NameCensus.

UK surname

Mare

An English surname derived from the Old English "mere" meaning a pond or lake.

In the 1881 census there were 263 people recorded with the Mare surname, ranking it #10,692 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 109, ranked #29,402, down from #10,692 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, Broad Clist and St Pancras. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include New Forest, Hertsmere and Hounslow.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Mare is 588 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 58.6%.

1881 census count

263

Ranked #10,692

Modern count

109

2016, ranked #29,402

Peak year

1861

588 bearers

Map years

7

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Mare had 263 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,692 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 109 in 2016, ranked #29,402.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 588 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Mare surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Mare surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Mare 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 378 #6,315
1861 historical 588 #4,497
1881 historical 263 #10,692
1891 historical 355 #9,721
1901 historical 182 #16,057
1911 historical 166 #16,756
1997 modern 37 #33,964
1998 modern 35 #34,344
1999 modern 44 #33,601
2000 modern 34 #34,517
2001 modern 35 #34,261
2002 modern 46 #33,631
2003 modern 51 #33,266
2004 modern 60 #32,684
2005 modern 71 #31,816
2006 modern 68 #32,441
2007 modern 75 #32,079
2008 modern 83 #31,483
2009 modern 104 #28,982
2010 modern 99 #30,397
2011 modern 89 #31,659
2012 modern 84 #32,502
2013 modern 91 #32,020
2014 modern 90 #32,309
2015 modern 101 #30,816
2016 modern 109 #29,402

Geography

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Where Mares are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, Broad Clist, St Pancras, Northlew and Southampton St Mary. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to New Forest, Hertsmere, Hounslow, Richmond upon Thames and Surrey Heath. 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 London parishes London 3
2 Broad Clist Devon
3 St Pancras London (North Districts)
4 Northlew Devon
5 Southampton St Mary Hampshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 New Forest 022 New Forest
2 Hertsmere 011 Hertsmere
3 Hounslow 015 Hounslow
4 Richmond upon Thames 017 Richmond upon Thames
5 Surrey Heath 006 Surrey Heath

Forenames

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First names often paired with Mare

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Mare

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Mare, 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 Mare surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Mare 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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Mare 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

Mare 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

Mare falls in decile 10 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.

10
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Mare 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 - Other

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

Meaning and origin of Mare

The surname Mare has its origins in Italy, specifically in the region of Tuscany. It is believed to have emerged in the 13th century, derived from the Italian word "mare," which means "sea." This suggests that the name was initially associated with individuals who lived near the coast or worked in maritime professions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Mare can be found in the Florentine Priorista, a historical document from the 14th century that lists the names of prominent citizens in Florence. In this record, a certain Gianni di Mare is mentioned as a member of the Priori delle Arti, a governing council in the city.

The name Mare also appears in the Catasto, a comprehensive census conducted in the Florentine Republic during the 15th century. This document provides valuable insights into the distribution of the surname across various Tuscan towns and villages at the time.

During the Renaissance period, the Mare family gained prominence in the city of Siena. Notable members include Guglielmo Mare (1460-1537), a renowned architect and sculptor who contributed to the design of several important buildings in Siena, including the Palazzo Piccolomini.

Another illustrious figure bearing the Mare surname was Antonio Mare (1516-1592), a Venetian painter known for his religious works and portraiture. His paintings can be found in various churches and museums across Italy.

In the 17th century, the Mare family established itself in Naples, where they became influential merchants and bankers. One prominent member was Gian Battista Mare (1635-1712), a successful businessman and patron of the arts who commissioned several artworks for the city's churches and palaces.

Moving into the 18th century, the surname Mare spread to other parts of Europe, including France and Spain. In France, a notable figure was Jacques Mare (1701-1780), a French architect who designed several notable buildings in Paris, including the Église Saint-Roch.

As the name Mare continued to spread across Europe, it underwent various spelling variations, such as Marre, Marré, and Maré, reflecting regional linguistic differences and the influence of local dialects.

Throughout its history, the surname Mare has been associated with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including artists, architects, merchants, and intellectuals, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the regions where it originated and flourished.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Mare families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Mare 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 48 Mares recorded in 1881 and an index of 1.87x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 48 1.87x
Devon 46 8.61x
Yorkshire 23 0.90x
Hampshire 19 3.61x
Staffordshire 16 1.85x
Surrey 16 1.28x
Gloucestershire 11 2.19x
Lancashire 11 0.36x
Somerset 10 2.42x
Glamorgan 8 1.79x
Kent 8 0.91x
Lanarkshire 8 0.96x
Warwickshire 6 0.93x
Cornwall 5 1.72x
Durham 5 0.66x
Midlothian 3 0.87x
Monmouthshire 3 1.62x
Nottinghamshire 3 0.87x
Sutherland 3 15.21x
Essex 2 0.40x
Sussex 2 0.46x
Aberdeenshire 1 0.42x
Cheshire 1 0.18x
Hertfordshire 1 0.57x
Norfolk 1 0.25x
Northamptonshire 1 0.41x
West Lothian 1 2.59x
Westmorland 1 1.77x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Stoke Upon Trent in Staffordshire leads with 15 Mares recorded in 1881 and an index of 16.34x.

