NameCensus.

UK surname

Keyworth

A locational surname originating from Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, England.

In the 1881 census there were 687 people recorded with the Keyworth surname, ranking it #5,269 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 869, ranked #6,459, down from #5,269 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lincoln St Botolph, Doncaster and Gainsborough, Paddocks. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include East Riding of Yorkshire, North East Lincolnshire and Sheffield.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Keyworth is 937 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 26.5%.

1881 census count

687

Ranked #5,269

Modern count

869

2016, ranked #6,459

Peak year

1911

937 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Keyworth had 687 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,269 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 869 in 2016, ranked #6,459.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 937 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Keyworth surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Keyworth surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Keyworth 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 439 #5,600
1861 historical 417 #6,163
1881 historical 687 #5,269
1891 historical 758 #5,257
1901 historical 864 #5,299
1911 historical 937 #4,794
1997 modern 834 #6,331
1998 modern 846 #6,463
1999 modern 856 #6,447
2000 modern 835 #6,551
2001 modern 814 #6,556
2002 modern 844 #6,496
2003 modern 816 #6,548
2004 modern 811 #6,598
2005 modern 823 #6,455
2006 modern 830 #6,426
2007 modern 836 #6,460
2008 modern 847 #6,445
2009 modern 843 #6,604
2010 modern 868 #6,582
2011 modern 880 #6,441
2012 modern 863 #6,446
2013 modern 883 #6,442
2014 modern 879 #6,489
2015 modern 878 #6,430
2016 modern 869 #6,459

Geography

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Where Keyworths are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lincoln St Botolph, Doncaster, Gainsborough, Paddocks, Sheffield and Saxelby with Ingleby. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to East Riding of Yorkshire, North East Lincolnshire, Sheffield, Kirklees and Rotherham. 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 Lincoln St Botolph Lincolnshire
2 Doncaster Yorkshire, West Riding
3 Gainsborough, Paddocks Lincolnshire
4 Sheffield Yorkshire, West Riding
5 Saxelby with Ingleby Lincolnshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 East Riding of Yorkshire 039 East Riding of Yorkshire
2 North East Lincolnshire 001 North East Lincolnshire
3 Sheffield 003 Sheffield
4 Kirklees 045 Kirklees
5 Rotherham 029 Rotherham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Keyworth

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Keyworth

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

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Keyworth surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Keyworth household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

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

Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs

Group

London Fringe

Within London, Keyworth is most associated with areas classed as London Fringe, part of Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs. 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

Predominantly located in neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Greater London, residents of these neighbourhoods typically have their highest qualifications below degree (Level 4) level, with those still in work engaged in skilled trades and occupations in distribution, hotels and restaurants. There is low ethnic diversity in these neighbourhoods and high levels of Christian religious affiliation. Detached or terraced houses predominate, often with spare rooms.

Wider London pattern

The age distribution of these neighbourhoods is skewed towards the middle-aged and old, although few residents live alone or in communal establishments and numbers of dependent children are around average. Owner occupation is the norm, as is residence in detached or semi-detached houses. Residential densities are low and many households have spare rooms. Most residents were born in the UK and, aside from some identifying as members of Chinese or Indian ethnicities, identify as White. Mixed ethnicity households are rare. Incidence of married couples is higher than average and few individuals have never been married. A large proportion of individuals still in employment work in administrative and secretarial occupations, or in the construction industry. Few residents are students, and many households own more than one car.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Keyworth is most concentrated in decile 7 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.

7
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Keyworth falls in decile 7 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

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

7
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Keyworth

The surname Keyworth is of English origin, with roots traced back to the medieval period. It is a locational name derived from the village of Keyworth in Nottinghamshire, England. The name is thought to have originated from the Old English words "caeg" meaning "key" and "worth" meaning "enclosure" or "farm," suggesting a connection to an enclosed area or settlement.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Keyworth can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Caicvorde." This entry provides historical evidence of the name's existence during the Norman Conquest and the subsequent documentation of landholdings and settlements across England.

In the 13th century, various spellings of the name emerged, such as "Caywurth," "Kayworth," and "Keywurth," reflecting the evolution of language and regional dialects. These variations highlight the fluidity of surname spellings during that era.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Keyworth include John Keyworth (1514-1588), a prominent English merchant and landowner from Nottinghamshire. Records indicate that he played a significant role in the local community and held influential positions during the Tudor period.

Another noteworthy figure was Elizabeth Keyworth (1635-1692), a Quaker preacher and writer from Yorkshire. She published several religious works and was known for her unwavering commitment to her faith, facing persecution for her beliefs during the turbulent times of the English Civil War.

In the 18th century, William Keyworth (1725-1802) gained recognition as a skilled architect and surveyor. His contributions to the built environment of London and the surrounding areas left a lasting legacy, with several buildings and structures bearing his distinctive design.

Moving into the 19th century, George Keyworth (1849-1921) was a prominent industrialist and entrepreneur from Nottinghamshire. He founded the Keyworth Manufacturing Company, which played a significant role in the region's economic development and provided employment opportunities for local residents.

Lastly, the 20th century saw the rise of Sir Geoffrey Keyworth (1909-1986), a renowned scientist and academic. He made significant contributions to the fields of physics and engineering, serving as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and receiving numerous honors and awards for his work.

These examples illustrate the diverse backgrounds and achievements of individuals bearing the surname Keyworth throughout history, spanning various professions and regions within England.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Keyworth families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Keyworth 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 239 Keyworths recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.60x.

