NameCensus.

UK surname

Mullings

Derived from an Old English place name meaning "Moll's people," referring to a settlement founded by someone named Moll.

In the 1881 census there were 283 people recorded with the Mullings surname, ranking it #10,119 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,104, ranked #5,323, up from #10,119 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, Cirencester and Bishops Cannings. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include North Hertfordshire, Wiltshire and Northampton.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Mullings is 1,133 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 290.1%.

1881 census count

283

Ranked #10,119

Modern count

1,104

2016, ranked #5,323

Peak year

2010

1,133 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Mullings had 283 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,119 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,104 in 2016, ranked #5,323.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 291 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations.

Mullings surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Mullings surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Mullings 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 258 #8,568
1861 historical 248 #9,947
1881 historical 283 #10,119
1891 historical 216 #14,107
1901 historical 259 #12,848
1911 historical 291 #11,696
1997 modern 852 #6,227
1998 modern 878 #6,285
1999 modern 885 #6,294
2000 modern 860 #6,392
2001 modern 853 #6,318
2002 modern 917 #6,116
2003 modern 923 #5,961
2004 modern 925 #5,951
2005 modern 950 #5,778
2006 modern 982 #5,636
2007 modern 982 #5,690
2008 modern 1,022 #5,547
2009 modern 1,087 #5,370
2010 modern 1,133 #5,300
2011 modern 1,106 #5,347
2012 modern 1,055 #5,471
2013 modern 1,098 #5,384
2014 modern 1,108 #5,364
2015 modern 1,109 #5,319
2016 modern 1,104 #5,323

Geography

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Where Mullings' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, Cirencester, Bishops Cannings, London parishes and East and West Lavington. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to North Hertfordshire, Wiltshire, Northampton and Birmingham. 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 Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff Gloucestershire
2 Cirencester Gloucestershire
3 Bishops Cannings Wiltshire
4 London parishes London 3
5 East and West Lavington Wiltshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 North Hertfordshire 012 North Hertfordshire
2 Wiltshire 025 Wiltshire
3 Northampton 016 Northampton
4 Birmingham 134 Birmingham
5 Birmingham 036 Birmingham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Mullings

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Mullings

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

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations

Nationally, the Mullings surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ethnically Diverse Families in Less Connected Locations, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Mullings 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 is often found in less central parts of London and other major towns and cities. Adults are more likely than the Supergroup average to have never been married and are typically aged less than 45 years. Many have young dependent children and individuals may have been born in Africa. There are many members identifying with a Black ethnic group, with the other ethnic groups (as listed in the glossary) also represented, though Chinese less so. Accommodation in flats, frequently socially rented, is common in these neighbourhoods. Part time employment is also common, and work is often in elementary occupations, while unemployment is also the highest within this Supergroup.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Mullings is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. 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

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Mullings 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

Mullings falls in decile 3 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.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Mullings 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 Mullings, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Mullings

The surname Mullings has its roots in England, originating during the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word "mulling," which referred to a small hill or mound. This suggests that the name was likely first borne by someone who lived near a distinctive hill or elevated land feature.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Mullings name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of landholdings and property conducted under the orders of William the Conqueror. The name appears as "Molinges," indicating its longstanding presence in England.

Throughout the centuries, the Mullings surname has maintained a strong foothold in various regions of England, particularly in counties such as Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. It is believed that the earliest bearers of the name were likely associated with specific place names or landmarks that incorporated the word "mulling" or a similar spelling variation.

One notable figure bearing the Mullings surname was John Mullings, a prominent English merchant and explorer who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is best known for his involvement in the colonization efforts in the Caribbean and for establishing settlements on various islands, including Bermuda.

Another individual of historical significance was Sir Samuel Mullings, a British naval officer and politician who served as a Member of Parliament in the 18th century. He played a crucial role in the Royal Navy during the Seven Years' War and was recognized for his bravery and leadership.

In the realm of literature, the poet and playwright Robert Mullings gained recognition in the 17th century for his works, which included plays and poetic volumes. His contributions to English literature during the Restoration period have been widely studied and celebrated.

The Mullings surname also transcended geographical boundaries, with individuals bearing this name making their mark in other parts of the world. One such example is William Mullings, an early settler in the American colonies who arrived in Virginia in the mid-17th century and played a pivotal role in the establishment of new settlements.

Another noteworthy figure was James Mullings, a British military officer who served in the East India Company during the 18th century. His exploits and achievements in India have been well documented, providing insights into the colonial era and the company's activities in the region.

While the Mullings surname has its origins rooted in England, it has since spread worldwide, carried by individuals who have left their mark across various fields and endeavors throughout history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Mullings families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Mullings 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. Middlesex leads with 64 Mullings' recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.34x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 64 2.34x
Wiltshire 51 21.11x
Gloucestershire 28 5.23x
Essex 17 3.15x
Surrey 17 1.28x
Dorset 14 7.81x
Yorkshire 13 0.48x
Devon 12 2.11x
Shropshire 10 4.24x
Somerset 10 2.27x
Bedfordshire 9 6.36x
Durham 9 1.11x
Kent 5 0.54x
Lancashire 4 0.12x
Warwickshire 4 0.58x
Cornwall 3 0.97x
Glamorgan 3 0.63x
Berkshire 2 0.98x
Hampshire 2 0.36x
Herefordshire 1 0.89x
Leicestershire 1 0.33x
Suffolk 1 0.30x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Devizes St James in Wiltshire leads with 14 Mullings' recorded in 1881 and an index of 436.14x.

