NameCensus.

UK surname

Larkins

Derived from a diminutive of the Middle English personal name Laurence, meaning "man from Laurentum" or "bright one."

In the 1881 census there were 892 people recorded with the Larkins surname, ranking it #4,269 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,057, ranked #5,520, down from #4,269 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, Margate and Gamlingay. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Lichfield, Wokingham and Norwich.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Larkins is 1,149 in 2002. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 18.5%.

1881 census count

892

Ranked #4,269

Modern count

1,057

2016, ranked #5,520

Peak year

2002

1,149 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Larkins had 892 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #4,269 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,057 in 2016, ranked #5,520.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,101 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Larkins surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Larkins surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Larkins 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 521 #4,814
1861 historical 527 #4,979
1881 historical 892 #4,269
1891 historical 933 #4,438
1901 historical 1,101 #4,388
1911 historical 1,052 #4,380
1997 modern 1,108 #5,040
1998 modern 1,142 #5,097
1999 modern 1,135 #5,162
2000 modern 1,117 #5,205
2001 modern 1,104 #5,153
2002 modern 1,149 #5,094
2003 modern 1,089 #5,222
2004 modern 1,095 #5,205
2005 modern 1,062 #5,287
2006 modern 1,051 #5,337
2007 modern 1,071 #5,297
2008 modern 1,056 #5,403
2009 modern 1,086 #5,373
2010 modern 1,134 #5,295
2011 modern 1,121 #5,290
2012 modern 1,098 #5,297
2013 modern 1,091 #5,411
2014 modern 1,083 #5,478
2015 modern 1,067 #5,497
2016 modern 1,057 #5,520

Geography

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Where Larkins' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, Margate, Gamlingay and St Lawrence in Thanet. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Lichfield, Wokingham, Norwich, Kingston upon Hull and Dover. 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 London parishes London 1
2 London parishes London 3
3 Margate Kent
4 Gamlingay Cambridgeshire
5 St Lawrence in Thanet Kent

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Lichfield 008 Lichfield
2 Wokingham 005 Wokingham
3 Norwich 005 Norwich
4 Kingston upon Hull 002 Kingston upon Hull, City of
5 Dover 001 Dover

Forenames

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First names often paired with Larkins

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Larkins

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

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Larkins is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction 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

These scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

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

Larkins is most concentrated in decile 4 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.

4
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Larkins falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Larkins

The surname Larkins is of English origin, with its roots traced back to the medieval period. It is believed to have originated from the Old English word "lar", meaning learning or instruction, combined with the diminutive suffix "-kin". This suggests that the name was initially given to individuals who were involved in teaching or education.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire from the year 1166, where it appears as "Larekin". This historical document provides valuable insights into the taxation records of the time and serves as evidence of the name's existence during the 12th century.

As the name spread across different regions of England, variations in spelling emerged. Some examples include Larken, Larkin, and Larkyn. These variations were common due to the lack of standardized spelling conventions in earlier times.

The Larkins surname has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One such figure was John Larkin (1601-1681), an English landowner and Member of Parliament for Wigan during the 17th century. He played a significant role in the English Civil War, initially supporting the Royalist cause but later siding with the Parliamentarians.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Thomas Larkins (1720-1790), a renowned English portraitist and painter. His works can be found in various collections, including the National Portrait Gallery in London.

In the literary world, Philip Larkin (1922-1985), one of the most renowned poets of the 20th century, gained widespread acclaim for his work. His collections, such as "The Less Deceived" and "High Windows", explored themes of mortality, social observance, and the complexities of modern life.

The name Larkins has also been linked to several place names in England, including Larkins Farm in Hertfordshire and Larkins Lane in Kent. These locations may have derived their names from individuals or families bearing the Larkins surname who lived or owned property in those areas.

While the Larkins name may not be as prominent as some other English surnames, it has left an indelible mark on history, with its bearers making significant contributions across various fields, from politics and art to literature.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Larkins families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Larkins 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. Kent leads with 157 Larkins' recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.28x.

County Total Index
Kent 157 5.28x
Cambridgeshire 130 23.56x
Middlesex 121 1.39x
Bedfordshire 87 19.29x
Surrey 68 1.60x
Sussex 40 2.72x
Suffolk 32 3.02x
Essex 29 1.69x
Lanarkshire 26 0.92x
Norfolk 25 1.87x
Yorkshire 21 0.24x
Lincolnshire 13 0.93x
Lancashire 12 0.12x
Buckinghamshire 11 2.09x
Hampshire 11 0.62x
Warwickshire 11 0.50x
Hertfordshire 10 1.67x
Northumberland 9 0.69x
Leicestershire 8 0.83x
Cheshire 7 0.36x
Angus 6 0.74x
Ayrshire 6 0.92x
Brecknockshire 6 3.44x
Renfrewshire 5 0.74x
Devon 4 0.22x
Midlothian 4 0.34x
Somerset 4 0.29x
Northamptonshire 3 0.37x
Royal Navy 3 2.89x
Staffordshire 3 0.10x
West Lothian 3 2.29x
Channel Islands 2 0.77x
Durham 2 0.08x
Glamorgan 2 0.13x
Huntingdonshire 2 1.16x
Shropshire 2 0.27x
Worcestershire 2 0.18x
Anglesey 1 0.65x
Berkshire 1 0.15x
Gloucestershire 1 0.06x
Oxfordshire 1 0.19x
Wigtownshire 1 0.86x
Wiltshire 1 0.13x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Gamlingay in Cambridgeshire leads with 63 Larkins' recorded in 1881 and an index of 1095.65x.