County Total Index
Yorkshire 239 3.60x
Lincolnshire 180 16.80x
Nottinghamshire 91 10.07x
Middlesex 36 0.54x
Surrey 22 0.67x
Derbyshire 21 2.00x
Cheshire 13 0.88x
Lancashire 13 0.16x
Durham 11 0.55x
Leicestershire 8 1.08x
Huntingdonshire 7 5.26x
Devon 6 0.43x
Hampshire 6 0.44x
Essex 5 0.38x
Kent 5 0.22x
Flintshire 4 2.22x
Buckinghamshire 3 0.74x
Shropshire 3 0.52x
Sussex 3 0.27x
Warwickshire 3 0.18x
Northamptonshire 2 0.32x
Northumberland 2 0.20x
Bedfordshire 1 0.29x
Cornwall 1 0.13x
Wiltshire 1 0.17x
Worcestershire 1 0.11x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Doncaster in Yorkshire leads with 32 Keyworths recorded in 1881 and an index of 65.95x.

Place Total Index
Doncaster 32 65.95x
Brightside Bierlow 23 17.66x
Holy Trinity 23 14.40x
Nottingham St Mary 22 9.42x
Sheffield 21 9.93x
Saxelby With Ingleby 19 695.97x
Caistor 17 399.06x
St Peterat Gowts Lincoln 17 112.81x
Sculcoates 16 15.20x
Gainsborough 14 55.42x
Lambeth 13 2.22x
Welbourn 12 944.88x
Ecclesall Bierlow 11 8.14x
St Swithin Lincoln 11 65.28x
Wakefield 11 21.58x
Willoughton 11 924.37x
Nether Hallam 10 11.13x
Owthorpe 10 3333.33x
Holy Trinity St Mary 9 89.02x
Hunslet 9 8.69x
Kimberworth 9 24.42x
Ab Kettleby 8 1509.43x
Isleworth 8 26.85x
Laceby 8 343.35x
Mansfield 8 25.59x
Swinton In Rotherham 8 45.56x
Beighton 7 147.37x
Headingley Cum Burley 7 16.37x
Huddersfield 7 7.24x
Metheringham 7 163.55x
Normanby By Spital 7 769.23x
Ramsey 7 65.73x
St Martin Lincoln 7 70.42x
St Paul Lincoln 7 372.34x
Aslockton 6 645.16x
Birkenhead 6 5.09x
Boston 6 18.46x
Darlington 6 7.79x
Heeley 6 29.73x
Morton In Gainsborough 6 284.36x
Shoreditch London 6 2.07x
Stancill Cum Wellingley 6 3529.41x
Whitwell 6 143.88x
Worksop 6 22.40x
Battersea 5 2.03x
Blidworth 5 427.35x
Greenwich 5 4.69x
Hammersmith London 5 3.03x
Longford 5 520.83x
Millbrook 5 14.45x
Northam 5 49.16x
Penshaw 5 83.47x
Chorley In Macclesfield 4 88.69x
Clarborough 4 59.17x
Clayworth 4 396.04x
Corringham 4 233.92x
Ecclesfield 4 8.22x
Rhuddlan 4 25.22x
Rothwell 4 666.67x
St Andrew Holborn London 4 13.79x
St Maryle Wigford 4 48.08x
Toxteth Park 4 1.49x
Upton 4 350.88x
West Ham 4 1.37x
Aston 3 0.64x
Aylesbury 3 16.71x
Basford 3 7.21x
Bingham 3 78.13x
Clipstone 3 441.18x
Hastings Holy Trinity 3 36.01x
Hyde 3 6.87x
Marr 3 731.71x
North Leverton 3 434.78x
Pilkington 3 9.93x
Ruddington 3 49.51x
St Pancras London 3 0.56x
Standard Hill 3 139.53x
Wem 3 34.84x
Westminster St John 3 3.68x
Adel Cum Eccup 2 72.99x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 50
Elizabeth 31
Sarah 31
Ann 15
Charlotte 13
Eliza 13
Annie 12
Emma 10
Hannah 10
Jane 9
Alice 8
Ellen 6
Louisa 6
Margaret 6
Rebecca 6
Ada 5
Anne 5
Emily 5
Florence 5
Maria 5
Martha 5
Rose 5
Agnes 4
Caroline 4
Edith 4
Fanny 4
Harriett 4
Catherine 3
Eleanor 3
Elizth. 3
Frances 3
Kate 3
Lucy 3
Matilda 3
Susan 3
Amelia 2
Beatrice 2
Bertha 2
Gertrude 2
Grace 2
Arabella 1
Betsey 1
Claria 1
Dorinda 1
Dorothy 1
E. 1
Eliz.A.A. 1
Harriet 1
Harriot 1
Violetta 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 50
John 39
George 37
Thomas 26
Charles 14
Joseph 14
Henry 13
James 13
Robert 11
Arthur 9
Walter 9
Albert 5
Alfred 5
Frederick 5
Harry 5
Samuel 5
Edward 4
Richard 4
Edwin 3
Francis 3
Martin 3
Tom 3
Edmund 2
Ernest 2
Frank 2
Herbert 2
J. 2
Matthew 2
Ann 1
Athur 1
Chas. 1
Crosley 1
David 1
Earnest 1
Edgar 1
Fred 1
Frederic 1
Fredk. 1
Fredric 1
Geo. 1
Hedley 1
Isaac 1
Jna. 1
Jospph 1
Lionel 1
Morris 1
Orlando 1
Richd. 1
Robt. 1
Wm.A. 1

FAQ

Keyworth surname: questions and answers

How common was the Keyworth surname in 1881?

In 1881, 687 people were recorded with the Keyworth surname. That placed it at #5,269 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Keyworth surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 869 in 2016. That gives Keyworth a modern rank of #6,459.

What does the Keyworth surname mean?

A locational surname originating from Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, England.

What does the Keyworth map show?

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