UK surname
An occupational surname referring to a physician or a person who heals.
In the 1881 census there were 42 people recorded with the League surname, ranking it #27,721 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2, ranked #38,825, down from #27,721 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to St Teath, Newland (Bream, Clearwell, Newland, Coleford), West Dean and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for League is 242 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 95.2%.
1881 census count
42
Ranked #27,721
Modern count
2
2016, ranked #38,825
Peak year
1911
242 bearers
Map years
3
1861 to 1911
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the League surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
League surname density by area, 1911 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 | 23 | #29,205 |
| 1861 | historical | 126 | #17,569 |
| 1881 | historical | 42 | #27,721 |
| 1891 | historical | 174 | #16,520 |
| 1901 | historical | 61 | #27,379 |
| 1911 | historical | 242 | #13,193 |
| 2011 | modern | 1 | #39,015 |
| 2012 | modern | 1 | #38,986 |
| 2013 | modern | 1 | #39,008 |
| 2014 | modern | 1 | #39,020 |
| 2015 | modern | 1 | #39,021 |
| 2016 | modern | 2 | #38,825 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around St Teath, Newland (Bream, Clearwell, Newland, Coleford), West Dean, London parishes and Illogan. 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 | St Teath | Cornwall |
| 2 | Newland (Bream, Clearwell, Newland, Coleford), West Dean | Monmouthshire |
| 3 | London parishes | London 1 |
| 4 | Illogan | Cornwall |
| 5 | London parishes | London 3 |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the League 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 League, 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 League surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every League 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, League 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 League is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with League, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname League has its origins in England and dates back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word "leah," which means a meadow or clearing in a forest. This term was often used as a topographic name, referring to someone who lived in a meadow or clearing.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "de la Leye." This suggests that the name was initially a locational surname, indicating a person's place of residence or origin.
In the 13th century, the name took on the spellings "Lega" and "Legge," further evolving into the modern form of "League." This transition can be attributed to the influence of the Norman French language and the changing linguistic landscape of England during this period.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname League. One example is John League (c. 1480-1546), an English politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Westbury in Wiltshire during the reign of Henry VIII.
Another prominent figure is William League (1562-1637), an English clergyman and author who published several works on theology and biblical commentary. He was born in Cheshire and served as the rector of Stratford-upon-Avon for a significant portion of his career.
In the 17th century, the name League was also associated with the town of Leagrave, located in Bedfordshire, England. It is believed that some individuals with the surname may have originated from this area or had connections to it.
The 18th century saw the birth of John League (1720-1799), a English naval officer who distinguished himself during the American Revolutionary War. He served as a captain in the Royal Navy and played a role in several significant naval engagements.
Moving into the 19th century, we encounter William League (1834-1912), a British artist and painter known for his landscapes and maritime scenes. He was born in London and exhibited his works regularly at the Royal Academy.
These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have carried the surname League. The name's origins can be traced back to the Old English word "leah," signifying a connection to meadows and clearings in the English countryside.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the League 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. Surrey leads with 9 Leagues recorded in 1881 and an index of 4.62x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Surrey | 9 | 4.62x |
| Glamorgan | 6 | 8.62x |
| Pembrokeshire | 6 | 47.21x |
| Staffordshire | 6 | 4.44x |
| Yorkshire | 4 | 1.01x |
| Gloucestershire | 3 | 3.82x |
| Cheshire | 1 | 1.13x |
| Hampshire | 1 | 1.22x |
| Kent | 1 | 0.73x |
| Lancashire | 1 | 0.21x |
| Middlesex | 1 | 0.25x |
| Monmouthshire | 1 | 3.46x |
| Warwickshire | 1 | 0.99x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Camberwell in Surrey leads with 6 Leagues recorded in 1881 and an index of 23.48x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Camberwell | 6 | 23.48x |
| Carew | 6 | 4615.38x |
| Aberdare | 5 | 104.60x |
| Kingswinford | 5 | 102.04x |
| Worsbrough | 4 | 344.83x |
| Westbury On Severn | 3 | 967.74x |
| Dorking | 2 | 152.67x |
| Aston | 1 | 3.60x |
| Birkenhead | 1 | 14.20x |
| Chepstow | 1 | 204.08x |
| Clapham | 1 | 20.00x |
| Everton | 1 | 6.61x |
| Hammersmith London | 1 | 10.15x |
| Minster In Sheppey | 1 | 44.25x |
| Southampton St Mary | 1 | 19.42x |
| Wolstanton Chesterton | 1 | 144.93x |
| Ystradyfodwg | 1 | 16.37x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the League 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 League surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
FAQ
In 1881, 42 people were recorded with the League surname. That placed it at #27,721 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 2 in 2016. That gives League a modern rank of #38,825.
An occupational surname referring to a physician or a person who heals.
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of League 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.