Place Total Index
Devizes St James 14 436.14x
Islington London 13 4.91x
Bethnal Green London 10 8.43x
Shoreditch London 10 8.45x
Battersea 9 8.96x
Cirencester 9 124.14x
Luton 9 36.76x
Bristol St Paul In 8 56.06x
West Tisbury 8 1081.08x
Gillingham 7 227.27x
Hartlepool 7 60.61x
Leeds 7 4.58x
Market Lavington 7 534.35x
St Marylebone London 7 4.80x
Stratton St Margaret 7 188.68x
Halstead 6 95.39x
Meole Brace 6 491.80x
Plymouth St Andrew 6 13.70x
Silton 6 2608.70x
Wandsworth 6 22.82x
Colerne 5 505.05x
Kensington London 5 3.29x
Wick Abson 5 609.76x
Birmingham 4 1.74x
Exeter St Mary Major 4 116.62x
Leyton 4 43.06x
Stokesay 4 571.43x
Swinton In Rotherham 4 55.87x
West Derby 4 4.22x
West Harptree 4 909.09x
Aberdare 3 9.19x
Devizes St John 3 165.75x
Mile End Old Town 3 6.96x
Rainham 3 256.41x
Thornbury 3 81.97x
Trowbridge 3 28.09x
Walcot 3 12.82x
Darenth 2 138.89x
Deptford St Paul 2 2.78x
Fisherton Anger 2 44.74x
Hackney London 2 1.31x
Limehouse London 2 6.67x
Shalbourn 2 259.74x
Sible Hedingham 2 111.11x
St Martin In Fields 2 12.23x
Stratton 2 119.05x
Alderton 1 833.33x
Bristol St Mary Redcliff 1 20.49x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 1 1.98x
Broomfield 1 256.41x
Chelsea London 1 1.22x
Clapham 1 2.93x
Clerkenwell London 1 1.55x
Clifton 1 3.69x
Devonport 1 15.31x
Edmonton 1 4.54x
Falmouth 1 9.14x
Gate Fulford 1 15.82x
Holmer 1 49.51x
Kingston On Thames 1 3.13x
Leicester St Margaret 1 1.35x
Loversall 1 588.24x
Marlborough St Peter St 1 80.65x
Onehouse 1 303.03x
Portchester 1 138.89x
Portsea 1 0.91x
Shaftesbury St Peter 1 119.05x
South Weald 1 21.65x
St Anne Soho London 1 6.41x
St Dunstan In West 1 169.49x
St George Hanover 1 2.81x
St Katherine 1 303.03x
St Pancras London 1 0.45x
Walthamstow 1 5.15x
Westminster St James 1 3.56x
Weston 1 29.59x
Weston Super Mare 1 9.01x
Winlaton 1 12.82x
Wolborough 1 13.91x
Woolwich 1 2.90x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 17
Alice 10
Elizabeth 9
Eliza 6
Emily 6
Jane 6
Ellen 5
Emma 5
Harriet 5
Lucy 5
Martha 5
Sarah 5
Kate 4
Louisa 4
Agnes 3
Ann 3
Fanny 3
Anne 2
Annie 2
Caroline 2
Margaret 2
Minnie 2
Rosina 2
Adlade 1
Amy 1
Anna 1
Annette 1
Charlotte 1
Clara 1
Constance 1
Dorcas 1
E. 1
Edith 1
Eizabeth 1
Elizth. 1
Elsie 1
Ethel 1
Flora 1
Florence 1
Georgina 1
Hannah 1
Harriett 1
Helen 1
Ida 1
Julia 1
Lydia 1
May 1
Phoebe 1
Rose 1
Violet 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 15
William 15
James 13
Thomas 11
Charles 10
Edward 6
Joseph 6
Frank 5
George 5
Albert 4
Harry 4
Henry 4
Herbert 4
Alfred 3
Arthur 3
Richard 3
Robert 3
Samuel 2
Walter 2
Abraham 1
Albion 1
Andrew 1
Armine 1
Benoni 1
Clement 1
Earnest 1
Ernest 1
Eugene 1
Frederick 1
H.J. 1
Isaac 1
Job 1
Mark 1
Nigel 1
Tom 1

FAQ

Mullings surname: questions and answers

How common was the Mullings surname in 1881?

In 1881, 283 people were recorded with the Mullings surname. That placed it at #10,119 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Mullings surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,104 in 2016. That gives Mullings a modern rank of #5,323.

What does the Mullings surname mean?

Derived from an Old English place name meaning "Moll's people," referring to a settlement founded by someone named Moll.

What does the Mullings map show?

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