NameCensus.

UK surname

Linnell

A surname derived from the Middle English word "lin", meaning linden or lime tree.

In the 1881 census there were 672 people recorded with the Linnell surname, ranking it #5,371 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 890, ranked #6,353, down from #5,371 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Kislingbury, Walgrave and Paulerspury. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Daventry, South Northamptonshire and Kettering.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Linnell is 980 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 32.4%.

1881 census count

672

Ranked #5,371

Modern count

890

2016, ranked #6,353

Peak year

2010

980 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Linnell had 672 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,371 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 890 in 2016, ranked #6,353.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 914 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Linnell surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Linnell surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Linnell 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 532 #4,724
1861 historical 473 #5,497
1881 historical 672 #5,371
1891 historical 758 #5,257
1901 historical 875 #5,242
1911 historical 914 #4,886
1997 modern 915 #5,900
1998 modern 947 #5,920
1999 modern 952 #5,935
2000 modern 969 #5,840
2001 modern 957 #5,785
2002 modern 942 #5,968
2003 modern 922 #5,970
2004 modern 941 #5,883
2005 modern 930 #5,880
2006 modern 922 #5,928
2007 modern 913 #6,026
2008 modern 925 #6,008
2009 modern 977 #5,872
2010 modern 980 #5,972
2011 modern 977 #5,921
2012 modern 910 #6,201
2013 modern 906 #6,319
2014 modern 915 #6,299
2015 modern 894 #6,355
2016 modern 890 #6,353

Geography

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Where Linnells are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Kislingbury, Walgrave, Paulerspury, London parishes and Silverstone. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Daventry, South Northamptonshire and Kettering. 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 Kislingbury Northamptonshire
2 Walgrave Northamptonshire
3 Paulerspury Northamptonshire
4 London parishes London 3
5 Silverstone Northamptonshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Daventry 005 Daventry
2 South Northamptonshire 005 South Northamptonshire
3 Kettering 005 Kettering
4 South Northamptonshire 007 South Northamptonshire
5 Kettering 011 Kettering

Forenames

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First names often paired with Linnell

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Linnell

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

Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs

Group

Professional Periphery

Within London, Linnell is most associated with areas classed as Professional Periphery, part of Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs. 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 neighbourhoods predominantly house residents aged 45+, with many aged 85+. Most employed residents work in senior roles, and relatively few work in unskilled jobs. Terraced housing is comparatively rare, but communal living is more common. More residents identify as of Indian ethnicity and more affiliate with non-Christian religions. Disability levels are below the Supergroup average.

Wider London pattern

The age distribution of these neighbourhoods is skewed towards the middle-aged and old, although few residents live alone or in communal establishments and numbers of dependent children are around average. Owner occupation is the norm, as is residence in detached or semi-detached houses. Residential densities are low and many households have spare rooms. Most residents were born in the UK and, aside from some identifying as members of Chinese or Indian ethnicities, identify as White. Mixed ethnicity households are rare. Incidence of married couples is higher than average and few individuals have never been married. A large proportion of individuals still in employment work in administrative and secretarial occupations, or in the construction industry. Few residents are students, and many households own more than one car.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Linnell 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

Linnell falls in decile 8 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.

8
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Linnell 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 - British

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

Meaning and origin of Linnell

The surname Linnell originated in England during the late medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "lin," meaning a pool or tarn, and the suffix "-ell," meaning a small one. Thus, the name likely referred to someone who lived near a small pool or pond.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Linnell can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1327, where it appears as "Thomas de Lynell." This suggests that the name was already established in the English Midlands by the early 14th century.

In the 16th century, the surname Linnell appeared in various spellings, such as "Lynell," "Lynall," and "Lynold," reflecting the inconsistencies in spelling during that period. One notable bearer of the name was John Linnell (c. 1592-1637), an English clergyman and author who served as the rector of Chilcompton in Somerset.

During the 17th century, the surname Linnell gained prominence in the county of Buckinghamshire. A notable figure was Samuel Linnell (1640-1718), a Quaker minister and author from Stoke Poges, who wrote several religious tracts and poems.

In the 18th century, the name Linnell was particularly prevalent in the counties of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. One notable bearer was John Linnell (1792-1882), an English painter and engraver who was a member of the Royal Academy. He was renowned for his portraits and landscapes and is considered one of the finest English painters of the 19th century.

Another significant figure was Benjamin Linnell (1799-1868), a Quaker businessman and philanthropist from Woodbridge, Suffolk. He was actively involved in various charitable organizations and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.

In the 19th century, the surname Linnell continued to be found across various parts of England, particularly in the southern and central regions. One notable bearer was Alfred Linnell (1869-1940), an English cricketer who played for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and was regarded as one of the finest wicket-keepers of his era.

Throughout its history, the surname Linnell has been associated with various professions, including clergymen, artists, businessmen, and sportsmen, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and contributions of those who bore this name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Linnell families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Linnell 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. Northamptonshire leads with 244 Linnells recorded in 1881 and an index of 39.52x.

