NameCensus.

UK surname

Killey

An English surname possibly derived from a medieval personal name or a place name.

In the 1881 census there were 179 people recorded with the Killey surname, ranking it #13,787 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 259, ranked #16,393, down from #13,787 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Toxteth Park, St James Clerkenwell and West Derby. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Bath and North East Somerset, Wakefield and South Lakeland.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Killey is 378 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 44.7%.

1881 census count

179

Ranked #13,787

Modern count

259

2016, ranked #16,393

Peak year

1911

378 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Killey had 179 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #13,787 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 259 in 2016, ranked #16,393.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 378 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Young Families in Industrial Towns.

Killey surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Killey surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Killey 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 217 #9,784
1861 historical 345 #7,398
1881 historical 179 #13,787
1891 historical 352 #9,781
1901 historical 279 #12,225
1911 historical 378 #9,698
1997 modern 289 #13,859
1998 modern 300 #13,877
1999 modern 306 #13,782
2000 modern 286 #14,385
2001 modern 280 #14,364
2002 modern 286 #14,442
2003 modern 274 #14,680
2004 modern 273 #14,804
2005 modern 269 #14,869
2006 modern 247 #15,860
2007 modern 253 #15,776
2008 modern 253 #15,941
2009 modern 266 #15,711
2010 modern 262 #16,252
2011 modern 268 #15,843
2012 modern 261 #16,041
2013 modern 268 #16,005
2014 modern 267 #16,161
2015 modern 262 #16,278
2016 modern 259 #16,393

Geography

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Where Killeys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Toxteth Park, St James Clerkenwell, West Derby, Dalton-in-Furness and Liverpool. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Bath and North East Somerset, Wakefield, South Lakeland and Cornwall. 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 Toxteth Park Lancashire
2 St James Clerkenwell London (Central Districts)
3 West Derby Lancashire
4 Dalton-in-Furness Lancashire
5 Liverpool Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Bath and North East Somerset 026 Bath and North East Somerset
2 Wakefield 031 Wakefield
3 South Lakeland 012 South Lakeland
4 Wakefield 029 Wakefield
5 Cornwall 001 Cornwall

Forenames

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First names often paired with Killey

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Killey

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

Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce

Group

Young Families in Industrial Towns

Nationally, the Killey surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Young Families in Industrial Towns, within Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce. This does not mean every Killey household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These neighbourhoods house predominantly young, UK-born individuals identifying with a White ethnic group with dependent children. Long-term disability and unpaid care are prevalent, and religious affiliations are uncommon. Housing is terraced or semi-detached and social rented sector housing is the norm. Unemployment is above the Supergroup average, and employment is principally in elementary occupations, as process plant and machine operatives, or in caring and leisure services. Educational attainment is low. The group is scattered throughout former industrial towns in the Midlands and the South Wales Valleys.

Wider pattern

Living in terraced or semi-detached houses, residents of these neighbourhoods typically lack high levels of education and work in elementary or routine service occupations. Unemployment is above average. Residents are predominantly born in the UK, and residents are also predominantly from ethnic minorities. Social (but not private sector) rented sector housing is common. This Supergroup is found throughout the UK’s conurbations and industrial regions but is also an integral part of smaller towns.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Killey is most associated with areas classed as Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs, 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

Mainly concentrated in suburban areas, these terraced and semi-detached developments are less overcrowded than the Supergroup average, and resident households are more likely to own two or more cars. There are fewer residents aged 25-44, and a larger share of residents employed in administrative and secretarial occupations. Residents are more likely to have been born in the UK, less likely to have been born in the EU or Africa, and much less likely to self-identify as Bangladeshi.

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

Killey is most concentrated in decile 8 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.

8
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Killey falls in decile 1 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.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Killey is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Killey

The surname Killey originated in England, with its roots traced back to the medieval era. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "cille," meaning a small stream or rivulet, suggesting that the name may have been initially given to someone who lived near a small body of water.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Killey can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This entry indicates that the name was already established in certain parts of England by the late 11th century.

During the 13th century, the name appeared in various historical records, often spelled as "Killeye" or "Kylley." These variations reflect the fluid nature of spelling conventions in those times. Interestingly, some records also mention place names like "Killey Bridge" and "Killey Manor," which may have influenced the surname's evolution.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Killey throughout history include Sir John Killey (1543-1612), a prominent English landowner and Member of Parliament during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Another notable figure was William Killey (1698-1776), a renowned clockmaker whose intricate timepieces were highly sought after by aristocratic families in the 18th century.

In the literary realm, Emily Killey (1828-1901) was a celebrated English poet and author, known for her evocative descriptions of rural life and nature. Her works, such as "The Meadow Brook" and "Autumn Reveries," were widely acclaimed during the Victorian era.

The name Killey also had a presence in the military annals, with Captain James Killey (1795-1867) serving as a distinguished officer in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. His bravery and leadership earned him numerous commendations and honors.

Another notable figure was Sir Richard Killey (1867-1943), a prominent industrialist and philanthropist who played a significant role in the development of the steel industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His contributions to the local community and support for charitable causes left a lasting legacy.

