NameCensus.

UK surname

Man

A surname of Chinese origin meaning "full" or "satisfied," or referring to a place called Man.

In the 1881 census there were 565 people recorded with the Man surname, ranking it #6,131 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 3,041, ranked #2,214, up from #6,131 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Churcham, Sandhurst, St Mary-de-Lode, St Catherine Longford, Barnwood, Wootton Ville, North Hamlet,, St Leonard Shoreditch and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Westminster, Harlow and Newham.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Man is 3,041 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 438.2%.

1881 census count

565

Ranked #6,131

Modern count

3,041

2016, ranked #2,214

Peak year

2016

3,041 bearers

Map years

6

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Man had 565 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #6,131 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 3,041 in 2016, ranked #2,214.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,049 in 1851.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Man surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Man surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Man 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 1,049 #2,670
1881 historical 565 #6,131
1891 historical 41 #31,095
1901 historical 342 #10,608
1997 modern 2,261 #2,746
1998 modern 2,402 #2,701
1999 modern 2,487 #2,647
2000 modern 2,457 #2,657
2001 modern 2,409 #2,649
2002 modern 2,554 #2,565
2003 modern 2,578 #2,496
2004 modern 2,602 #2,483
2005 modern 2,580 #2,470
2006 modern 2,579 #2,474
2007 modern 2,652 #2,444
2008 modern 2,643 #2,458
2009 modern 2,649 #2,513
2010 modern 2,779 #2,458
2011 modern 2,726 #2,474
2012 modern 2,706 #2,454
2013 modern 2,801 #2,426
2014 modern 2,831 #2,414
2015 modern 2,879 #2,344
2016 modern 3,041 #2,214

Geography

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Where Mans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Churcham, Sandhurst, St Mary-de-Lode, St Catherine Longford, Barnwood, Wootton Ville, North Hamlet,, St Leonard Shoreditch, London parishes, Thornhill and Great Yarmouth. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Westminster, Harlow and Newham. 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 Churcham, Sandhurst, St Mary-de-Lode, St Catherine Longford, Barnwood, Wootton Ville, North Hamlet, Gloucestershire
2 St Leonard Shoreditch London (East Districts)
3 London parishes London 3
4 Thornhill Yorkshire, West Riding
5 Great Yarmouth Norfolk

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Westminster 013 Westminster
2 Harlow 010 Harlow
3 Harlow 011 Harlow
4 Westminster 018 Westminster
5 Newham 032 Newham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Man

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Man

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

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Man surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Man household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Man is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Man 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

Man falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Man 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
Asian - Chinese

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

Meaning and origin of Man

The surname "Man" is believed to have originated from England in the medieval period, potentially as early as the 11th century. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "mann," which means "human being" or "person." This name was likely used as a descriptive surname, referring to someone who was considered exceptionally human or manly in their characteristics or actions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname "Man" can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. This document mentions individuals with the surname "Man" residing in various counties, including Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.

During the 13th century, the surname "Man" appeared in several historical records, such as the Curia Regis Rolls and the Feet of Fines. These documents provide insights into legal proceedings and land transactions involving individuals with this surname.

In the 14th century, the surname "Man" was associated with notable figures such as Robert Man (c. 1300-1370), a wealthy merchant and alderman in the City of London. Another prominent individual was John Man (c. 1350-1415), a member of Parliament and landowner in Oxfordshire.

The 15th century saw the rise of Sir John Man (c. 1420-1480), a distinguished soldier and politician who served as the Sheriff of Berkshire and held important positions at the court of Edward IV. This period also witnessed the emergence of variations in the spelling of the surname, such as "Manne" and "Manne."

In the 16th century, the surname "Man" was associated with several notable individuals, including Thomas Man (c. 1500-1558), a wealthy merchant and benefactor who founded the prestigious Merchant Taylors' School in London. Another prominent figure was Sir Henry Man (c. 1520-1591), a successful merchant and diplomat who served as the Lord Mayor of London.

During the 17th century, the surname "Man" gained further prominence with individuals such as Samuel Man (c. 1630-1695), a renowned mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of celestial mechanics. Additionally, Sir Reginald Man (c. 1650-1718) was a respected judge and politician who served as the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer.

The 18th century witnessed the emergence of the renowned Man family of bankers and industrialists, including James Man (c. 1720-1792), who established the successful banking firm of Man & Co. in London. Another notable figure from this period was Sir Horace Man (c. 1755-1828), a distinguished diplomat and politician who served as the Governor of the Bank of England.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Man families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Man 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. Yorkshire leads with 96 Mans recorded in 1881 and an index of 1.82x.

County Total Index
Yorkshire 96 1.82x
Middlesex 80 1.50x
Surrey 48 1.85x
Lancashire 44 0.69x
Kent 30 1.65x
Essex 22 2.09x
Staffordshire 20 1.11x
Gloucestershire 18 1.72x
Norfolk 18 2.19x
Leicestershire 17 2.87x
Lanarkshire 16 0.93x
Sussex 14 1.56x
Durham 12 0.76x
Lincolnshire 11 1.29x
Nottinghamshire 11 1.53x
Warwickshire 11 0.82x
Cheshire 8 0.68x
Midlothian 7 0.98x
Worcestershire 7 1.00x
Angus 6 1.21x
Cumberland 6 1.31x
Northumberland 6 0.76x
Aberdeenshire 5 1.01x
Suffolk 5 0.77x
Devon 4 0.36x
Buckinghamshire 3 0.93x
Hertfordshire 3 0.82x
Wiltshire 3 0.64x
Bedfordshire 2 0.72x
Berkshire 2 0.50x
Cambridgeshire 2 0.59x
Hampshire 2 0.18x
Argyllshire 1 0.67x
Ayrshire 1 0.25x
Cornwall 1 0.17x
Dunbartonshire 1 0.70x
Northamptonshire 1 0.20x
Perthshire 1 0.42x
Shropshire 1 0.22x
Westmorland 1 0.85x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Kensington London in Middlesex leads with 19 Mans recorded in 1881 and an index of 6.40x.

