NameCensus.

UK surname

Markland

A locational surname referring to someone from a border region or boundary land.

In the 1881 census there were 674 people recorded with the Markland surname, ranking it #5,347 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 703, ranked #7,683, down from #5,347 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Stockport, Wigan and Eccles. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Telford and Wrekin, Bolton and Wigan.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Markland is 856 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has stayed broadly stable by 4.3%.

1881 census count

674

Ranked #5,347

Modern count

703

2016, ranked #7,683

Peak year

1911

856 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Markland had 674 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,347 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 703 in 2016, ranked #7,683.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 856 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Communities.

Markland surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Markland surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Markland 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 416 #5,842
1861 historical 553 #4,760
1881 historical 674 #5,347
1891 historical 765 #5,218
1901 historical 817 #5,523
1911 historical 856 #5,182
1997 modern 682 #7,394
1998 modern 698 #7,490
1999 modern 734 #7,263
2000 modern 709 #7,420
2001 modern 709 #7,299
2002 modern 729 #7,265
2003 modern 707 #7,322
2004 modern 685 #7,526
2005 modern 674 #7,569
2006 modern 681 #7,534
2007 modern 686 #7,549
2008 modern 671 #7,721
2009 modern 706 #7,595
2010 modern 713 #7,667
2011 modern 710 #7,615
2012 modern 702 #7,589
2013 modern 713 #7,623
2014 modern 704 #7,735
2015 modern 698 #7,730
2016 modern 703 #7,683

Geography

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Where Marklands are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Stockport, Wigan, Eccles, Preston and Leigh. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Telford and Wrekin, Bolton, Wigan, Huntingdonshire and North Warwickshire. 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 Stockport Cheshire
2 Wigan Lancashire
3 Eccles Lancashire
4 Preston Lancashire
5 Leigh Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Telford and Wrekin 021 Telford and Wrekin
2 Bolton 031 Bolton
3 Wigan 013 Wigan
4 Huntingdonshire 003 Huntingdonshire
5 North Warwickshire 001 North Warwickshire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Markland

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Markland

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

Baseline UK

Group

Challenged Communities

Nationally, the Markland surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Challenged Communities, within Baseline UK. This does not mean every Markland household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Residents of these neighbourhoods typically live in households with dependent children, and there are fewer-than-average residents of normal retirement age or over. Identification with ethnic minorities, particularly Black, or Mixed or Multiple ethnicities is common. The rate of Christian religious affiliation is low. Housing predominantly consists of semi-detached houses, along with a significant number of terraced properties and flats. Overcrowded social housing is common, and private renting occurs at average UK levels. Those in employment work mainly in caring leisure and other services; process, plant and machine operation; or elementary occupations. Unemployment is high, and few individuals have degree level qualifications. Many of these neighbourhoods occur in commuter towns or less accessible areas of larger towns and cities.

Wider pattern

This Supergroup exemplifies the broad base to the UK’s social structure, encompassing as it does the average or modal levels of many neighbourhood characteristics, including all housing tenures, a range of levels of educational attainment and religious affiliations, and a variety of pre-retirement age structures. Yet, in combination, these mixes are each distinctive of the parts of the UK. Overall, terraced houses and flats are the most prevalent, as is employment in intermediate or low-skilled occupations. However, this Supergroup is also characterised by above average levels of unemployment and lower levels of use of English as the main language. Many neighbourhoods occur in south London and the UK’s other major urban centres.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Markland is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support 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

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

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

Markland is most concentrated in decile 4 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

4
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Markland falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

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

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Markland 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 - British

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

Meaning and origin of Markland

The surname Markland originated in England during the late medieval period, with its earliest recorded instances dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "mearc" meaning boundary or border, and "land" referring to a region or territory. This etymology suggests that the name may have been initially borne by individuals who lived in or owned lands near the borders or boundaries of a particular area.

One of the earliest known references to the Markland surname can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Lincolnshire, a census-like record compiled in 1273. This document mentions a certain William Markland, who was likely one of the first individuals to bear this surname.

In the 14th century, records show the presence of the Markland family in various parts of England, including Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire. The Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire, dated 1379, list a Robert de Markland among the landowners and taxpayers of the region.

During the Tudor period, the Markland surname gained more prominence, with several notable individuals bearing this name. One such figure was John Markland, a poet and playwright born in the late 15th century, whose works were highly regarded in his time.

In the 17th century, the Markland family had established roots in Lancashire, where they owned lands and estates. One of the most prominent members of this lineage was Robert Markland (1620-1697), a wealthy landowner and magistrate who played an active role in local affairs.

Another notable figure with the Markland surname was Thomas Markland (1619-1694), an English clergyman and scholar who served as the Archdeacon of York. He was widely recognized for his contributions to biblical studies and his extensive knowledge of ancient languages.

As the Markland family continued to spread across different regions of England, variations in the spelling of the surname emerged, such as Markeland, Marklen, and Marklin. These variations likely resulted from local dialects, scribal errors, or personal preferences.

