NameCensus.

UK surname

Murch

A surname derived from the Old English word 'murc', meaning solemn or serious.

In the 1881 census there were 759 people recorded with the Murch surname, ranking it #4,869 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 872, ranked #6,447, down from #4,869 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, London parishes and St Pancras. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include North Devon, Bradford and Torbay.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Murch is 973 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 14.9%.

1881 census count

759

Ranked #4,869

Modern count

872

2016, ranked #6,447

Peak year

1911

973 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Murch had 759 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #4,869 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 872 in 2016, ranked #6,447.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 973 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Murch surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Murch surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Murch 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 598 #4,284
1861 historical 333 #7,646
1881 historical 759 #4,869
1891 historical 799 #5,033
1901 historical 971 #4,862
1911 historical 973 #4,646
1997 modern 916 #5,893
1998 modern 937 #5,969
1999 modern 952 #5,935
2000 modern 937 #5,999
2001 modern 901 #6,083
2002 modern 910 #6,149
2003 modern 917 #5,991
2004 modern 910 #6,045
2005 modern 882 #6,110
2006 modern 881 #6,132
2007 modern 882 #6,186
2008 modern 882 #6,230
2009 modern 906 #6,233
2010 modern 923 #6,259
2011 modern 907 #6,288
2012 modern 897 #6,261
2013 modern 902 #6,330
2014 modern 899 #6,379
2015 modern 879 #6,423
2016 modern 872 #6,447

Geography

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Where Murchs are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Bristol City: St Mary Redcliff, London parishes, St Pancras, Kenton, Alphington, Dawlish and Plymouth St Charles the Martyr. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to North Devon, Bradford, Torbay and South Hams. 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 London parishes London 3
3 St Pancras London (North Districts)
4 Kenton, Alphington, Dawlish Devon
5 Plymouth St Charles the Martyr Devon

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 North Devon 013 North Devon
2 North Devon 012 North Devon
3 Bradford 059 Bradford
4 Torbay 013 Torbay
5 South Hams 003 South Hams

Forenames

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First names often paired with Murch

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Murch

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

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Murch surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Murch household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Murch is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. 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

These residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Murch 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

Murch falls in decile 5 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.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Murch

The surname Murch is believed to have originated in England, with roots dating back to the 11th century. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "murc," meaning "murky" or "dark," potentially referring to someone with a swarthy complexion or someone who lived in a dark, wooded area.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Murch can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of land and property ownership commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name appeared in various spellings, including "Murch," "Murche," and "Myrch."

During the 13th century, the name Murch was particularly prevalent in the counties of Devon and Somerset in southwestern England. Several records from that period mention individuals bearing this surname, such as Robert Murch, who was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Somerset in 1243.

The name Murch is also associated with various place names in England, such as Murchington in Shropshire and Murch Knoll in Devon. These place names may have influenced the surname or vice versa, as it was common for people to adopt surnames derived from the places they lived or worked.

Notable individuals with the surname Murch throughout history include:

1. John Murch (c. 1520-1592), an English Protestant martyr who was burned at the stake for his religious beliefs during the reign of Mary I.

2. Walter Murch (born 1945), an acclaimed American film editor, sound designer, and director known for his work on films like "Apocalypse Now" and "The English Patient."

3. Arundel Murch (1892-1989), a British artist and sculptor known for his bronze statues and war memorials.

4. Benjamin Murch (1760-1841), an American shipbuilder and merchant from Maine who played a significant role in the state's maritime industry.

5. Jeremias Andrew Murch (1827-1905), an American Congregational minister and abolitionist who served as the president of Oberlin College from 1867 to 1888.

While the surname Murch may not be as widespread as some others, it has a rich history spanning centuries and has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including religious figures, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Murch families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Murch 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 323 Murchs recorded in 1881 and an index of 21.10x.

County Total Index
Devon 323 21.10x
Middlesex 131 1.78x
Surrey 53 1.48x
Gloucestershire 50 3.47x
Lancashire 30 0.34x
Kent 29 1.16x
Somerset 23 1.94x
Essex 20 1.38x
Glamorgan 15 1.17x
Hertfordshire 13 2.56x
Sussex 10 0.81x
Anglesey 9 6.90x
Wiltshire 8 1.23x
Lanarkshire 7 0.29x
Hampshire 6 0.40x
Yorkshire 6 0.08x
Worcestershire 5 0.52x
Royal Navy 4 4.56x
Staffordshire 3 0.12x
Cheshire 2 0.12x
Renfrewshire 2 0.35x
Ayrshire 1 0.18x
Cornwall 1 0.12x
Derbyshire 1 0.09x
Midlothian 1 0.10x
Norfolk 1 0.09x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Stoke Damerel in Devon leads with 40 Murchs recorded in 1881 and an index of 37.33x.

