NameCensus.

UK surname

Leroy

A French surname derived from the Old French "le roi," meaning "the king," likely referring to a servant of the king.

In the 1881 census there were 137 people recorded with the Leroy surname, ranking it #16,358 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 386, ranked #12,202, up from #16,358 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lymington, London parishes and Manchester. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Torbay, Torridge and St Edmundsbury.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Leroy is 387 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 181.8%.

1881 census count

137

Ranked #16,358

Modern count

386

2016, ranked #12,202

Peak year

2014

387 bearers

Map years

6

1881 to 2016

Key insights

  • Leroy had 137 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #16,358 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 386 in 2016, ranked #12,202.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 193 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Leroy surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Leroy surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Leroy 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 28 #28,274
1861 historical 31 #30,058
1881 historical 137 #16,358
1891 historical 95 #24,694
1901 historical 170 #16,762
1911 historical 193 #15,294
1997 modern 335 #12,575
1998 modern 333 #12,964
1999 modern 338 #12,922
2000 modern 338 #12,877
2001 modern 318 #13,205
2002 modern 340 #12,884
2003 modern 327 #13,046
2004 modern 321 #13,284
2005 modern 330 #12,939
2006 modern 342 #12,652
2007 modern 353 #12,521
2008 modern 363 #12,359
2009 modern 367 #12,501
2010 modern 363 #12,878
2011 modern 354 #12,982
2012 modern 386 #12,037
2013 modern 385 #12,270
2014 modern 387 #12,299
2015 modern 385 #12,256
2016 modern 386 #12,202

Geography

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Where Leroys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lymington, London parishes, Manchester and St John Hackney. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Torbay, Torridge, St Edmundsbury, Hertsmere and Newmains. 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 Lymington Hampshire
2 London parishes London 1
3 London parishes London 3
4 Manchester Lancashire
5 St John Hackney London (North Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Torbay 010 Torbay
2 Torridge 008 Torridge
3 St Edmundsbury 012 St Edmundsbury
4 Hertsmere 012 Hertsmere
5 Newmains North Lanarkshire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Leroy

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Leroy

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

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Leroy surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Leroy 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 includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Central Connected Professionals and Managers

Group

Senior Professionals

Within London, Leroy is most associated with areas classed as Senior Professionals, part of Central Connected Professionals and Managers. 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 very central neighbourhoods house residents whose ages are more skewed towards older age cohorts than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Few households have young children. Rates of illness are low. Indian ethnicity is rare compared to the Supergroup mean. Property under occupation is more common, despite the centrality of neighbourhoods, and more residents live in communal establishments than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Adult residents of these neighbourhoods are typically aged 25 to 44, working full-time in professional, managerial or associate professional occupations. There are few families with dependent children. The predominantly Inner London neighbourhoods have an international character, including many residents born elsewhere in Europe alongside high numbers of individuals identifying as of Chinese ethnicity. Many individuals are never married, childless and/or living alone. Above average numbers of individuals, likely to be full-time students, live in communal establishments. Elsewhere, privately rented flats are the dominant housing type. Residents of these areas are well-qualified, with a significant number holding Level 4 or above qualifications. There is a correspondingly high level of individuals employed full-time in professional, managerial and associated professional or technical occupations. Employing industries are financial, real estate, professional, administration, and, to a lesser degree, transport and communications. Unemployment is uncommon.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Leroy is most concentrated in decile 10 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.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Leroy falls in decile 9 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

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

9
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Leroy 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 - Other

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

Meaning and origin of Leroy

The surname LEROY has its origins in France, with the earliest records of the name dating back to the 12th century. It is derived from the French words "le" and "roi," which translates to "the king." This suggests that the name was initially given to someone who worked in royal service or was associated with the king in some way.

During the Middle Ages, the LEROY surname was particularly prevalent in the northern regions of France, such as Normandy and Picardy. It was commonly found in medieval records and documents, including the famous Domesday Book, which was commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086.

One of the earliest known individuals with the surname LEROY was Jean LEROY, a French nobleman who lived during the 13th century. He was a prominent figure in the court of King Louis IX and played a significant role in the Seventh Crusade.

In the 14th century, the surname LEROY was also associated with the city of Rouen in Normandy. The town's records mention a family called LEROY DU PETIT-QUEVILLY, who were influential landowners in the area.

Another notable bearer of the LEROY surname was Pierre LEROY, a French mathematician and physicist who lived from 1717 to 1785. He made significant contributions to the field of horology and is credited with developing the detached lever escapement, which greatly improved the accuracy of clocks and watches.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the LEROY surname spread throughout France and beyond, as individuals with this name migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas. One such person was René LEROY, a French explorer and cartographer who was born in 1654 and is known for his detailed maps of the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes region.