Throughout its long history, the Markland surname has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including landowners, scholars, clergy, and artists. While the name may have originated from humble beginnings, it has left a lasting legacy in the annals of English history and culture.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Markland families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Markland 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. Lancashire leads with 446 Marklands recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.75x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 446 5.75x
Cheshire 67 4.64x
Warwickshire 34 2.06x
Middlesex 25 0.38x
Staffordshire 23 1.04x
Yorkshire 20 0.31x
Lanarkshire 8 0.38x
Derbyshire 7 0.68x
Surrey 7 0.22x
Northamptonshire 6 0.98x
Worcestershire 4 0.47x
Berkshire 3 0.61x
Shropshire 3 0.53x
Ayrshire 2 0.41x
Dorset 2 0.47x
Norfolk 2 0.20x
Nottinghamshire 2 0.23x
Devon 1 0.07x
Durham 1 0.05x
Hampshire 1 0.07x
Hertfordshire 1 0.22x
Kent 1 0.04x
Leicestershire 1 0.14x
Oxfordshire 1 0.25x
Perthshire 1 0.34x
Suffolk 1 0.13x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Little Bolton in Lancashire leads with 50 Marklands recorded in 1881 and an index of 50.15x.

Place Total Index
Little Bolton 50 50.15x
Wigan 40 36.91x
Great Bolton 31 30.18x
Hyde 27 63.42x
Preston 27 13.01x
Pendleton In Salford 24 25.97x
Tyldesley Cum Shakerley 18 80.61x
Salford 16 7.01x
Birmingham 14 2.55x
Stockport 14 18.86x
Tottington Lower End 14 37.99x
Worsley 14 29.29x
Oldham 13 5.19x
Rumworth 13 117.33x
Aston 12 2.64x
Ashton In Makerfield 10 45.29x
Cheadle 10 36.28x
Barton Upon Irwell 9 15.42x
Chorlton On Medlock 9 7.31x
Fulham London 9 9.49x
Wolverhampton 9 5.31x
Harwood 8 197.53x
Liverpool 8 1.70x
Shevington 8 225.35x
St George Hanover 8 9.38x
Chorley 7 16.08x
Elford 7 729.17x
Govan 7 1.34x
Hindley 7 21.17x
Leyland 7 51.89x
Litchurch 7 17.00x
Tonge With Haulgh 7 46.36x
Blackburn 6 2.91x
Broughton In Salford 6 8.46x
Farnworth 6 12.91x
Ince In Makerfield 6 16.63x
Peterborough 6 13.48x
Rugby 6 26.91x
Attercliffe Cum Darnall 5 8.29x
Coppull 5 121.07x
Lambeth 5 0.88x
Lancaster 5 10.84x
Over Hulton 5 227.27x
Pemberton 5 16.17x
Pudsey 5 14.44x
St Pancras London 5 0.95x
Swinfen Packington 5 549.45x
Ardwick 4 5.72x
Bosden 4 90.29x
Bretherton 4 253.16x
Hulme 4 2.47x
Macclesfield 4 6.24x
Newchurch 4 6.31x
Newton 4 178.57x
Sharples 4 47.56x
Walton Le Dale 4 19.19x
Westhoughton 4 19.32x
Ashton Under Lyne 3 1.77x
Breightmet 3 87.98x
Halliwell 3 10.63x
Heaton Norris 3 6.80x
Horwich 3 35.46x
Lostock 3 171.43x
Middle Hulton 3 65.36x
Padiham 3 16.01x
Reading St Giles 3 6.23x
Walmersley Cum 3 24.21x
Werneth 3 66.37x
Wrightington 3 88.76x
Albrighton 2 73.26x
Bilton Cum Harrogate 2 9.03x
Bootle Cum Linacre 2 3.25x
Kings Norton 2 2.61x
Norwich St James 2 25.38x
Stewarton 2 20.66x
Tamworth 2 16.95x
Worcester St Peter 2 12.38x
Alverstoke 1 2.06x
Glasgow 1 0.27x
Wakefield 1 2.01x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 53
Elizabeth 26
Ellen 23
Ann 20
Annie 18
Alice 17
Jane 17
Sarah 16
Margaret 11
Eliza 8
Maria 8
Martha 8
Catherine 7
Hannah 7
Emma 6
Charlotte 5
Florence 5
Caroline 4
Esther 4
Matilda 4
Agnes 3
Clara 3
Isabella 3
Louisa 3
Lucy 3
Minnie 3
Anne 2
Dorothy 2
Edith 2
Emily 2
Henrietta 2
Lavinia 2
Rachel 2
Susannah 2
Amy 1
Betsy 1
Blanche 1
Cartharine 1
Catharine 1
Easter 1
Eleanor 1
Elizbth. 1
Elizh. 1
Elizth. 1
Harriet 1
Infant 1
Janet 1
Jemina 1
Lettia 1
Tibitha 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 52
James 46
William 41
Thomas 35
Henry 11
Richard 11
Edward 9
George 9
Joseph 9
Arthur 8
Alfred 6
Robert 5
Charles 4
Francis 4
Peter 4
Albert 3
Frank 3
Frederick 3
Harry 3
Samuel 3
Daniel 2
Edwin 2
Fred 2
Frederic 2
Percy 2
Thos. 2
Walter 2
Wm. 2
Wright 2
Alexander 1
Ashton 1
Bertie 1
Clement 1
David 1
Edmond 1
Frderick 1
Jas. 1
Jno. 1
Louis 1
Mark 1
Mathew 1
Oliver 1
Ralph 1
Sam 1
Saml. 1
Sydney 1
T.S. 1
W. 1
W.G. 1
Wilfred 1

FAQ

Markland surname: questions and answers

How common was the Markland surname in 1881?

In 1881, 674 people were recorded with the Markland surname. That placed it at #5,347 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Markland surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 703 in 2016. That gives Markland a modern rank of #7,683.

What does the Markland surname mean?

A locational surname referring to someone from a border region or boundary land.

What does the Markland map show?

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