Place Total Index
Stoke Damerel 40 37.33x
Plymouth St Andrew 21 17.81x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 20 14.73x
Plymouth Charles The 17 25.20x
Islington London 16 2.24x
Chittlehampton 15 396.83x
Malborough 15 246.31x
Tottenham 15 12.81x
Wolborough 15 77.52x
Crediton 14 96.49x
Everton 13 4.67x
Paignton 12 103.00x
Camberwell 11 2.34x
Dawlish 11 96.32x
Honiton 11 129.87x
St Pancras London 11 1.86x
Totnes 11 122.77x
Willesden 11 15.87x
Brighton 9 3.60x
Combeinteignhead 9 825.69x
Dover St James 9 81.82x
Llanfaelog 9 497.24x
Paddington London 9 3.33x
Shoreditch London 9 2.82x
Watford 9 22.89x
West Teignmouth 9 76.86x
Wimbledon 9 22.37x
Battersea 8 2.96x
Clapham 8 8.70x
Kensington London 8 1.96x
Kenton 8 165.63x
Kingsbridge 8 207.79x
Swansea Higher 8 59.97x
Tormoham 8 12.35x
West Derby 8 3.13x
Bishops Tawton 7 146.44x
Hammersmith London 7 3.86x
Isleworth 7 21.41x
Swansea Town 7 6.67x
Teston 7 853.66x
Bampton 6 127.93x
Bristol St Paul In 6 15.61x
Crigglestone 6 85.47x
Exeter St Mary Steps 6 173.91x
Govan 6 1.02x
Lewisham 6 4.48x
Limehouse London 6 7.43x
Mile End Old Town 6 5.17x
Ashburton 5 68.31x
Bovey Tracey 5 93.28x
Cheetham 5 7.68x
Chigwell 5 36.50x
Cirencester 5 25.60x
Clifton 5 6.86x
Holcombe Burnell 5 909.09x
Kenn 5 210.08x
Kings Norton 5 5.81x
Lambeth 5 0.78x
St George Hanover 5 5.21x
St Marylebone London 5 1.27x
Walthamstow 5 9.57x
West Ham 5 1.56x
Bristol St James St Paul 4 8.32x
Broad Clist 4 75.76x
Bushey 4 33.14x
Charlton Adam 4 380.95x
Clist St Lawrance 4 1333.33x
Guildford St Nicholas 4 63.19x
Horningsham 4 195.12x
Newington 4 1.47x
Royal Navy 4 5.34x
Charlton Mackrell 3 410.96x
Christow 3 202.70x
East Teignmouth 3 47.92x
Exminster 3 54.45x
Holdenhurst 3 7.59x
Loughton 3 41.78x
Ramsgate 3 7.32x
Street 3 46.80x
Tiverton 3 11.38x

Top female names

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

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 60
John 50
James 29
Thomas 22
Henry 20
George 16
Charles 13
Alfred 12
Edward 12
Robert 10
Albert 9
Harry 8
Samuel 8
Walter 7
Arthur 6
Frank 6
Frederick 6
Joseph 6
Alexander 3
Ernest 3
Matthew 3
Richard 3
Spencer 3
Clement 2
Edwin 2
Frederic 2
Herbert 2
Wm. 2
Alf. 1
Alfd. 1
Amos 1
Andrew 1
Authur 1
Bartrum 1
Benjamin 1
Edmund 1
Edwd. 1
Frances 1
Francis 1
Fredrick 1
Geo. 1
Josiah 1
Lawce. 1
Leonard 1
Leopold 1
Lewis 1
Mathew 1
Percy 1
Philip 1
Phillp 1

FAQ

Murch surname: questions and answers

How common was the Murch surname in 1881?

In 1881, 759 people were recorded with the Murch surname. That placed it at #4,869 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Murch surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 872 in 2016. That gives Murch a modern rank of #6,447.

What does the Murch surname mean?

A surname derived from the Old English word 'murc', meaning solemn or serious.

What does the Murch map show?

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