NameCensus.

UK surname

Mitcheson

An occupational surname derived from the Old English "Micceles" meaning "servant of Michael".

In the 1881 census there were 472 people recorded with the Mitcheson surname, ranking it #7,076 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 444, ranked #10,905, down from #7,076 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Gateshead and Ryton. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Northumberland and Sunderland.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Mitcheson is 504 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 5.9%.

1881 census count

472

Ranked #7,076

Modern count

444

2016, ranked #10,905

Peak year

1911

504 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Mitcheson had 472 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #7,076 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 444 in 2016, ranked #10,905.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 504 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Young Families in Industrial Towns.

Mitcheson surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Mitcheson surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Mitcheson 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 285 #7,952
1861 historical 251 #9,830
1881 historical 472 #7,076
1891 historical 400 #8,878
1901 historical 487 #8,208
1911 historical 504 #7,787
1997 modern 460 #9,907
1998 modern 471 #10,048
1999 modern 489 #9,830
2000 modern 481 #9,916
2001 modern 479 #9,767
2002 modern 502 #9,601
2003 modern 476 #9,830
2004 modern 486 #9,702
2005 modern 470 #9,879
2006 modern 450 #10,237
2007 modern 458 #10,190
2008 modern 447 #10,481
2009 modern 450 #10,669
2010 modern 455 #10,802
2011 modern 453 #10,732
2012 modern 452 #10,619
2013 modern 449 #10,850
2014 modern 445 #11,002
2015 modern 446 #10,898
2016 modern 444 #10,905

Geography

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Where Mitchesons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Gateshead, Ryton, Tynemouth (Chirton, Preston, Murton, Whitley, Monkseaton), Earsdon (Earsdon) and Morpeth. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Northumberland and Sunderland. 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 Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside Durham
2 Gateshead Durham
3 Ryton Durham
4 Tynemouth (Chirton, Preston, Murton, Whitley, Monkseaton), Earsdon (Earsdon) Northumberland
5 Morpeth Northumberland

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Northumberland 024 Northumberland
2 Northumberland 004 Northumberland
3 Northumberland 012 Northumberland
4 Northumberland 010 Northumberland
5 Sunderland 036 Sunderland

Forenames

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First names often paired with Mitcheson

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Mitcheson

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

Young Families in Industrial Towns

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

Read profile summary

Group profile

These neighbourhoods house predominantly young, UK-born individuals identifying with a White ethnic group with dependent children. Long-term disability and unpaid care are prevalent, and religious affiliations are uncommon. Housing is terraced or semi-detached and social rented sector housing is the norm. Unemployment is above the Supergroup average, and employment is principally in elementary occupations, as process plant and machine operatives, or in caring and leisure services. Educational attainment is low. The group is scattered throughout former industrial towns in the Midlands and the South Wales Valleys.

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

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Mitcheson 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

Mitcheson is most concentrated in decile 7 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.

7
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Mitcheson 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 Mitcheson 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 Mitcheson, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Mitcheson

The surname Mitcheson originated in England, specifically in Yorkshire and Northumberland. It likely derives from the Old English personal name Miccell or Mitchell, combined with the diminutive suffix "-son," meaning "son of." This suggests that the name initially referred to the son of a person named Miccell or Mitchell.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name dates back to the 13th century, in the form of "Michelsone" in the Assize Rolls of Yorkshire from 1219. This document provides valuable insights into the early use and spelling variations of the name.

In the 14th century, the name appeared as "Michelsone" in the Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire from 1379, further solidifying its presence in the region. Additionally, the Mitcheson family held lands in Northumberland since ancient times, indicating their longstanding connection to the area.

A notable individual bearing this surname was William Mitcheson (1628-1703), an English clergyman and academic who served as the Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge, from 1683 to 1703. His contributions to the academic community during his tenure were significant.

Another prominent figure was John Mitcheson (1590-1644), an English clergyman and author. He was a Puritan minister known for his works, including "The Experienced Christian," published in 1635.

In the 18th century, Robert Mitcheson (1725-1793) was a notable English architect responsible for designing several buildings in Yorkshire, including Aske Hall and Wycliffe Hall.

Moving into the 19th century, James Mitcheson (1811-1892) was a successful English businessman and philanthropist. He founded the Mitcheson Woolen Mills in Yorkshire and contributed significantly to the local community through his charitable endeavors.

Lastly, William Mitcheson (1839-1914) was a prominent British engineer and inventor. He patented several groundbreaking inventions related to steam engines and railway equipment, leaving a lasting impact on the industrial revolution.

These examples showcase the historical significance and contributions of individuals bearing the surname Mitcheson across various fields, solidifying its place in English history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Mitcheson families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Mitcheson 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. Durham leads with 203 Mitchesons recorded in 1881 and an index of 14.79x.

County Total Index
Durham 203 14.79x
Northumberland 172 25.05x
Lancashire 34 0.62x
Staffordshire 17 1.09x
Middlesex 15 0.33x
Cheshire 9 0.88x
Yorkshire 8 0.18x
Surrey 6 0.27x
Cumberland 5 1.26x
Nottinghamshire 2 0.32x
Essex 1 0.11x
Kent 1 0.06x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Byker in Northumberland leads with 28 Mitchesons recorded in 1881 and an index of 82.50x.

