NameCensus.

UK surname

Netherton

A locational surname referring to someone from any of the various places called Netherton in England.

In the 1881 census there were 275 people recorded with the Netherton surname, ranking it #10,330 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 388, ranked #12,133, down from #10,330 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, St Austell and Lanlivery. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Kingston upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire and Cornwall.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Netherton is 432 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 41.1%.

1881 census count

275

Ranked #10,330

Modern count

388

2016, ranked #12,133

Peak year

1999

432 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Netherton had 275 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,330 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 388 in 2016, ranked #12,133.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 376 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Netherton surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Netherton surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Netherton 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 216 #9,818
1861 historical 263 #9,423
1881 historical 275 #10,330
1891 historical 323 #10,480
1901 historical 354 #10,347
1911 historical 376 #9,736
1997 modern 401 #10,989
1998 modern 427 #10,825
1999 modern 432 #10,827
2000 modern 411 #11,185
2001 modern 403 #11,163
2002 modern 422 #11,002
2003 modern 412 #11,026
2004 modern 397 #11,345
2005 modern 386 #11,493
2006 modern 389 #11,476
2007 modern 397 #11,433
2008 modern 394 #11,622
2009 modern 402 #11,682
2010 modern 422 #11,493
2011 modern 409 #11,663
2012 modern 379 #12,192
2013 modern 389 #12,177
2014 modern 399 #12,030
2015 modern 399 #11,928
2016 modern 388 #12,133

Geography

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Where Nethertons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, St Austell, Lanlivery, Fowey 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 Kingston upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire, Cornwall and Plymouth. 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 St Austell Cornwall
3 Lanlivery Cornwall
4 Fowey Cornwall
5 Plymouth St Charles the Martyr Devon

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Kingston upon Hull 030 Kingston upon Hull, City of
2 North East Lincolnshire 019 North East Lincolnshire
3 Cornwall 031 Cornwall
4 Kingston upon Hull 031 Kingston upon Hull, City of
5 Plymouth 031 Plymouth

Forenames

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First names often paired with Netherton

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Netherton

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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Netherton 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

Netherton 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

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

Meaning and origin of Netherton

The surname Netherton has its origins in England, dating back to the 11th century. It is a locational name, derived from various places called Netherton, which means "lower town" or "town in the valley." The name is found in several counties across England, including Lancashire, Yorkshire, Worcestershire, and Northumberland.

One of the earliest recorded references to the surname Netherton can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a survey of land ownership and taxation commissioned by William the Conqueror. The Domesday Book mentions a place called "Netretun" in Worcestershire, which is believed to be the origin of the surname.

In the 13th century, the surname Netherton appeared in various records and documents, such as the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire and the Assize Rolls of Lancashire. These early records showcase the varying spellings of the name, including Nethertown, Netherlon, and Netherton.

One notable figure in history with the surname Netherton was Sir John Netherton, who lived during the 14th century. He was a member of the English gentry and held lands in Northumberland. Another early bearer of the name was William Netherton, who was mentioned in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1327.

In the 16th century, the surname Netherton gained prominence with the birth of Robert Netherton (1543-1609), an English churchman and academic who served as the Master of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. Another notable figure from this period was Thomas Netherton (1570-1635), a clergyman and author who wrote several religious works.

The 17th century saw the birth of Samuel Netherton (1625-1690), a English Puritan minister and author who published several theological treatises. His contemporary, John Netherton (1635-1705), was a merchant and landowner in Lancashire, known for his extensive property holdings in the region.

In the 18th century, the surname Netherton continued to be found in various parts of England. One notable bearer of the name was William Netherton (1718-1792), a prominent merchant and landowner in Yorkshire, who played a significant role in the local economy and politics.

Throughout its history, the surname Netherton has been associated with various place names and their variations, such as Nether Town, Netherlon, and Netherton itself. The name has been carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including clergy, academics, merchants, and landowners, reflecting the rich tapestry of England's cultural and social fabric.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Netherton families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Netherton 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. Cornwall leads with 83 Nethertons recorded in 1881 and an index of 26.46x.

County Total Index
Cornwall 83 26.46x
Devon 81 14.05x
Lancashire 20 0.61x
Middlesex 20 0.72x
Surrey 13 0.96x
Durham 12 1.46x
Cheshire 9 1.47x
Essex 9 1.65x
Channel Islands 8 9.75x
Lincolnshire 8 1.81x
Montgomeryshire 5 7.88x
Yorkshire 5 0.18x
Suffolk 4 1.19x
Gloucestershire 2 0.37x
Midlothian 1 0.27x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.27x
Royal Navy 1 3.03x
Somerset 1 0.22x
Warwickshire 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. Plymouth St Andrew in Devon leads with 21 Nethertons recorded in 1881 and an index of 47.28x.

