NameCensus.

UK surname

Milward

A locational surname derived from a place name meaning "mill ward" or "mill keeper".

In the 1881 census there were 1,382 people recorded with the Milward surname, ranking it #2,984 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,252, ranked #4,777, down from #2,984 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Duffield, Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard and St Werburgh. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Staffordshire Moorlands, Stratford-on-Avon and Powys.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Milward is 1,464 in 1901. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 9.4%.

1881 census count

1,382

Ranked #2,984

Modern count

1,252

2016, ranked #4,777

Peak year

1901

1,464 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Milward had 1,382 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,984 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,252 in 2016, ranked #4,777.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,464 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Milward surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Milward surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Milward 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 1,052 #2,662
1861 historical 1,039 #2,698
1881 historical 1,382 #2,984
1891 historical 1,352 #3,217
1901 historical 1,464 #3,486
1911 historical 1,451 #3,325
1997 modern 1,149 #4,886
1998 modern 1,264 #4,682
1999 modern 1,271 #4,694
2000 modern 1,258 #4,714
2001 modern 1,229 #4,707
2002 modern 1,240 #4,756
2003 modern 1,219 #4,743
2004 modern 1,215 #4,763
2005 modern 1,190 #4,798
2006 modern 1,221 #4,707
2007 modern 1,234 #4,711
2008 modern 1,226 #4,761
2009 modern 1,272 #4,707
2010 modern 1,292 #4,732
2011 modern 1,271 #4,746
2012 modern 1,258 #4,705
2013 modern 1,284 #4,710
2014 modern 1,289 #4,716
2015 modern 1,267 #4,746
2016 modern 1,252 #4,777

Geography

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Where Milwards are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Duffield, Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, St Werburgh, Tardebigg and London parishes. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Staffordshire Moorlands, Stratford-on-Avon and Powys. 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 Duffield Derbyshire
2 Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard Nottinghamshire
3 St Werburgh Derbyshire
4 Tardebigg Worcestershire
5 London parishes London 2

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Staffordshire Moorlands 013 Staffordshire Moorlands
2 Stratford-on-Avon 012 Stratford-on-Avon
3 Staffordshire Moorlands 011 Staffordshire Moorlands
4 Powys 015 Powys
5 Staffordshire Moorlands 010 Staffordshire Moorlands

Forenames

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First names often paired with Milward

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Milward

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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Milward 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

Milward is most concentrated in decile 3 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.

3
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Milward falls in decile 9 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.

9
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Milward is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 25-30 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

5
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Milward

The surname MILWARD has its origins in England, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the 11th century. The name is believed to have derived from the Old English words "mill" and "weard," which translates to "mill keeper" or "mill guardian."

One of the earliest known references to the MILWARD name can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings in England conducted in 1086. The record mentions a person named Milward holding land in the county of Warwickshire.

During the medieval period, the MILWARD name was primarily concentrated in the counties of Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire, where many of the mills were located. The name was often associated with individuals responsible for maintaining and operating these mills, which were crucial for grinding grains and providing flour for local communities.

As the centuries passed, variations in spelling emerged, including Milwarde, Milwerd, and Milward. These variations were common due to the lack of standardized spelling conventions at the time.

One notable individual with the MILWARD surname was Sir Thomas Milward (1486-1568), a wealthy merchant and landowner from Gloucestershire. He served as the Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1549 and played a significant role in local affairs during the reign of King Henry VIII.

Another prominent figure was John Milward (1566-1644), an English clergyman and academic who served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford from 1621 to 1623.

In the 18th century, William Milward (1710-1778) gained recognition as a celebrated engraver and cartographer. His detailed maps and engravings were highly regarded for their accuracy and artistic merit.

Moving into the 19th century, Richard Milward (1819-1897) made his mark as a renowned architect. He was responsible for designing several notable buildings in London, including the Church of St. Mary's in Paddington.

Lastly, the MILWARD name gained literary recognition through the works of Jessie Milward (1875-1949), a British novelist and children's author. Her best-known works include "The Little Beggars" and "The Winged Horse," which were popular during her lifetime.

While the MILWARD surname may have evolved over time and spread to different parts of the world, its roots can be traced back to the early English mill workers and guardians, a testament to the rich history and heritage embedded within this name.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Milward families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Milward 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. Derbyshire leads with 236 Milwards recorded in 1881 and an index of 11.16x.

County Total Index
Derbyshire 236 11.16x
Staffordshire 225 4.93x
Worcestershire 155 8.79x
Warwickshire 142 4.17x
Middlesex 91 0.67x
Yorkshire 69 0.52x
Lancashire 65 0.41x
Glamorgan 54 2.30x
Shropshire 46 3.94x
Nottinghamshire 43 2.36x
Durham 33 0.82x
Surrey 31 0.47x
Hampshire 22 0.79x
Herefordshire 22 3.97x
Buckinghamshire 17 2.08x
Cheshire 17 0.57x
Sussex 17 0.75x
Kent 14 0.30x
Devon 12 0.43x
Gloucestershire 11 0.42x
Leicestershire 9 0.60x
Somerset 9 0.41x
Essex 7 0.26x
Monmouthshire 7 0.72x
Radnorshire 6 5.50x
Caernarfonshire 5 0.92x
Northamptonshire 4 0.31x
Berkshire 3 0.30x
Hertfordshire 3 0.32x
Pembrokeshire 3 0.70x
Channel Islands 1 0.25x
Cumberland 1 0.09x
Denbighshire 1 0.20x
Lincolnshire 1 0.05x
Norfolk 1 0.05x
Suffolk 1 0.06x
Wiltshire 1 0.08x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Aston in Warwickshire leads with 49 Milwards recorded in 1881 and an index of 5.22x.