Place Total Index
Byker 28 82.50x
Winlaton 23 174.64x
Stoke Upon Trent 17 10.29x
Hetton Le Hole 16 91.95x
Lamesley 15 202.98x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 14 23.55x
Bedlington 13 56.72x
Bishopwearmouth 13 11.03x
Westgate 13 30.58x
Westoe 12 15.42x
Earsdon 11 197.13x
Newcastle On Tyne All Sts 11 26.83x
Tudhoe 11 91.59x
Washington 11 190.97x
Benwell 8 106.67x
Gateshead 8 7.78x
Greencroft 8 317.46x
West Herrington 8 166.32x
Cowpen 7 44.28x
Hartley 7 382.51x
North Seaton 7 243.06x
Penshaw 7 169.90x
Preston In Tynemouth 7 259.26x
Rothbury 7 355.33x
Tynemouth 7 19.04x
West Rainton 7 164.71x
Ashton Under Lyne 6 5.01x
Bothal Demesne 6 182.37x
Broughton In Salford 6 11.99x
Cheetham 6 14.69x
Crook Billy Row 6 34.13x
Hollingworth 6 142.86x
Little Bolton 6 8.52x
Longbenton 6 20.63x
Stockley 6 344.83x
West Derby 6 3.75x
Cramlington 5 55.13x
Dawdon 5 29.62x
Hackney London 5 1.93x
Heckmondwike 5 33.99x
Horley 5 132.63x
Islington London 5 1.12x
Morpeth 5 61.96x
Newbiggin In Castle Ward 5 5555.56x
Whitworth 5 49.75x
Collierley 4 65.36x
Ryhope 4 41.97x
Tanfield 4 24.51x
Wetheral 4 76.05x
Whickham 4 31.67x
Widdrington 4 243.90x
Bullers Green 3 576.92x
Cambo 3 2142.86x
Halifax 3 4.47x
Liverpool 3 0.90x
Sunbury 3 54.15x
Claughton With Grange 2 43.10x
East Markham 2 168.07x
Elvet 2 20.18x
Kimblesworth 2 108.70x
Longframlington 2 303.03x
Monkwearmouth Shore 2 7.47x
St Giles 2 23.34x
Bethnal Green London 1 0.50x
Camberwell 1 0.34x
Chester St Oswald 1 5.42x
Chirton 1 6.44x
Cornforth 1 24.75x
Elswick 1 1.83x
Embleton 1 68.49x
High Low South Brinkburn 1 322.58x
Jesmond 1 10.35x
Longhurst 1 75.19x
Ogle 1 588.24x
Pittington 1 25.91x
St George Hanover 1 1.66x
Stanhope 1 7.06x
West Ham 1 0.50x
Witton Gilbert 1 18.45x
Wreay 1 344.83x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 41
Margaret 24
Ann 19
Elizabeth 17
Jane 15
Hannah 12
Isabella 12
Barbara 7
Annie 6
Eliza 6
Sarah 6
Alice 3
Dorothy 3
Eleanor 3
Frances 3
Agnes 2
Charlotte 2
Clara 2
Emily 2
Esther 2
Martha 2
Minnie 2
Rebecca 2
Selina 2
Susan 2
Caroline 1
Catherine 1
Dina 1
Edith 1
Elizebeth 1
Elizth. 1
Ellen 1
Emma 1
Ethel 1
Fanny 1
Florence 1
Francis 1
Georgina 1
Harriet 1
Hilda 1
Honer 1
Honor 1
Janetta 1
Laura 1
Lizzie 1
Lucy 1
Mabel 1
Margt. 1
Maria 1
William 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 40
William 39
Thomas 34
Robert 19
George 18
James 16
Joseph 11
Christopher 4
Richard 4
Andrew 3
Edward 3
Thos. 3
Alexander 2
Alfred 2
Arthur 2
Charles 2
Forest 2
Henry 2
Isaac 2
Jno. 2
Matthew 2
Alexr. 1
Archibald 1
Archibold 1
Chambers 1
Chas.E. 1
Daniel 1
David 1
Duncan 1
Ebenezer 1
Emily 1
Ernest 1
Frank 1
Geo. 1
Gerald 1
Harold 1
Jonathan 1
Jonathen 1
Joshua 1
Lellie 1
Michael 1
Nicholas 1
Oswald 1
Ralph 1
Septimus 1
Shipley 1
Smith 1
Stanley 1
Wm. 1
Wm.A. 1

FAQ

Mitcheson surname: questions and answers

How common was the Mitcheson surname in 1881?

In 1881, 472 people were recorded with the Mitcheson surname. That placed it at #7,076 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Mitcheson surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 444 in 2016. That gives Mitcheson a modern rank of #10,905.

What does the Mitcheson surname mean?

An occupational surname derived from the Old English "Micceles" meaning "servant of Michael".

What does the Mitcheson map show?

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