In the 19th century, the LEROY surname gained further prominence with the birth of Alphonse LEROY, a French artist and engraver who lived from 1809 to 1885. He is particularly renowned for his etchings and lithographs depicting scenes of everyday life in Paris.

Throughout its long history, the LEROY surname has been associated with various professions and social classes, from noblemen and royalty to artisans, scientists, and explorers. Despite its widespread distribution, the name has maintained its French origins and continues to be a prominent surname in France and other parts of the world.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Leroy families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Leroy 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. Middlesex leads with 36 Leroys recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.18x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 36 3.18x
Lancashire 21 1.56x
Durham 16 4.75x
Surrey 8 1.45x
Hampshire 6 2.59x
Angus 5 4.77x
Kent 5 1.30x
Worcestershire 5 3.38x
Yorkshire 4 0.36x
Essex 3 1.34x
Staffordshire 3 0.79x
Cornwall 2 1.56x
Channel Islands 1 2.98x
Devon 1 0.42x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Hackney London in Middlesex leads with 9 Leroys recorded in 1881 and an index of 14.19x.

Place Total Index
Hackney London 9 14.19x
Seaham 9 731.71x
Broughton In Salford 6 48.86x
Chorlton On Medlock 5 23.44x
Dundee 5 12.78x
Kings Norton 5 37.74x
St George Hanover Square 5 25.08x
St Pancras London 5 5.49x
Dawdon 4 96.62x
Islington London 4 3.65x
Lewisham 4 19.43x
Millbrook 4 68.49x
St Marylebone London 4 6.62x
Leeds 3 4.74x
Manchester 3 4.97x
Toxteth Park 3 6.60x
Bishopwearmouth 2 6.92x
Christchurch 2 39.76x
Croydon 2 6.54x
Liskeard 2 93.46x
Rotherhithe 2 14.31x
South Ockendon 2 434.78x
Stoke Upon Trent 2 4.94x
Whitechapel London 2 17.94x
Camberwell 1 1.38x
Chelsea London 1 2.93x
Chiswick 1 16.18x
Faversham 1 27.17x
Fulham London 1 6.09x
Harborne 1 8.17x
Heaton Norris 1 13.09x
Lambeth 1 1.01x
Layton With Warbreck 1 20.28x
Lidford 1 94.34x
Mile End New Town London 1 44.64x
Moss Side 1 14.16x
North Meols 1 7.61x
Penge 1 13.83x
Ryhope 1 42.74x
Silkstone 1 178.57x
Southwark St George Martyr 1 4.39x
St Anne 1 166.67x
St George Bloomsbury 1 15.41x
St Martin In Fields 1 14.77x
West Ham 1 2.03x
Westminster St James 1 8.60x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 8
Alice 4
Annie 2
Edith 2
Elizabeth 2
Eugenie 2
Jane 2
Maria 2
Marie 2
Sarah 2
Ada 1
Agnes 1
Alcidia 1
Aleidie 1
Ann 1
Bessie 1
Blanche 1
Carolina 1
Catherine 1
Dorothy 1
Elise 1
Eliza 1
Emma 1
Euphemia 1
Felicie 1
Fernandine 1
Gertrude 1
Harriett 1
Helen 1
Henrietta 1
Isabella 1
Laure 1
Louise 1
Margret 1
Marthy 1
Maud 1
Maude 1
Phoebe 1
Priscilla 1
Rassitily 1
Thersa 1
Zephir 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 5
John 4
Anthony 2
Augusta 2
Charles 2
Edward 2
Felix 2
George 2
Gustave 2
Alexander 1
Alexandr 1
Alfred 1
Appolinaire 1
Batiste 1
Cuthbert 1
Dennis 1
Desire 1
Engene 1
Ferdinand 1
Frances 1
Francis 1
Harry 1
Henri 1
Herbert 1
Jules 1
Launcelot 1
Louis 1
M.T. 1
Michal 1
Nicholas 1
Oscar 1
Raimond 1
Robert 1
Thomas 1
Victor 1
Williman 1

FAQ

Leroy surname: questions and answers

How common was the Leroy surname in 1881?

In 1881, 137 people were recorded with the Leroy surname. That placed it at #16,358 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Leroy surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 386 in 2016. That gives Leroy a modern rank of #12,202.

What does the Leroy surname mean?

A French surname derived from the Old French "le roi," meaning "the king," likely referring to a servant of the king.

What does the Leroy map show?

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