NameCensus.

UK surname

Leeming

A surname derived from a place name meaning "meadow land" or "grazing land."

In the 1881 census there were 1,860 people recorded with the Leeming surname, ranking it #2,344 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,280, ranked #2,848, down from #2,344 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Halifax, Preston and Bradford. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Preston, Ribble Valley and Lancaster.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Leeming is 2,686 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 22.6%.

1881 census count

1,860

Ranked #2,344

Modern count

2,280

2016, ranked #2,848

Peak year

1911

2,686 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Leeming had 1,860 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,344 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,280 in 2016, ranked #2,848.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2,686 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Leeming surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Leeming surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Leeming 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 1,137 #2,477
1861 historical 913 #3,037
1881 historical 1,860 #2,344
1891 historical 1,972 #2,340
1901 historical 2,425 #2,240
1911 historical 2,686 #1,926
1997 modern 2,355 #2,649
1998 modern 2,415 #2,687
1999 modern 2,441 #2,688
2000 modern 2,447 #2,670
2001 modern 2,387 #2,675
2002 modern 2,399 #2,714
2003 modern 2,327 #2,730
2004 modern 2,301 #2,748
2005 modern 2,243 #2,783
2006 modern 2,264 #2,757
2007 modern 2,259 #2,784
2008 modern 2,260 #2,814
2009 modern 2,332 #2,800
2010 modern 2,352 #2,835
2011 modern 2,337 #2,818
2012 modern 2,309 #2,797
2013 modern 2,319 #2,838
2014 modern 2,317 #2,847
2015 modern 2,300 #2,838
2016 modern 2,280 #2,848

Geography

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Where Leemings are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Halifax, Preston, Bradford, Blackburn and Whalley. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Preston, Ribble Valley, Lancaster, Craven and Leeds. 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 Halifax Yorkshire, West Riding
2 Preston Lancashire
3 Bradford Yorkshire, West Riding
4 Blackburn Lancashire
5 Whalley Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Preston 002 Preston
2 Ribble Valley 001 Ribble Valley
3 Lancaster 011 Lancaster
4 Craven 007 Craven
5 Leeds 028 Leeds

Forenames

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First names often paired with Leeming

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Leeming

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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Leeming is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support 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

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

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

Leeming is most concentrated in decile 9 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.

9
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Leeming 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 Leeming 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 Leeming, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Leeming

The surname Leeming originates from England, likely emerging in the medieval period. It is believed to be a locational name derived from the village of Leeming in North Yorkshire, which itself is derived from the Old English words "leac" meaning "a leek" and "ing" meaning "a meadow or enclosure." This suggests that the name may have been associated with an area where leeks were grown or cultivated.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Leeming can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is spelled "Leming." This entry refers to the village of Leeming in North Yorkshire, indicating that the name was already in use by the late 11th century.

In the 13th century, the name appears in various records with spellings such as "Lemyng" and "Lemmyng." During this time, the village of Leeming was part of the manor held by the powerful Percy family, who played a significant role in English history.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the surname Leeming. One such figure was John Leeming (c. 1633-1678), an English mathematician and astronomer who made contributions to the development of logarithms and the calculation of eclipses.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Reverend William Leeming (1628-1693), an English clergyman and author who wrote several religious works, including "The Ancients Self-Reviv'd" and "The Remains of Francis Bacon."

In the 19th century, George Leeming (1816-1904) was a renowned English artist and engraver, known for his intricate engravings of landscapes and architectural subjects. He was elected a member of the Royal Academy in 1867.

One of the most notable bearers of the Leeming surname in recent history was Sir Christopher Leeming (1938-2021), a British diplomat who served as Ambassador to Turkey and Morocco, and as High Commissioner to Malaysia.

Lastly, Benjamin Leeming (1708-1784) was an English actor and playwright who gained recognition for his performances in various theaters in London during the 18th century.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Leeming families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Leeming 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. Lancashire leads with 852 Leemings recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.97x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 852 3.97x
Yorkshire 667 3.72x
Durham 85 1.58x
Cheshire 58 1.45x
Nottinghamshire 48 1.97x
Middlesex 37 0.20x
Cumberland 19 1.22x
Westmorland 18 4.53x
Essex 16 0.45x
Kent 13 0.21x
Lincolnshire 9 0.31x
Northumberland 7 0.26x
Surrey 7 0.08x
Warwickshire 6 0.13x
Staffordshire 4 0.07x
Gloucestershire 3 0.08x
Hampshire 2 0.05x
Midlothian 2 0.08x
Berkshire 1 0.07x
Sussex 1 0.03x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Preston in Lancashire leads with 119 Leemings recorded in 1881 and an index of 20.71x.