Place Total Index
Stoke Upon Trent 15 16.34x
Islington London 13 5.23x
Broad Clist 10 543.48x
Exeter St Sidwell 8 65.41x
Portsea 8 7.76x
Southampton St Mary 8 24.20x
Bristol St Paul In 7 52.24x
Camberwell 7 4.27x
Hackney London 7 4.87x
Holy Trinity 7 11.45x
Kensington London 7 4.91x
South Molton 7 238.91x
Aston 6 3.37x
Bramham Cum Oglethorpe 6 594.06x
Exeter Heavitree 6 150.75x
Morchard Bishop 6 540.54x
St Pancras London 6 2.91x
Charterhouse London 5 413.22x
Hammersmith London 5 7.91x
Helmington Row 5 140.85x
Lambeth 5 2.24x
Newcastle Higher 5 165.02x
Bothwell 4 17.78x
Egloskerry 4 1052.63x
Ilminster 4 138.89x
Normanby In 4 58.82x
Bedminster 3 7.73x
Eddrachillis 3 223.88x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 3 2.17x
Openshaw 3 21.04x
Snenton 3 22.08x
St Helens 3 78.53x
Abergavenny 2 28.82x
Cheltenham 2 5.15x
Deptford St Paul 2 2.96x
Glasgow 2 1.36x
Hove 2 10.54x
Newington 2 28.57x
Over Darwen 2 8.23x
Rastrick 2 28.33x
Roath 2 9.86x
Romford 2 25.00x
Snodland 2 80.65x
Southwark St Thomas 2 289.86x
Wembworthy 2 526.32x
West Derby 2 2.25x
Aberdeen Old Machar 1 2.02x
Ashford 1 11.74x
Aspull 1 13.97x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 1 2.11x
Burnley 1 3.90x
Cardiff St Mary 1 4.07x
Cheddar 1 48.08x
Chelsea London 1 1.29x
Clerkenwell London 1 1.65x
Colwich 1 48.54x
Crediton 1 19.76x
Digswell 1 500.00x
Dover St James 1 26.04x
Falmouth 1 9.73x
Folkestone 1 5.89x
Hamilton 1 4.32x
Herne 1 25.77x
Heslington St Paul 1 500.00x
High Ham 1 102.04x
Kingston On Thames 1 3.33x
Kirkby Lonsdale 1 65.79x
Knutsford Nether 1 29.24x
Lapford 1 192.31x
Mortlake 1 17.95x
Newton Abbot St Nicholas 1 91.74x
Paddington London 1 1.06x
Plymouth Charles The 1 4.25x
Sandford 1 76.34x
Spitalfields London 1 5.18x
St George Martyr 1 23.15x
Taunton St James 1 16.61x
Tiverton 1 10.87x
Tyldesley Cum Shakerley 1 11.42x
Warrington 1 2.77x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 25
Sarah 7
Eliza 6
Ellen 6
Alice 5
Elizabeth 5
Ann 4
Annie 4
Edith 3
Emma 3
Gertrude 3
Agnes 2
Caroline 2
Emily 2
Fanny 2
Grace 2
Kate 2
Laura 2
Louisa 2
Lucy 2
Margaret 2
Matilda 2
Susan 2
Blanche 1
Charlotte 1
Clara 1
Dinah 1
Elisabeth 1
Eliz.Maria 1
Ella 1
Esther 1
Eva 1
Florence 1
Geronina 1
Hannah 1
Harriet 1
Harriett 1
Henrietta 1
Isabella 1
Jane 1
Jessie 1
Joanna 1
Lizzie 1
Louise 1
Martha 1
Maud 1
Moriam 1
Morslle 1
Mrs 1
Phoebe 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 19
William 14
George 8
Charles 7
Henry 5
James 5
Thomas 5
Richard 4
Albert 3
Edward 3
Joseph 3
Robert 3
Alfred 2
Edwin 2
Ernest 2
Harry 2
Samuel 2
Abraham 1
Batista 1
Benedetto 1
Cecil 1
Chas. 1
Earnst 1
Ebenezer 1
Edmond 1
Francis 1
Gordon 1
Harold 1
Horatio 1
Jeremiah 1
Lueige 1
Michael 1
Montague 1
Nathan 1
Nathaniel 1
Paolo 1
Peter 1
Pierre 1
Rueben 1
S. 1
Tho. 1
Thurston 1
Victor 1
Wm. 1
Wm.G. 1

FAQ

Mare surname: questions and answers

How common was the Mare surname in 1881?

In 1881, 263 people were recorded with the Mare surname. That placed it at #10,692 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Mare surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 109 in 2016. That gives Mare a modern rank of #29,402.

What does the Mare surname mean?

An English surname derived from the Old English "mere" meaning a pond or lake.

What does the Mare map show?

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