NameCensus.

UK surname

Lorimer

An occupational surname derived from lorimer, meaning a maker of horse bits and spurs.

In the 1881 census there were 1,189 people recorded with the Lorimer surname, ranking it #3,395 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,046, ranked #3,155, up from #3,395 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Morton, Govan Combination and Edinburgh. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Broughty Ferry West, Monifieth East and Inverurie South.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Lorimer is 2,047 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 72.1%.

1881 census count

1,189

Ranked #3,395

Modern count

2,046

2016, ranked #3,155

Peak year

2010

2,047 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Lorimer had 1,189 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #3,395 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,046 in 2016, ranked #3,155.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,661 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established but Challenged.

Lorimer surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Lorimer surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Lorimer 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 846 #3,216
1861 historical 881 #3,147
1881 historical 1,189 #3,395
1891 historical 1,305 #3,324
1901 historical 1,661 #3,100
1911 historical 365 #9,955
1997 modern 1,858 #3,247
1998 modern 2,009 #3,148
1999 modern 1,999 #3,180
2000 modern 1,982 #3,189
2001 modern 1,933 #3,194
2002 modern 2,005 #3,165
2003 modern 1,976 #3,145
2004 modern 1,976 #3,150
2005 modern 1,927 #3,182
2006 modern 1,953 #3,160
2007 modern 1,986 #3,141
2008 modern 1,988 #3,163
2009 modern 2,031 #3,174
2010 modern 2,047 #3,211
2011 modern 1,980 #3,257
2012 modern 1,934 #3,275
2013 modern 1,979 #3,273
2014 modern 2,012 #3,247
2015 modern 2,033 #3,185
2016 modern 2,046 #3,155

Geography

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Where Lorimers are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Morton, Govan Combination, Edinburgh, Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry and Sanquhar. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Broughty Ferry West, Monifieth East, Inverurie South, Docks and Wellgate and Barnhill. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Morton Dumfries
2 Govan Combination Lanark
3 Edinburgh Edinburgh
4 Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry Forfar
5 Sanquhar Dumfries

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Broughty Ferry West Dundee City
2 Monifieth East Angus
3 Inverurie South Aberdeenshire
4 Docks and Wellgate Dundee City
5 Barnhill Dundee City

Forenames

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First names often paired with Lorimer

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Lorimer

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

Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce

Group

Established but Challenged

Nationally, the Lorimer surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established but Challenged, within Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce. This does not mean every Lorimer household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many households in these neighbourhoods comprise separated or divorced single parents with dependent children. Residents are typically born in the UK, and these neighbourhoods have relatively few members of ethnic minorities. The prevalence of children, their parents and those at or above normal retirement age, suggests neighbourhood structures may be long-established. Levels of unpaid care are high, and long-term disability is more common than in the Supergroup as a whole. Use of the social rented sector is common, often in terraced houses. Levels of overcrowding are above the Supergroup average. Unemployment is high, while those in work are employed in elementary occupations such as caring, leisure and customer services. Many residents have low level qualifications. Neighbourhood concentrations of this Group are found in the South Wales Valleys, Belfast, Londonderry and the Central Lowlands of Scotland.

Wider pattern

Living in terraced or semi-detached houses, residents of these neighbourhoods typically lack high levels of education and work in elementary or routine service occupations. Unemployment is above average. Residents are predominantly born in the UK, and residents are also predominantly from ethnic minorities. Social (but not private sector) rented sector housing is common. This Supergroup is found throughout the UK’s conurbations and industrial regions but is also an integral part of smaller towns.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Lorimer 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

Lorimer is most concentrated in decile 1 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy 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.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Lorimer falls in decile 5 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.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Lorimer

The surname Lorimer originated in Scotland in the 12th century. It is derived from the Middle English word "lorymer," which referred to a maker of horse bits and spurs. This occupation-based surname was common in medieval times when many surnames arose from the types of work people did.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name was found in the Ragman Rolls of 1296, which contained the names of Scottish landowners who swore allegiance to King Edward I of England. The entry "Johan le Lorimer" is believed to refer to a Scottish bit maker from this time period.

In the 14th century, Lorimers were recognized as skilled metalworkers and were often members of guilds. A notable early record is from the Burgh Records of Aberdeen in 1398, which mentions "Thomas Lorimer, Lorymer burgess."

During the 16th century, the surname spread throughout Scotland, with records showing Lorimers in various regions such as Fife, Perthshire, and the Borders. One prominent individual was Robert Lorimer (1564-1646), a Scottish minister and theologian who served as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1642.

In the 17th century, the name appeared in various spellings, including Lorrimer, Lorrymer, and Lorrymore. One example is Sir William Lorrimer (1605-1684), a Scottish lawyer and judge who served as Lord Advocate of Scotland from 1661 to 1663.

The 18th century saw the rise of Robert Lorimer (1713-1792), a Scottish architect who designed several notable buildings in Edinburgh, including the Old College in South Bridge and the Merchant's Hall on Hunter Square.

In the 19th century, Sir Robert Lorimer (1864-1929) was a prominent Scottish architect and a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. He is renowned for his work on the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle and the Chapel at the University of Glasgow.

Throughout its history, the surname Lorimer has been associated with skilled metalworkers, craftsmen, and architects, reflecting its occupational origins.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Lorimer families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Lorimer 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. Lanarkshire leads with 144 Lorimers recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.81x.