Place Total Index
Kensington London 19 6.40x
Lambeth 15 3.22x
Thornhill 13 84.25x
Horbury 12 129.73x
Croydon 11 7.62x
Govan 10 2.34x
Islington London 10 1.93x
Swinton In Rotherham 9 64.38x
Walthamstow 9 23.74x
Plumstead 8 13.18x
Gloucester Barton St Mary 7 36.55x
Golborne 7 84.85x
Gravesend 7 45.43x
Pennington In Leigh 7 57.61x
St Pancras London 7 1.63x
Swaffham 7 104.95x
Worsley 7 17.93x
Bradfield 6 29.44x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 6 2.09x
Hackney London 6 2.01x
Leicester St Mary 6 12.55x
Sculcoates 6 7.16x
Basford 5 15.08x
Battersea 5 2.55x
Birkenhead 5 5.33x
Elswick 5 7.89x
Eskdaleside 5 192.31x
Everton 5 2.48x
Gateshead 5 4.21x
Lapworth 5 396.83x
Lockwood 5 26.29x
St Luke London 5 5.84x
West Dean 5 29.41x
Bilston 4 11.46x
Chelsea London 4 2.49x
Clarborough 4 74.35x
Hartlepool 4 17.73x
Kegworth 4 101.78x
Kingston On Thames 4 6.40x
Newington 4 27.47x
Norwich St Etheldred 4 344.83x
Oldbury 4 11.67x
St Vigeans 4 14.99x
West Ham 4 1.72x
Westby With Plumpton 4 408.16x
Wisborough Green 4 132.45x
Workington 4 15.21x
Aberdeen Old Machar 3 2.91x
Alverthorpe Cum Thornes 3 15.63x
Baildon 3 30.12x
Beckenham 3 12.61x
Birmingham 3 0.67x
Bradford 3 2.34x
Hastings St Mary 3 13.40x
Hawkesbury 3 84.27x
Leeds 3 1.00x
Norton Canes 3 45.73x
Oldham 3 1.47x
Reigate Borough 3 50.00x
Sedgley 3 4.48x
Wereham 3 267.86x
Westminster St 3 15.25x
Wigtoft 3 243.90x
Amblecote 2 38.99x
Ashford 2 47.39x
Burnham 2 51.41x
Clerkenwell London 2 1.59x
Hanbury 2 202.02x
Loughborough 2 7.45x
Market Bosworth 2 93.46x
Melton Mowbray 2 18.80x
Metheringham 2 58.65x
Owston 2 82.64x
Poplar London 2 1.99x
St George Hanover 2 2.87x
St George Martyr 2 22.25x
Swindon 2 5.46x
Tottenham 2 2.35x
Whitehaven 2 8.17x
Woodford 2 16.78x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 37
Elizabeth 22
Sarah 19
Emma 13
Alice 11
Eliza 8
Ann 7
Ellen 7
Jane 7
Catherine 6
Clara 6
Hannah 6
Margaret 6
Harriet 4
Kate 4
Emily 3
Florence 3
Gertrude 3
Jessie 3
Maria 3
Ada 2
Agnes 2
Amy 2
Annie 2
Bridget 2
Charlotte 2
Leder 2
Lillian 2
Louisa 2
Lucy 2
Martha 2
Minnie 2
Rebecca 2
Sophia 2
Susanna 2
Brigy 1
Caroline 1
Cassy 1
Edith 1
Elanor 1
Elizth. 1
Ella 1
Envanglina 1
Ermsa 1
Helen 1
Hephubah 1
Isis 1
Johanna 1
Julia 1
Unity 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 38
John 21
James 20
George 19
Thomas 13
Edward 12
Henry 10
Robert 10
Frederick 8
Joseph 8
Arthur 7
Charles 7
Albert 6
Harry 5
Walter 4
Alfred 3
Edwin 3
Fredrick 3
Benjamin 2
Francis 2
Hubert 2
Jesse 2
Michael 2
Theo. 2
Auther 1
Caesar 1
Chares 1
Christopher 1
David 1
Edmond 1
Ernest 1
Frank 1
Fredk. 1
Geo.W. 1
Godfrey 1
Herbert 1
Horace 1
Joshua 1
Luther 1
Mark 1
Mathew 1
Morrice 1
Moses 1
Name 1
Nicholas 1
Norman 1
Numa 1
Owen 1
Patrick 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Man surname: questions and answers

How common was the Man surname in 1881?

In 1881, 565 people were recorded with the Man surname. That placed it at #6,131 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Man surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 3,041 in 2016. That gives Man a modern rank of #2,214.

What does the Man surname mean?

A surname of Chinese origin meaning "full" or "satisfied," or referring to a place called Man.

What does the Man map show?

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