NameCensus.

UK surname

Mugford

A place name referring to a dweller from Muckford in Shropshire, England.

In the 1881 census there were 523 people recorded with the Mugford surname, ranking it #6,537 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 495, ranked #10,052, down from #6,537 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Paignton, Dartmorth St Petrox, Dartmouth St Saviour, Townstall, Ashprington, Halwell, Blackawton, Stoke Flemin and Tormoham with Torquay. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Torridge, Cornwall and Neath Port Talbot.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Mugford is 577 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 5.4%.

1881 census count

523

Ranked #6,537

Modern count

495

2016, ranked #10,052

Peak year

1911

577 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Mugford had 523 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #6,537 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 495 in 2016, ranked #10,052.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 577 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Mugford surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Mugford surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Mugford 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 376 #6,343
1861 historical 364 #7,023
1881 historical 523 #6,537
1891 historical 526 #7,125
1901 historical 555 #7,489
1911 historical 577 #7,046
1997 modern 502 #9,273
1998 modern 532 #9,152
1999 modern 538 #9,134
2000 modern 538 #9,103
2001 modern 526 #9,112
2002 modern 526 #9,300
2003 modern 500 #9,481
2004 modern 495 #9,573
2005 modern 474 #9,826
2006 modern 474 #9,855
2007 modern 474 #9,948
2008 modern 476 #10,012
2009 modern 489 #10,034
2010 modern 501 #10,047
2011 modern 495 #10,026
2012 modern 499 #9,870
2013 modern 515 #9,804
2014 modern 515 #9,872
2015 modern 503 #9,956
2016 modern 495 #10,052

Geography

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Where Mugfords are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Paignton, Dartmorth St Petrox, Dartmouth St Saviour, Townstall, Ashprington, Halwell, Blackawton, Stoke Flemin, Tormoham with Torquay, London parishes and St Austell. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Torridge, Cornwall, Neath Port Talbot and Mid Devon. 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 Paignton Devon
2 Dartmorth St Petrox, Dartmouth St Saviour, Townstall, Ashprington, Halwell, Blackawton, Stoke Flemin Devon
3 Tormoham with Torquay Devon
4 London parishes London 3
5 St Austell Cornwall

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Torridge 004 Torridge
2 Cornwall 048 Cornwall
3 Neath Port Talbot 013 Neath Port Talbot
4 Cornwall 046 Cornwall
5 Mid Devon 006 Mid Devon

Forenames

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First names often paired with Mugford

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Mugford

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

Mugford 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

Mugford falls in decile 4 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

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

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Mugford 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 - British

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

Meaning and origin of Mugford

The surname Mugford originates from England, with its roots dating back to the medieval era, specifically the 12th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "mugo" and "ford," meaning "moss" and "ford," respectively. This combination suggests that the name may have been associated with individuals who resided near a mossy ford or river crossing.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire in 1195, where it appears as "Muggeford." This spelling variation highlights the evolution of the name over time and the influence of regional dialects on its pronunciation and transcription.

The surname Mugford has also been linked to various place names across England, such as Mugford Farm in Wiltshire and Mugford's Piece in Somerset. These connections suggest that the name may have originated from specific locations where individuals bearing the name resided or owned land.

In the 15th century, records mention a John Mugford, born in 1435 in Gloucestershire, who was a notable landowner and farmer. His descendants continued to use the surname for several generations, contributing to its widespread recognition in the region.

Another notable figure bearing the Mugford name was William Mugford, born in 1620 in Somerset. He was a prominent merchant and ship owner, playing a crucial role in the maritime trade during the 17th century.

During the English Civil War, a Captain Thomas Mugford, born in 1612 in Dorset, gained recognition for his military service and leadership. His bravery and loyalty to the Parliamentarian cause were well documented in contemporary accounts of the conflict.

In the 18th century, the name Mugford gained further prominence with the birth of Samuel Mugford in 1714 in Somerset. He was a renowned clockmaker and inventor, credited with several innovations in timepiece design and manufacturing techniques.

Throughout the 19th century, the Mugford name continued to appear in various records, including the birth of Henry Mugford in 1822 in Gloucestershire. He was a notable educator and philanthropist, establishing several schools and educational institutions in the region.

While the surname Mugford may have evolved from humble beginnings, it has left an indelible mark on English history, with numerous individuals bearing this name making significant contributions across various fields, from agriculture and trade to military service and education.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Mugford families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Mugford 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. Devon leads with 270 Mugfords recorded in 1881 and an index of 25.09x.

County Total Index
Devon 270 25.09x
Cornwall 74 12.64x
Middlesex 45 0.87x
Surrey 32 1.27x
Glamorgan 31 3.44x
Gloucestershire 14 1.38x
Hampshire 13 1.23x
Kent 8 0.45x
Caernarfonshire 7 3.35x
Pembrokeshire 7 4.26x
Wiltshire 6 1.31x
Royal Navy 5 8.12x
Somerset 5 0.60x
Durham 4 0.26x
Berkshire 2 0.52x
Dorset 2 0.59x
Lancashire 1 0.02x
Oxfordshire 1 0.31x
Sussex 1 0.11x
Yorkshire 1 0.02x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Paignton in Devon leads with 25 Mugfords recorded in 1881 and an index of 305.25x.

