UK surname
From an English place name meaning "place of hawks," or an occupational name for a kite keeper.
In the 1881 census there were 120 people recorded with the Keaton surname, ranking it #17,756 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 97, ranked #31,585, down from #17,756 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Alverstoke, Gosport, Rowner, Manchester and Dean. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Keaton is 154 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 19.2%.
1881 census count
120
Ranked #17,756
Modern count
97
2016, ranked #31,585
Peak year
1861
154 bearers
Map years
3
1851 to 1881
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Keaton surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Keaton surname density by area, 1881 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe 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 | 113 | #15,815 |
| 1861 | historical | 154 | #14,963 |
| 1881 | historical | 120 | #17,756 |
| 1891 | historical | 90 | #25,399 |
| 1901 | historical | 81 | #25,130 |
| 1911 | historical | 77 | #25,106 |
| 1997 | modern | 64 | #31,233 |
| 1998 | modern | 70 | #30,968 |
| 1999 | modern | 69 | #31,223 |
| 2000 | modern | 71 | #31,082 |
| 2001 | modern | 68 | #31,195 |
| 2002 | modern | 64 | #32,007 |
| 2003 | modern | 66 | #31,879 |
| 2004 | modern | 69 | #31,784 |
| 2005 | modern | 76 | #31,267 |
| 2006 | modern | 70 | #32,240 |
| 2007 | modern | 79 | #31,628 |
| 2008 | modern | 79 | #31,957 |
| 2009 | modern | 86 | #31,612 |
| 2010 | modern | 96 | #30,854 |
| 2011 | modern | 86 | #32,006 |
| 2012 | modern | 85 | #32,395 |
| 2013 | modern | 93 | #31,785 |
| 2014 | modern | 88 | #32,495 |
| 2015 | modern | 98 | #31,342 |
| 2016 | modern | 97 | #31,585 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Alverstoke, Gosport, Rowner, Manchester, Dean, Liverpool and Ormskirk. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alverstoke, Gosport, Rowner | Hampshire |
| 2 | Manchester | Lancashire |
| 3 | Dean | Lancashire |
| 4 | Liverpool | Lancashire |
| 5 | Ormskirk | Lancashire |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Keaton surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Keaton, 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
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Keaton surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Keaton household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Keaton is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Keaton is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Keaton, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname Keaton has its origins in England, dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "catu" or "caten," which referred to a farm or small homestead. The name was likely used to identify people who lived on or near such a property.
In its earliest recorded forms, the name appeared as "de Caton" or "de Catton" in various medieval records and documents. One notable example is the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where the name "Henry de Caton" is mentioned in connection with holdings in Yorkshire.
As the name evolved over time, it took on various spellings, such as Caton, Catton, and eventually Keaton. Many of these variations can be found in parish records and other historical documents throughout the centuries.
One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Sir John de Caton, a knight who lived in the 14th century and was mentioned in the Patent Rolls of 1344 for his service to King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War.
In the 16th century, the name Keaton appeared in connection with several place names in various parts of England, such as Keaton in Cumbria and Keaton in Shropshire. These place names likely contributed to the further spread and establishment of the surname.
Notable individuals with the surname Keaton throughout history include:
1. Buster Keaton (1895-1966), an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker known for his physical comedy and deadpan expression. 2. Diane Keaton (born 1946), an American actress known for her roles in films such as "The Godfather" and "Annie Hall." 3. Michael Keaton (born 1951), an American actor best known for his performances in films like "Beetlejuice" and "Batman." 4. Caroline Keaton (1828-1898), an American educator and writer who was one of the first female students at Oberlin College. 5. Joseph Keaton (1797-1876), an English artist and engraver known for his landscapes and architectural illustrations.
The surname Keaton has a rich history that can be traced back to medieval England. Its evolution and spread across various regions and contexts have contributed to its enduring presence as a surname over the centuries.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Keaton surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lancashire leads with 53 Keatons recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.78x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Lancashire | 53 | 3.78x |
| Cheshire | 10 | 3.84x |
| Hampshire | 9 | 3.72x |
| Middlesex | 9 | 0.76x |
| Yorkshire | 7 | 0.60x |
| Nottinghamshire | 6 | 3.77x |
| Derbyshire | 4 | 2.16x |
| Durham | 4 | 1.14x |
| Glamorgan | 4 | 1.95x |
| Essex | 3 | 1.29x |
| Staffordshire | 3 | 0.75x |
| Berkshire | 2 | 2.26x |
| Warwickshire | 2 | 0.67x |
| Devon | 1 | 0.41x |
| Flintshire | 1 | 3.15x |
| Gloucestershire | 1 | 0.43x |
| Kent | 1 | 0.25x |
| Surrey | 1 | 0.17x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Scarisbrick in Lancashire leads with 18 Keatons recorded in 1881 and an index of 1104.29x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Scarisbrick | 18 | 1104.29x |
| Manchester | 13 | 20.64x |
| Chester St Olave | 10 | 4347.83x |
| Alverstoke | 7 | 79.91x |
| Ashton Under Lyne | 7 | 22.87x |
| St George In East London | 5 | 45.05x |
| Cardiff St John | 4 | 59.61x |
| Kirkdale | 4 | 16.98x |
| Nottingham St Mary | 4 | 9.72x |
| Elland Cum Greetland | 3 | 56.93x |
| Elvet | 3 | 118.58x |
| Toxteth Park | 3 | 6.33x |
| West Ham | 3 | 5.83x |
| Aston | 2 | 2.44x |
| Huddersfield | 2 | 11.74x |
| Newbold Dunston | 2 | 113.64x |
| Portsmouth | 2 | 35.91x |
| Reading St Mary | 2 | 28.17x |
| Spotland | 2 | 12.85x |
| Armley | 1 | 19.38x |
| Crich | 1 | 82.64x |
| Ecclesall Bierlow | 1 | 4.20x |
| Elton | 1 | 20.66x |
| Fulham London | 1 | 5.84x |
| Handsworth | 1 | 10.18x |
| Heston | 1 | 25.51x |
| Liverpool | 1 | 1.18x |
| Northop | 1 | 89.29x |
| Oldham | 1 | 2.21x |
| Paddington London | 1 | 2.30x |
| Plymouth St Andrew | 1 | 5.29x |
| Preston | 1 | 2.67x |
| Ramsgate | 1 | 15.22x |
| Richmond | 1 | 12.41x |
| Salford | 1 | 2.43x |
| Shardlow | 1 | 285.71x |
| Snenton | 1 | 16.00x |
| St Dunstan In West London | 1 | 270.27x |
| Stapleton | 1 | 22.78x |
| Stockton On Tees | 1 | 5.91x |
| Stoke Upon Trent | 1 | 2.37x |
| Wednesbury | 1 | 10.04x |
| Wigan | 1 | 5.11x |
| Wilford | 1 | 222.22x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Keaton surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Keaton surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Keaton households.
FAQ
In 1881, 120 people were recorded with the Keaton surname. That placed it at #17,756 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 97 in 2016. That gives Keaton a modern rank of #31,585.
From an English place name meaning "place of hawks," or an occupational name for a kite keeper.
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Keaton bearers relative to the surrounding population.
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.