County Total Index
Lanarkshire 144 3.81x
Angus 122 11.28x
Midlothian 117 7.48x
Dumfriesshire 104 40.32x
Aberdeenshire 87 8.05x
Ayrshire 80 9.15x
Banffshire 73 30.14x
Lancashire 64 0.46x
Renfrewshire 48 5.30x
Perthshire 43 8.21x
Yorkshire 37 0.32x
Fife 36 5.21x
Middlesex 36 0.31x
Northumberland 25 1.44x
East Lothian 18 11.64x
Kirkcudbrightshire 17 10.06x
Durham 15 0.43x
Devon 13 0.53x
Cheshire 11 0.43x
Berwickshire 10 7.07x
Kent 10 0.25x
Surrey 9 0.16x
Worcestershire 8 0.52x
Roxburghshire 7 3.31x
Argyllshire 6 1.85x
Buckinghamshire 6 0.85x
Dunbartonshire 6 1.91x
Gloucestershire 6 0.26x
Isle of Man 6 2.77x
Cumberland 5 0.50x
Essex 5 0.22x
Glamorgan 5 0.25x
Stirlingshire 5 1.16x
Derbyshire 2 0.11x
Flintshire 2 0.64x
Hampshire 2 0.08x
Inverness-shire 2 0.57x
Morayshire 1 0.55x
Norfolk 1 0.06x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.06x
Royal Navy 1 0.72x
Wiltshire 1 0.10x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Monifieth in Angus leads with 67 Lorimers recorded in 1881 and an index of 175.35x.

Place Total Index
Monifieth 67 175.35x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 59 9.38x
Barony 51 5.34x
Govan 50 5.35x
Sanguhar 32 932.94x
Old Cumnock 27 138.75x
Dundee 25 6.19x
Banff 22 104.56x
Glasgow 20 2.98x
Aberdeen Old Machar 18 7.97x
Peterculter 17 222.80x
St Andrews 17 54.05x
Dunbar 15 69.19x
Kilmarnock 15 14.42x
Penpont 14 295.36x
Alnwick 13 43.52x
Bradford 13 4.64x
Paisley High Church 13 18.05x
Cathcart 11 22.47x
Chorlton On Medlock 11 5.00x
Cowpen 11 27.50x
Everton 11 2.49x
Kirkconnell 11 269.61x
St Vigeans 11 18.84x
Bunkle Preston 10 343.64x
Castleton 10 7.23x
Dalmellington 10 38.91x
Alyth 9 63.78x
Arbroath 9 25.10x
Cramond 9 75.95x
Dalry 9 21.89x
Durrisdeer 9 203.62x
Ferry Port On Craig 9 79.16x
Heriot 9 523.26x
Manningham 9 6.31x
New Cumnock 9 59.41x
Parton 9 314.69x
Perth West Church 9 36.19x
Deskford 8 230.55x
Hulme 8 2.77x
Islington London 8 0.71x
Kidderminster Borough 8 8.96x
Morton 8 93.46x
Moss Side 8 10.97x
New Deer 8 40.86x
Westoe 8 4.06x
Borthwick 7 100.14x
Carmichael 7 223.64x
East Greenock 7 8.19x
Galston 7 29.29x
Kelso 7 33.21x
Kensington London 7 1.08x
Kirkmahoe 7 140.00x
Little Dunkeld 7 78.74x
Marnoch 7 53.80x
Mortlach 7 59.17x
South Leith 7 3.98x
Abbey 6 4.35x
Bethnal Green London 6 1.18x
Bothwell 6 5.86x
Crail 6 85.11x
Kirkdale 6 2.57x
Monquhitter 6 53.57x
Newton Abbot St Mary 6 29.43x
Pitsligo 6 58.03x
Row 6 14.78x
Rushen 6 40.93x
Altrincham 5 11.10x
Balmaclellan 5 132.63x
Bishopwearmouth 5 1.68x
Cheltenham 5 2.83x
Edinburgh St Johns 5 50.66x
Fordyce 5 28.69x
Holywood 5 116.01x
Huddersfield 5 2.97x
Perth East Church 5 10.12x
Rathen 5 44.13x
Roath 5 5.41x
Stirling 5 9.21x
Totnes 5 35.16x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 21
Jane 12
Elizabeth 10
Margaret 8
Janet 6
Emma 4
Isabella 4
Maria 4
Annie 3
Catherine 3
Eleanor 3
Ellen 3
Jessie 3
Sarah 3
Ada 2
Ann 2
Barbara 2
Cathrine 2
Cecilia 2
Christina 2
Louisa 2
Martha 2
Beatrice 1
Carry 1
Charlotte 1
Eliz. 1
Eliza 1
Emile 1
Esther 1
Ethel 1
Florence 1
Georgina 1
Gertrude 1
Gertrudgen 1
Grace 1
Hannah 1
Harriet 1
Harriett 1
Helen 1
Jessy 1
Kate 1
Lillian 1
Lucy 1
Maggie 1
Margret 1
Margt. 1
Marian 1
Maud 1
Minnie 1
Williamina 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 28
Robert 13
William 13
George 12
James 11
Thomas 5
Thos. 4
Charles 3
Henry 3
Joseph 3
Alexander 2
Andrew 2
Arthur 2
David 2
Edward 2
Ernest 2
Harry 2
Wm. 2
Albert 1
Alexandra 1
Alexandria 1
Alexer. 1
Alexr. 1
Caphas 1
Douglas 1
Edmd. 1
Edwin 1
Emily 1
Francis 1
Fred 1
Frederick 1
Geo. 1
Horace 1
Kew 1
Leonard 1
Margaret 1
Matthew 1
Max 1
Reginald 1

FAQ

Lorimer surname: questions and answers

How common was the Lorimer surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,189 people were recorded with the Lorimer surname. That placed it at #3,395 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Lorimer surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,046 in 2016. That gives Lorimer a modern rank of #3,155.

What does the Lorimer surname mean?

An occupational surname derived from lorimer, meaning a maker of horse bits and spurs.

What does the Lorimer map show?

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