Place Total Index
Paignton 25 305.25x
Hartland 22 656.72x
St Austell 20 99.95x
Tormoham 20 43.93x
Stoke Damerel 16 21.24x
Llantwit Lower 15 189.63x
Brixham 14 112.27x
Bermondsey 11 7.15x
Churston Ferrers 11 973.45x
Buckfastleigh 10 201.21x
Barnstaple 9 53.29x
Battersea 9 4.73x
Compton Gifford 9 267.06x
Swansea Town 9 12.20x
Kensington London 8 2.78x
Morwenstow 8 555.56x
Tintagel 8 503.14x
Welcombe 8 2162.16x
Exeter St Sidwell 7 28.40x
Fulham London 7 9.34x
Newton Abbot St Mary 7 77.52x
Redruth 7 42.27x
Stokenham 7 231.02x
Chelsea London 6 3.85x
Deal 6 39.87x
Kentisbeare 6 405.41x
Mylor 6 153.06x
Pembroke St Mary 6 28.36x
Trowbridge 6 29.69x
Bideford 5 43.37x
Bovey Tracey 5 132.98x
Brislington 5 322.58x
Exeter Holy Trinity 5 118.48x
Goodleigh 5 1136.36x
Holcombe Burnell 5 1282.05x
Newington 5 2.62x
North Molton 5 238.10x
Plymouth Charles The 5 10.55x
Portsea 5 2.41x
Royal Navy 5 9.49x
Topsham 5 98.43x
Exeter Heavitree 4 49.88x
Gelligaer 4 19.46x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 4 6.00x
Lambeth 4 0.89x
Llangian 4 207.25x
Moreton Hampstead 4 143.88x
Plymouth St Andrew 4 4.83x
St Columb Minor 4 81.47x
Wolborough 4 29.41x
Alverstoke 3 7.82x
Ashford 3 73.53x
Buckland Monachorum 3 130.43x
Clifton 3 5.85x
Dartmouth St Savior 3 234.38x
Hornsey 3 4.59x
Kenwyn 3 19.60x
Minster 3 375.00x
Saltash 3 66.08x
South Hamlet 3 47.85x
St Pancras London 3 0.72x
St Thomas Winchester 3 40.11x
Tiverton 3 16.18x
Totnes 3 47.69x
Witheridge 3 165.75x
Ynyscynhaiarn 3 30.83x
Acton 2 6.60x
Bristol St James St Paul 2 5.92x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 2 2.09x
Crediton 2 19.61x
Deptford St Paul 2 1.47x
Devonport 2 16.17x
East Stonehouse 2 9.43x
Exeter St Thomas The 2 18.23x
Kea 2 45.87x
Reading St Mary 2 6.44x
St Blazey 2 38.91x
St Marylebone London 2 0.72x
St Sampson 2 476.19x
Stratton 2 63.09x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 42
Elizabeth 29
Annie 11
Eliza 11
Charlotte 9
Emily 9
Emma 9
Louisa 9
Ellen 8
Alice 7
Sarah 7
Jane 6
Susan 6
Ann 5
Martha 5
Amy 4
Grace 4
Hannah 4
Maria 4
Bessie 3
Catherine 3
Edith 3
Fanny 3
Frances 3
Gertrude 3
Ada 2
Amelia 2
Anna 2
Beatrice 2
Ethel 2
Lucy 2
Lydia 2
Susannah 2
Adelaide 1
Betsy 1
Caroline 1
Cordelia 1
Diana 1
Elizth. 1
Elsie 1
Harriet 1
Helena 1
Heziak 1
Irene 1
Jessey 1
Kate 1
Laura 1
Lilly 1
Lottie 1
Zysporah 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 63
John 37
James 18
Thomas 18
George 11
Henry 10
Samuel 9
Charles 8
Richard 8
Joseph 6
Robert 6
Alfred 5
Edward 3
Abraham 2
Ambrose 2
Chas. 2
Ernest 2
Francis 2
Herbert 2
Percy 2
Sydney 2
Arthur 1
Douglas 1
Earnest 1
Edwin 1
Elijah 1
Ely 1
Frank 1
Fred 1
Frederic 1
Frederick 1
Fredk.F. 1
Gilbert 1
Herne 1
Horatio 1
Hubert 1
Hugh 1
Ivy 1
Jabez 1
Jno. 1
Josh. 1
Leslie 1
Lionel 1
Llewellyn 1
Matthew 1
Michael 1
Peter 1
Sidney 1
Stanley 1
Wm.Edwd. 1

FAQ

Mugford surname: questions and answers

How common was the Mugford surname in 1881?

In 1881, 523 people were recorded with the Mugford surname. That placed it at #6,537 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Mugford surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 495 in 2016. That gives Mugford a modern rank of #10,052.

What does the Mugford surname mean?

A place name referring to a dweller from Muckford in Shropshire, England.

What does the Mugford map show?

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