County Total Index
Northamptonshire 244 39.52x
Huntingdonshire 76 58.30x
Surrey 53 1.66x
Warwickshire 52 3.14x
Cheshire 40 2.76x
Middlesex 40 0.61x
Buckinghamshire 38 9.57x
Derbyshire 18 1.75x
Kent 16 0.71x
Lancashire 16 0.21x
Staffordshire 14 0.63x
Lincolnshire 10 0.95x
Nottinghamshire 10 1.13x
Gloucestershire 9 0.70x
Hertfordshire 7 1.55x
Berkshire 6 1.22x
Oxfordshire 5 1.23x
Essex 4 0.31x
Leicestershire 3 0.41x
Sussex 3 0.27x
Worcestershire 3 0.35x
Yorkshire 2 0.03x
Channel Islands 1 0.51x
Midlothian 1 0.11x
Renfrewshire 1 0.20x
Wiltshire 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. Silverstone in Northamptonshire leads with 44 Linnells recorded in 1881 and an index of 1692.31x.

Place Total Index
Silverstone 44 1692.31x
Walgrave 31 2279.41x
Paulerspury 30 1171.88x
Leighton 24 3200.00x
Kimbolton 21 763.64x
Monks Coppenhall 21 38.41x
Reigate Foreign 21 60.62x
Utkinton 15 1282.05x
Wellingborough 15 48.31x
Kislingbury 14 897.44x
Northampton St Sepulchre 13 41.39x
Priors Marston 12 930.23x
Rugby 11 49.11x
Addington 9 3000.00x
Camberwell 8 1.91x
Coppingford 8 4000.00x
Hackney London 8 2.17x
Newington 8 3.30x
Stretford 8 18.67x
Swanbourne 8 740.74x
Chatham 7 11.36x
Culworth 7 673.08x
Derby St Alkmund 7 22.73x
Sawley 7 225.81x
Watford 7 19.95x
Blisworth 6 252.10x
Edmonton 6 11.34x
Everton 6 2.42x
Grafton Regis 6 1578.95x
Great Gonerby 6 222.22x
Islington London 6 0.94x
Lambeth 6 1.05x
Nottingham St Mary 6 2.62x
Peterborough 6 13.42x
Tewkesbury 6 52.22x
Aldermaston 5 413.22x
Binley 5 1136.36x
Burton Latimer 5 134.05x
Burton Upon Trent 5 9.64x
Fenny Stratford 5 132.98x
Gayton 5 387.60x
Hammersmith London 5 3.09x
Lillingstone Lovell 5 1388.89x
Litchborough 5 641.03x
Nuneaton 5 26.07x
Oundle 5 72.46x
St George Hanover Square 5 4.32x
Aston 4 0.88x
Bermondsey 4 2.05x
Blakesley 4 425.53x
Bythorn 4 689.66x
Godmanchester 4 81.14x
Leamington Priors 4 9.82x
Napton On Hill 4 201.01x
Norton Canes 4 49.51x
Oxford St Thomas 4 21.14x
Radford Lenton 4 181.82x
Rushall 4 30.67x
Tichmarsh 4 192.31x
Tonbridge 4 4.95x
Battersea 3 1.24x
Braunston 3 124.48x
Buckworth 3 600.00x
Derby St Werburgh 3 5.05x
Finedon 3 55.45x
Floore 3 129.87x
Great Brickhill 3 240.00x
Lexden 3 57.69x
Lower Shuckburgh 3 1304.35x
Nether Heyford 3 164.84x
West Chiltington 3 208.33x
West Haddon 3 150.00x
Whittlebury 3 270.27x
Wootton 3 163.04x
Cleethorpes 2 32.36x
Dudley 2 1.92x
Great Linford 2 200.00x
Kelsall 2 138.89x
Little Hampden 2 2000.00x
Moreton In Marsh 2 62.11x

Top female names

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

Name Count
William 49
John 45
Thomas 29
George 20
Joseph 16
James 10
Harry 9
Henry 8
Richard 8
Charles 7
Edward 7
Alfred 6
Arthur 6
Frederick 6
Robert 6
Samuel 6
Albert 4
Herbert 4
Josiah 3
Abraham 2
Benjamin 2
Edmund 2
Ernest 2
Frank 2
Fred 2
Stephen 2
Walter 2
Wilfred 2
Authur 1
Charley 1
Chas.Henry 1
Danl. 1
David 1
Earnest 1
Eli 1
Fredrick 1
G. 1
Harvey 1
Hubert 1
Joshua 1
Leonard 1
Lewis 1
Louis 1
Mark 1
Michael 1
Oliver 1
Percy 1
Ralph 1
Richd. 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Linnell surname: questions and answers

How common was the Linnell surname in 1881?

In 1881, 672 people were recorded with the Linnell surname. That placed it at #5,371 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Linnell surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 890 in 2016. That gives Linnell a modern rank of #6,353.

What does the Linnell surname mean?

A surname derived from the Middle English word "lin", meaning linden or lime tree.

What does the Linnell map show?

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