Place Total Index
Aston 49 5.22x
Stoke Upon Trent 37 7.65x
Birmingham 29 2.55x
Belper 24 58.52x
Redditch 23 64.30x
Edgbaston 21 19.88x
Islington London 21 1.60x
West Bromwich 21 8.04x
Burslem 20 15.31x
Wolverhampton 20 5.70x
Pershore St Andrew 17 174.72x
Alfreton 16 24.90x
Buxton 16 89.39x
Witton Gilbert 16 100.82x
Matlock 15 52.82x
Salford Priors 15 393.70x
Harborne 14 9.58x
Sheffield 14 3.28x
St Pancras London 13 1.20x
Cubley 12 863.31x
Willenhall 12 14.05x
Ystradyfodwg 12 5.82x
Aymestrey 11 367.89x
Clerkenwell London 11 3.45x
Guisbrough 11 37.59x
Staveley 11 29.29x
Basingstoke 10 31.40x
Darley 10 116.96x
Dawley 10 23.55x
Hailsham 10 72.52x
Horsley 10 78.55x
Nottingham St Mary 10 2.12x
Ribbesford 10 68.12x
Studley 10 68.63x
Willington 10 43.05x
Cheadle 9 41.10x
Cleobury Mortimer 9 122.28x
Holbrook 9 189.47x
Moston 9 55.97x
Nash 9 332.10x
Tideswell 9 98.04x
Warley Salop 9 355.73x
Worcester Blockhouse 9 92.88x
Worcester St John 9 42.71x
Boylestone 8 769.23x
Burton Upon Trent 8 7.50x
Dewsbury 8 5.83x
Great Marlow 8 36.28x
Kidderminster Borough 8 7.75x
Kings Norton 8 5.06x
Merthyr Tydfil 8 3.54x
Shoreditch London 8 1.37x
Titteworth 8 114.29x
Bilston 7 7.92x
Caverswall 7 29.52x
Chorley 7 7.78x
Church Broughton 7 257.35x
Derby St Alkmund 7 11.04x
Kingsley 7 82.35x
Kinlet 7 350.00x
Pendleton In Salford 7 3.66x
Alvechurch 6 79.89x
Annesley 6 87.59x
Basford 6 7.15x
Bedminster 6 2.94x
Blackley 6 21.35x
Bromsgrove 6 10.10x
Cirencester 6 16.73x
Dronfield 6 22.13x
Leek Frith 6 157.89x
Leek Lowe 6 9.89x
Llandaff 6 7.67x
Newington 6 1.20x
Olney 6 53.14x
Plumstead 6 3.90x
Quarndon 6 233.46x
West Derby 6 1.28x
Wirksworth 6 31.20x
Wolborough 6 16.88x
Wrockwardine 6 23.37x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 96
Elizabeth 52
Sarah 47
Ann 41
Eliza 35
Jane 29
Annie 28
Alice 27
Emma 20
Emily 18
Hannah 18
Ellen 17
Harriet 12
Anne 10
Kate 10
Margaret 9
Catherine 8
Edith 8
Martha 8
Charlotte 7
Florence 7
Frances 7
Louisa 7
Maria 7
Caroline 6
Clara 6
Fanny 6
Harriett 6
Lydia 6
Susan 6
Ada 5
Agnes 5
Amy 4
Grace 4
Lucy 4
Sophia 4
Amelia 3
Anna 3
Bessie 3
Elizth. 3
Esther 3
Matilda 3
Selina 3
Beatrice 2
Bertha 2
Elizebeth 2
Emeline 2
Kezia 2
Lavinia 2
Mabel 2

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 87
John 86
George 56
Thomas 47
Joseph 34
James 30
Henry 25
Alfred 16
Arthur 16
Edward 16
Samuel 16
Charles 15
Frank 11
Robert 11
Richard 10
Frederick 9
Albert 7
Benjamin 7
Francis 7
David 6
Edwin 6
Isaac 6
Walter 6
Edmund 5
Harry 5
Thos. 5
Frederic 4
Herbert 4
Clement 3
Ernest 3
Evan 3
Oliver 3
Sidney 3
Wm. 3
Alexander 2
Fred 2
Fredrick 2
Geo. 2
Gervase 2
Horace 2
J. 2
Jacob 2
Job 2
Jos. 2
Peter 2
Victor 2
Eldred 1
Elijah 1
Elmer 1
Zephon 1

FAQ

Milward surname: questions and answers

How common was the Milward surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,382 people were recorded with the Milward surname. That placed it at #2,984 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Milward surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,252 in 2016. That gives Milward a modern rank of #4,777.

What does the Milward surname mean?

A locational surname derived from a place name meaning "mill ward" or "mill keeper".

What does the Milward map show?

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