Place Total Index
Preston 119 20.71x
Blackburn 82 14.35x
Leeds 50 4.94x
Halifax 40 15.19x
Oldham 39 5.63x
Accrington 30 15.37x
Darlington 30 14.43x
Hunslet 26 9.30x
Nottingham St Mary 25 3.96x
Bradford 24 5.53x
Keighley 24 12.56x
Pendleton In Salford 24 9.38x
Broughton In Salford 23 11.72x
Aighton Bailey 21 203.09x
Birkenhead 20 6.28x
Ripon 20 48.08x
Ardwick 19 9.81x
Baildon 19 56.28x
Clitheroe 19 30.06x
Wiswell 18 393.01x
Everton 17 2.48x
Huddersfield 17 6.51x
Tranmere 17 11.58x
Wortley In Bramley 17 11.97x
Newton In Clitheroe 16 780.49x
Bashall Eaves 15 920.25x
Horsforth 15 38.16x
Salford 15 2.38x
West Ham 15 1.90x
Hartlepool 14 18.30x
Lancaster 14 10.96x
Livesey 14 37.16x
Barrow In Furness 13 4.45x
Bingley 13 11.38x
Chorlton On Medlock 13 3.81x
Colne 13 20.32x
Great Bolton 13 4.57x
Idle 13 15.64x
Padiham 13 25.06x
Prestwich 13 24.27x
York St Maurice 13 38.51x
Burnley 12 6.64x
Clayton Le Moors 12 28.80x
Eccleshill 12 27.50x
Habergham Eaves 12 6.11x
Helsington 12 555.56x
Manchester 12 1.24x
Ribchester 12 147.97x
Scotforth 12 85.96x
Horton In Bradford 11 3.93x
Walmersley Cum 11 32.06x
Bilton Cum Harrogate 10 16.31x
Butterworth 10 19.11x
Cleator 10 15.42x
Gildersome 10 46.38x
Hulme 10 2.23x
Knaresborough 10 35.51x
Little Harwood 10 257.73x
Snenton 10 10.44x
Adlington 9 44.75x
Broughton In Preston 9 243.90x
Clapham Cum Newby 9 214.80x
Dalton In Furness 9 10.86x
Easington In Clitheroe 9 486.49x
Ellel 9 81.23x
Great Grimsby 9 4.90x
Holy Trinity 9 2.09x
Liverpool 9 0.69x
Witton Gilbert 9 42.35x
Bentham 8 58.57x
Dewsbury 8 4.35x
Edgeworth 8 69.38x
Elland Cum Greetland 8 9.90x
Grantley 8 808.08x
Manningham 8 3.62x
Sawley In Ripon 8 347.83x
Sheffield 8 1.40x
Skircoat 8 11.31x
St Pancras London 8 0.55x
Waddington 8 288.81x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 150
Elizabeth 85
Sarah 61
Jane 60
Ann 45
Margaret 45
Ellen 38
Hannah 34
Alice 31
Annie 27
Emma 19
Ada 18
Martha 18
Emily 17
Eliza 16
Isabella 14
Elizth. 11
Caroline 8
Edith 8
Fanny 8
Anne 7
Catherine 7
Harriet 7
Susannah 7
Agnes 6
Clara 6
Dorothy 6
Florence 6
Grace 6
Kate 6
Maria 6
Bridget 5
Louisa 5
Amelia 4
Charlotte 4
Christiana 4
Esther 4
M. 4
Nancy 4
A. 3
Agatha 3
Barbara 3
Betsy 3
Eleanor 3
Eliz. 3
Ethel 3
Julia 3
Lilly 3
Margt. 3
Minnie 3

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 160
William 94
Thomas 81
James 74
Joseph 46
Robert 40
George 29
Richard 27
Henry 26
Edward 23
Arthur 20
Charles 20
Frederick 15
Walter 13
Ralph 12
Albert 11
Alfred 11
Herbert 9
Thos. 9
Matthew 8
Wm. 8
Samuel 7
David 6
Francis 5
Harry 5
Peter 5
Chas. 4
Frank 4
Leonard 4
Roger 4
Willm. 4
Cuthbert 3
Ernest 3
Jas. 3
Jno. 3
Sam 3
Tom 3
Anthony 2
Christopher 2
Edmund 2
Edwin 2
Frederic 2
Harold 2
J. 2
Joshua 2
Martin 2
Mary 2
Mathew 2
Percy 2
Richd. 2

FAQ

Leeming surname: questions and answers

How common was the Leeming surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,860 people were recorded with the Leeming surname. That placed it at #2,344 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Leeming surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,280 in 2016. That gives Leeming a modern rank of #2,848.

What does the Leeming surname mean?

A surname derived from a place name meaning "meadow land" or "grazing land."

What does the Leeming map show?

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