Place Total Index
Gamlingay 63 1095.65x
St Lawrence 34 166.42x
Camberwell 26 4.67x
Islington London 21 2.49x
Margate St John Baptist 21 38.59x
West Ham 19 5.00x
Willington 18 2432.43x
Gorleston 15 55.64x
Bedford St Paul 13 42.02x
Dover St Mary Virgin 13 45.19x
Kensington London 13 2.68x
Salhouse 13 691.49x
Cardington 12 326.98x
Staple 12 774.19x
Govan 11 1.58x
Wandsworth 11 13.12x
Westminster St Margaret 11 26.18x
Beckley 10 272.48x
Chesterton 10 58.79x
Croydon Cum Clapton 10 699.30x
Lambeth 10 1.32x
Ramsgate 10 20.61x
St Andrewthe Less 10 15.86x
St Giles Cambridge 10 140.25x
Deal 9 35.50x
Deptford St Paul 9 3.93x
Potton 9 150.25x
Shoreditch London 9 2.38x
Westhorpe 9 1406.25x
Leicester St Margaret 8 3.40x
Alverstoke 7 10.83x
Biggleswade 7 47.39x
Edgbaston 7 10.28x
Fulham London 7 5.54x
Longstow 7 843.37x
Mile End Old Town London 7 3.78x
Scarborough 7 8.92x
St George Hanover Square 7 4.56x
St Marylebone London 7 1.51x
St Swithin Lincoln 7 31.96x
Bow London 6 5.41x
Chipping Barnet 6 57.14x
Cranbrook 6 47.66x
Crayford 6 46.23x
Croydon 6 2.55x
Dukinfield 6 6.75x
Iden 6 361.45x
Kempston 6 58.59x
Kingston On Thames 6 5.88x
Lowestoft 6 11.97x
Old Warden 6 405.41x
Ore 6 54.89x
Bothwell 5 6.54x
Chelsea London 5 1.90x
Denver 5 200.00x
Dundee 5 1.66x
Ely Holy Trinity St Mary 5 20.78x
Fingringhoe 5 793.65x
Hamilton 5 6.36x
Henlow 5 179.21x
Newhaven 5 41.91x
Newport Pagnell 5 45.41x
Ryhill 5 210.97x
Bethnal Green London 4 1.06x
Bromley London 4 2.09x
Byker 4 6.24x
Chatteris 4 28.41x
Chorlton On Medlock 4 2.44x
East Teignmouth 4 53.91x
Edinburgh St Johns 4 54.27x
Isleworth 4 10.33x
Kilmarnock 4 5.16x
Llanvrynach 4 330.58x
Manningham 4 3.76x
Middle Greenock 4 21.72x
Newcastle On Tyne All Sts 4 5.17x
Nonington 4 168.78x
Poplar London 4 2.43x
Livingstone 3 66.96x
Norwich St Clement 3 19.32x

Top female names

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

Name Count
William 55
George 44
Thomas 28
James 27
John 27
Charles 22
Henry 22
Alfred 17
Joseph 16
Frederick 13
Walter 10
Albert 7
Arthur 7
Edward 6
Harry 6
Robert 6
Frank 4
Stephen 4
Daniel 3
David 3
Ernest 3
Moses 3
Patrick 3
Richard 3
Samuel 3
Thos. 3
Chas. 2
Eben 2
Ebenezer 2
Edwd. 2
Edwin 2
Herbert 2
Josiah 2
Lambert 2
Robt. 2
Tom 2
Aubrey 1
Augustus 1
Cyril 1
Ebbin 1
Francis 1
Fred. 1
Fredk. 1
Gehazi 1
Geo. 1
Geo.F. 1
Jonah 1
Jonas 1
Joshua 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Larkins surname: questions and answers

How common was the Larkins surname in 1881?

In 1881, 892 people were recorded with the Larkins surname. That placed it at #4,269 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Larkins surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,057 in 2016. That gives Larkins a modern rank of #5,520.

What does the Larkins surname mean?

Derived from a diminutive of the Middle English personal name Laurence, meaning "man from Laurentum" or "bright one."

What does the Larkins map show?

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