Place Total Index
Plymouth St Andrew 21 47.28x
Lanlivery 15 1136.36x
Plymouth Charles The 12 47.24x
Holbeton 11 1037.74x
Tanfield 11 112.24x
East Stonehouse 9 79.23x
Fowey 9 625.00x
St Austell 9 83.96x
West Ham 9 7.45x
Great Grimsby 8 28.46x
Tywardreath 8 398.01x
Witton Cum Twambrooks 8 147.06x
Liskeard 7 133.33x
Lostwithel 7 786.52x
Plympton St Mary 7 210.21x
St Peter Port 7 46.08x
Croydon 6 8.01x
St Pancras London 6 2.69x
St Winnow 6 560.75x
Bodmin 5 96.34x
Brixham 5 74.85x
Hornsey 5 14.27x
Islington London 5 1.86x
Liverpool 5 2.50x
Llanrhaiadr Ym Mochnant 5 243.90x
Toxteth Park 5 4.49x
Newton Ferrers 4 597.01x
St Kew 4 380.95x
Woodbridge 4 92.81x
Bermondsey 3 3.64x
Holy Trinity 3 4.54x
Kenwyn 3 36.59x
Kirkdale 3 5.43x
Lambeth 3 1.24x
Sheviock 3 566.04x
Stoke 3 128.76x
West Derby 3 3.12x
Westminster St 3 29.38x
Kingstonupon Hull 2 90.91x
Pendleton In Salford 2 5.11x
St Sampson 2 869.57x
Altrincham 1 9.35x
Caterham 1 16.75x
Cornwood 1 90.91x
Devonport 1 15.08x
Edinburgh Tolbooth 1 46.30x
Elvet 1 16.81x
Exeter St Leonard 1 63.29x
Ilfracombe 1 16.84x
Lanhydrock 1 555.56x
Lanivet 1 102.04x
Leamington Priors 1 5.82x
Lyncombe Widcombe 1 8.56x
Madron Penzance 1 8.76x
North Meols 1 3.11x
Northam 1 23.81x
Nottingham St Mary 1 1.04x
Painswick 1 26.04x
Prestwich 1 12.20x
Royal Navy 1 3.54x
South Petherwin 1 128.21x
St Helier 1 3.74x
St Marylebone London 1 0.68x
Stoke Damerel 1 2.48x
Stonehouse East 1 34.13x
Truro St Mary 1 37.88x
Werrington 1 161.29x
Winterbourne 1 33.33x
Yealmpton 1 113.64x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Elizabeth 17
Mary 16
Jane 13
Eliza 10
Sarah 8
Emma 7
Ellen 5
Ann 4
Emily 4
Grace 4
Hannah 4
Anne 3
Bessie 3
Catherine 3
Charlotte 3
Harriet 3
Louisa 3
Amelia 2
Florence 2
Matilda 2
Susan 2
Catharine 1
Cathrine 1
Clara 1
Eliz.B. 1
Ethel 1
Eugenie 1
Fanny 1
Isabella 1
Jonah 1
Kate 1
Katie 1
Laura 1
Leila 1
Lilian 1
Lillie 1
Lily 1
Lucilla 1
Lucy 1
Lydia 1
Mable 1
Margaret 1
Margrett 1
Maria 1
Martha 1
Miriam 1
Myra 1
Nelley 1
Obiah 1
Victoria 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 23
John 17
Henry 8
Charles 7
George 7
James 6
Richard 6
Samuel 6
Joseph 4
Thomas 4
Edward 3
Albert 2
Ernest 2
Fredk. 2
Fredrick 2
Robert 2
Wm. 2
Abert 1
Alfd. 1
Alfred 1
Arthur 1
Benjamin 1
Edgar 1
Edwin 1
Fred 1
Frederick 1
Harry 1
Herbert 1
Jarvis 1
Josephine 1
Leonard 1
Manuel 1
Nicholas 1
Ricard 1
Septimus 1
Theodore 1
Thos. 1
Wm.H. 1

FAQ

Netherton surname: questions and answers

How common was the Netherton surname in 1881?

In 1881, 275 people were recorded with the Netherton surname. That placed it at #10,330 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Netherton surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 388 in 2016. That gives Netherton a modern rank of #12,133.

What does the Netherton surname mean?

A locational surname referring to someone from any of the various places called Netherton in England.

What does the Netherton map show?

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