Throughout its history, the surname Killey has maintained a strong presence, particularly in certain regions of England, where it continues to be associated with a rich heritage and diverse array of notable individuals who have contributed to various fields.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Killey families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Killey 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. Isle of Man leads with 270 Killeys recorded in 1881 and an index of 331.98x.

County Total Index
Isle of Man 270 331.98x
Lancashire 71 1.37x
Essex 20 2.31x
Middlesex 19 0.43x
Cheshire 14 1.45x
Lanarkshire 14 0.99x
Yorkshire 8 0.18x
Buckinghamshire 6 2.27x
Angus 5 1.23x
Cumberland 5 1.33x
Northumberland 4 0.61x
Kent 3 0.20x
Wiltshire 3 0.77x
Hertfordshire 2 0.66x
Ayrshire 1 0.31x
Glamorgan 1 0.13x
Renfrewshire 1 0.29x
Somerset 1 0.14x
Worcestershire 1 0.17x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Onchan in Isle of Man leads with 59 Killeys recorded in 1881 and an index of 251.81x.

Place Total Index
Onchan 59 251.81x
Lonan 36 730.22x
Patrick 26 656.57x
German 24 540.54x
West Ham 19 9.95x
German Peel 18 384.62x
Ballaugh 17 1172.41x
St Anne 16 1818.18x
Malew 15 211.27x
Litherland 13 119.60x
Maughold 13 207.01x
Braddan 12 270.27x
Kirkdale 11 12.58x
Barrow In Furness 10 14.15x
Rutherglen 9 43.31x
Jurby 8 816.33x
Bride 7 630.63x
Marown 7 472.97x
Everton 6 3.62x
Gorton 6 12.28x
Tottenham 6 8.60x
Ulverston 6 39.63x
Wraysbury 6 606.06x
Chester St Martin 5 324.68x
Ovenden 5 25.88x
Whitehaven 5 24.88x
Birkenhead 4 5.19x
Claughton With Grange 4 90.91x
Kensington London 4 1.64x
Longbenton 4 14.49x
Maryhill 4 14.42x
Michael 4 242.42x
Montrose 4 16.27x
Rushen 4 72.73x
Walton On Hill 4 14.21x
Windle 4 13.68x
Bethnal Green London 3 1.58x
Bilton Cum Harrogate 3 20.22x
Shrewton 3 297.03x
West Derby 3 1.97x
Andreas 2 90.50x
East Barnet 2 33.39x
Shoreditch London 2 1.05x
Toxteth Park 2 1.14x
Abbey 1 1.93x
Accrington 1 2.12x
Barony 1 0.28x
Brentwood 1 18.98x
Chorlton On Medlock 1 1.21x
Clerkenwell London 1 0.97x
Deptford St Paul 1 0.87x
Dundee 1 0.66x
Hornsey 1 1.81x
Hulme 1 0.92x
Lee 1 4.61x
Lezayre 1 27.40x
Liverpool 1 0.32x
Livesey 1 10.96x
Malew Castletown 1 666.67x
Merthyr Tydfil 1 1.36x
Milton In Gravesend 1 4.46x
Over 1 10.17x
St George Hanover Square 1 1.30x
St Marylebone London 1 0.43x
Stair 1 71.43x
Stourbridge 1 6.79x
Wavertree 1 6.01x
Wilton 1 54.35x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 25
Elizabeth 20
Ann 13
Jane 12
Annie 10
Margaret 10
Sarah 9
Catherine 8
Emily 7
Emma 7
Alice 6
Eliza 6
Edith 5
Ellen 5
Isabella 5
Anne 4
Charlotte 4
Esther 4
Louisa 4
Maria 3
Cathrin 2
Clara 2
Cordelia 2
Eleanor 2
Elizth. 2
Hannah 2
Rebecca 2
Catharine 1
Cathn.Jane 1
Cathrine 1
Christian 1
Elenor 1
Eliz. 1
Elleanor 1
Ethel 1
Frances 1
Hennath 1
Isabell 1
Jessia 1
Jessie 1
Katie 1
Kitty 1
Laura 1
Lilian 1
Lillis 1
Lizie 1
Lizzie 1
Margery 1
Margt.A. 1
Susan 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 43
William 29
Thomas 24
James 23
Robert 10
Edward 8
Henry 8
Philip 7
Charles 6
Joseph 6
Arthur 5
Wm. 4
Alfred 3
Frederick 3
Richard 3
Thos. 3
Evan 2
Frank 2
George 2
Samuel 2
Albert 1
Christopher 1
Daniel 1
David 1
Edw. 1
Edwd. 1
Emily 1
Fred 1
Fredric 1
Geo.D. 1
Harry 1
Herbert 1
Jas.Hy. 1
Jno. 1
Joshua 1
Matthew 1
Patrick 1
Phil. 1
Zaccheus 1

FAQ

Killey surname: questions and answers

How common was the Killey surname in 1881?

In 1881, 179 people were recorded with the Killey surname. That placed it at #13,787 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Killey surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 259 in 2016. That gives Killey a modern rank of #16,393.

What does the Killey surname mean?

An English surname possibly derived from a medieval personal name or a place name.

What does the Killey map show?

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