NameCensus.

UK surname

Moan

A surname potentially derived from a place name in England.

In the 1881 census there were 149 people recorded with the Moan surname, ranking it #15,551 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 256, ranked #16,534, down from #15,551 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Govan Combination and Glasgow. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Sunderland, South Tyneside and Leicester.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Moan is 256 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 71.8%.

1881 census count

149

Ranked #15,551

Modern count

256

2016, ranked #16,534

Peak year

2016

256 bearers

Map years

6

1881 to 2016

Key insights

  • Moan had 149 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #15,551 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 256 in 2016, ranked #16,534.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 165 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established but Challenged.

Moan surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Moan surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Moan 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 64 #21,914
1861 historical 77 #23,975
1881 historical 149 #15,551
1891 historical 134 #19,777
1901 historical 165 #17,085
1911 historical 76 #25,221
1997 modern 213 #16,948
1998 modern 234 #16,404
1999 modern 237 #16,360
2000 modern 234 #16,470
2001 modern 230 #16,415
2002 modern 243 #16,147
2003 modern 239 #16,093
2004 modern 244 #15,948
2005 modern 242 #15,987
2006 modern 241 #16,139
2007 modern 242 #16,296
2008 modern 244 #16,346
2009 modern 237 #17,052
2010 modern 251 #16,749
2011 modern 246 #16,833
2012 modern 241 #16,925
2013 modern 255 #16,551
2014 modern 249 #16,954
2015 modern 254 #16,608
2016 modern 256 #16,534

Geography

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Where Moans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Govan Combination, Glasgow, Bishop Wearmouth and Blackburn. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Sunderland, South Tyneside and Leicester. 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 Govan Combination Lanark
3 Glasgow Lanark
4 Bishop Wearmouth Durham
5 Blackburn Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Sunderland 027 Sunderland
2 Sunderland 028 Sunderland
3 South Tyneside 015 South Tyneside
4 Leicester 010 Leicester
5 Sunderland 004 Sunderland

Forenames

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First names often paired with Moan

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Moan

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

Established but Challenged

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

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many households in these neighbourhoods comprise separated or divorced single parents with dependent children. Residents are typically born in the UK, and these neighbourhoods have relatively few members of ethnic minorities. The prevalence of children, their parents and those at or above normal retirement age, suggests neighbourhood structures may be long-established. Levels of unpaid care are high, and long-term disability is more common than in the Supergroup as a whole. Use of the social rented sector is common, often in terraced houses. Levels of overcrowding are above the Supergroup average. Unemployment is high, while those in work are employed in elementary occupations such as caring, leisure and customer services. Many residents have low level qualifications. Neighbourhood concentrations of this Group are found in the South Wales Valleys, Belfast, Londonderry and the Central Lowlands of Scotland.

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

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Moan is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. 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

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Moan 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

Moan falls in decile 2 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.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Moan is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

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

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Irish

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

Meaning and origin of Moan

The surname MOAN has its origins in Scotland, tracing back to the 12th century. It is believed to have derived from the Gaelic word "monadh," meaning "moorland" or "mountainous region." This suggests that the name may have been initially associated with individuals who resided or worked in such areas.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland from 1264, where a John de Moan is mentioned. This document, which recorded financial transactions, provides evidence of the name's existence during that period.

In the 14th century, the surname appears in various forms, such as "Moane" and "Mowan," reflecting the fluidity of spellings in those times. A notable figure from this era was Sir William Moan, a Scottish knight who fought alongside Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

The name MOAN has also been linked to certain place names in Scotland, such as the village of Moan in Dumfriesshire. This connection suggests that the surname may have originated from a particular location or region.

Throughout history, several individuals with the surname MOAN have achieved recognition. In the 16th century, Robert Moan (1525-1597) was a prominent Scottish poet and playwright, known for his contributions to the literary scene of the time.

In the 18th century, James Moan (1717-1789) was a Scottish architect who designed several notable buildings in Edinburgh, including the Old College at the University of Edinburgh.

During the 19th century, Mary Moan (1837-1922) was a Scottish educator and advocate for women's rights. She played a significant role in establishing educational opportunities for women in Scotland.

Another notable figure was Sir John Moan (1856-1931), a Scottish businessman and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the development of Glasgow and its surrounding areas.

In the early 20th century, Robert Moan (1892-1967) was a Scottish scientist who made important discoveries in the field of genetics, particularly in the study of plant genetics.

These examples illustrate the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of individuals who have carried the surname MOAN throughout history, showcasing its deep roots in Scottish heritage and culture.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Moan families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Moan 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. Lanarkshire leads with 63 Moans recorded in 1881 and an index of 13.50x.

County Total Index
Lanarkshire 63 13.50x
Durham 18 4.19x
Lancashire 16 0.93x
Yorkshire 10 0.70x
Ayrshire 7 6.48x
Dunbartonshire 6 15.47x
Midlothian 6 3.10x
Northumberland 6 2.79x
Argyllshire 5 12.44x
Clackmannanshire 3 25.17x
Hampshire 2 0.68x
Monmouthshire 2 1.92x
Fife 1 1.17x
Glamorgan 1 0.40x
Northamptonshire 1 0.74x
Surrey 1 0.14x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Barony in Lanarkshire leads with 23 Moans recorded in 1881 and an index of 19.47x.

Place Total Index
Barony 23 19.47x
Glasgow 19 22.92x
Lesmahagow 13 263.16x
Ryhope 9 302.01x
Old Monkland 7 37.78x
Sorn 7 330.19x
Wigan 7 29.24x
Bonhill 6 96.31x
Linthorpe 6 70.26x
Wallsend 6 88.11x
Dalkeith 5 131.23x
Dunoon Kilmun 5 159.74x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 5 26.88x
Widnes 5 40.49x
Alloa 3 51.90x
Liverpool 3 2.88x
Ormesby 3 78.13x
Aldershot 2 20.18x
Trevethin 2 20.30x
Benfieldside 1 35.46x
Cardiff St Mary 1 7.23x
Colinton 1 46.30x
Conside Knitsley 1 29.94x
Govan 1 0.87x
Houghton Le Spring 1 33.67x
Kirkcaldy 1 23.58x
Lambeth 1 0.79x
Normanby In 1 26.18x
Northampton Priory St 1 12.27x
Sunderland 1 13.19x
West Derby 1 2.00x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 9
Ann 2
Catherine 2
Elizabeth 2
Ellen 2
Margaret 2
Constant 1
Eliza 1
Jane 1
Maria 1
Roseanna 1
Sarah 1
Winifred 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 7
James 5
William 3
Edward 2
Michael 2
Thomas 2
Alexander 1
Alfred 1
Francis 1
Harry 1
Jas. 1
Mathew 1
Owen 1
Pady 1
Peter 1
Robert 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Moan households.

FAQ

Moan surname: questions and answers

How common was the Moan surname in 1881?

In 1881, 149 people were recorded with the Moan surname. That placed it at #15,551 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Moan surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 256 in 2016. That gives Moan a modern rank of #16,534.

What does the Moan surname mean?

A surname potentially derived from a place name in England.

What does the Moan map show?

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