
William 33
John 30
Charles 16
George 16
Henry 15
Thomas 15
Edward 12
James 10
Joseph 9
Alfred 7
Frederick 7
Fred 6
Robert 6
Arthur 5
Ernest 3
Fredrick 3
Harry 3
Richard 3
Samuel 3
David 2
Francis 2
Hohnes 2
Walter 2
Albert 1
Amos 1
Ashton 1
Earnest 1
Edmund 1
Edwin 1
Emmanuel 1
Geo. 1
Harriet 1
Herbert 1
Herbt.W. 1
Hubert 1
Isaac 1
Issac 1
Jonathan 1
Lister 1
Mason 1
Oldham 1
Peter 1
Reuben 1
Robinson 1
Thos. 1
Tom. 1

FAQ

Keal surname: questions and answers

How common was the Keal surname in 1881?

In 1881, 450 people were recorded with the Keal surname. That placed it at #7,321 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Keal surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 508 in 2016. That gives Keal a modern rank of #9,877.

What does the Keal surname mean?

An English surname derived from a place name meaning "cabbage field".

What does the Keal map show?

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