NameCensus.

UK surname

Pester

An English surname derived from Old French meaning "baker" or "kneader of dough".

In the 1881 census there were 332 people recorded with the Pester surname, ranking it #9,058 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 275, ranked #15,720, down from #9,058 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Willesden, Rose Ash and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Plymouth, Wiltshire and Bournemouth.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Pester is 448 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 17.2%.

1881 census count

332

Ranked #9,058

Modern count

275

2016, ranked #15,720

Peak year

1911

448 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Pester had 332 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #9,058 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 275 in 2016, ranked #15,720.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 448 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Pester surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Pester surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Pester 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 245 #8,920
1861 historical 280 #8,953
1881 historical 332 #9,058
1891 historical 342 #10,023
1901 historical 394 #9,579
1911 historical 448 #8,538
1997 modern 337 #12,522
1998 modern 341 #12,761
1999 modern 335 #12,993
2000 modern 328 #13,129
2001 modern 323 #13,083
2002 modern 338 #12,939
2003 modern 320 #13,239
2004 modern 328 #13,058
2005 modern 324 #13,108
2006 modern 287 #14,295
2007 modern 285 #14,527
2008 modern 280 #14,823
2009 modern 287 #14,877
2010 modern 290 #15,096
2011 modern 290 #14,933
2012 modern 273 #15,546
2013 modern 288 #15,192
2014 modern 287 #15,342
2015 modern 279 #15,527
2016 modern 275 #15,720

Geography

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Where Pesters are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Willesden, Rose Ash, London parishes, St Thomas the Apostle, Whitestone and Budleigh, East. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Plymouth, Wiltshire, Bournemouth, Bromley and South Somerset. 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 Willesden Middlesex (Exclusive Of London Districts)
2 Rose Ash Devon
3 London parishes London 3
4 St Thomas the Apostle, Whitestone Devon
5 Budleigh, East Devon

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Plymouth 028 Plymouth
2 Wiltshire 050 Wiltshire
3 Bournemouth 004 Bournemouth
4 Bromley 027 Bromley
5 South Somerset 003 South Somerset

Forenames

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First names often paired with Pester

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Pester

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

Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs

Group

Professional Periphery

Within London, Pester is most associated with areas classed as Professional Periphery, part of Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs. 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 neighbourhoods predominantly house residents aged 45+, with many aged 85+. Most employed residents work in senior roles, and relatively few work in unskilled jobs. Terraced housing is comparatively rare, but communal living is more common. More residents identify as of Indian ethnicity and more affiliate with non-Christian religions. Disability levels are below the Supergroup average.

Wider London pattern

The age distribution of these neighbourhoods is skewed towards the middle-aged and old, although few residents live alone or in communal establishments and numbers of dependent children are around average. Owner occupation is the norm, as is residence in detached or semi-detached houses. Residential densities are low and many households have spare rooms. Most residents were born in the UK and, aside from some identifying as members of Chinese or Indian ethnicities, identify as White. Mixed ethnicity households are rare. Incidence of married couples is higher than average and few individuals have never been married. A large proportion of individuals still in employment work in administrative and secretarial occupations, or in the construction industry. Few residents are students, and many households own more than one car.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Pester is most concentrated in decile 2 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.

2
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Pester falls in decile 6 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.

6
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Pester

The surname Pester originated in Germany and can be traced back to the late 14th century. It is believed to have derived from the Middle High German word "pfistern," which means "to whisper." This suggests that the name may have been given to someone who was known for whispering or speaking quietly.

One of the earliest known references to the name Pester can be found in the town records of Nürnberg, Germany, where a family with this surname was mentioned in 1387. The name was also present in other German regions, such as Bavaria and Saxony, during the 15th and 16th centuries.

In the 16th century, the name Pester appeared in various forms, including Pfister, Pfyster, and Pfeister, reflecting the regional variations in spelling and pronunciation. Some of these variations were likely influenced by the place names where the families lived, such as Pfister from the town of Pfistern.

Among the notable historical figures with the surname Pester is Johann Pester (1541-1612), a German theologian and reformer who played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation. Another prominent individual was Hans Pester (1567-1634), a German artist and engraver known for his intricate woodcuts and engravings.

In the 17th century, the name Pester gained recognition in England, where it was often anglicized as "Pester." One notable example is John Pester (1628-1701), an English merchant and politician who served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1691.

During the 18th century, the surname Pester spread to other parts of Europe, including France and the Netherlands. In France, a notable figure was François Pester (1738-1812), a French military officer who served in the French Revolutionary Wars.

The 19th century saw the name Pester become more prominent in the United States, with several individuals bearing this surname making significant contributions. One such individual was William Pester (1820-1895), an American businessman and philanthropist who founded the Pester Manufacturing Company in Pennsylvania.

Throughout its history, the surname Pester has been associated with various occupations and professions, including theology, art, politics, military service, and business. While the name's origins can be traced back to Germany, it has since spread across Europe and beyond, reflecting the diverse paths taken by those who bear this distinctive surname.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Pester families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Pester 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. Somerset leads with 101 Pesters recorded in 1881 and an index of 18.98x.

County Total Index
Somerset 101 18.98x
Devon 73 10.61x
Middlesex 46 1.39x
Dorset 30 13.82x
Monmouthshire 22 9.20x
Surrey 12 0.74x
Gloucestershire 10 1.54x
Staffordshire 9 0.81x
Hampshire 7 1.03x
Channel Islands 6 6.12x
Flintshire 6 6.75x
Kent 6 0.53x
Lancashire 3 0.08x
Glamorgan 2 0.35x
Yorkshire 2 0.06x
Cornwall 1 0.27x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.22x
Oxfordshire 1 0.49x
Suffolk 1 0.25x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Willesden in Middlesex leads with 16 Pesters recorded in 1881 and an index of 51.33x.

Place Total Index
Willesden 16 51.33x
Othery 13 2000.00x
Stoke Damerel 13 26.99x
Aberystruth 12 56.95x
Upper Machen 10 609.76x
Glastonbury 9 207.37x
Hampstead London 9 17.48x
Keynsham 9 235.60x
West Bromwich 9 14.08x
Whitestone 8 1538.46x
Fivehead 7 1489.36x
Lambeth 7 2.43x
Rose Ash 7 1228.07x
Withiel Florey 7 2333.33x
Exeter St Sidwell 6 38.07x
Holdenhurst 6 33.75x
Northop 6 190.48x
Powerstock 6 645.16x
Shipton George 6 1714.29x
St Michaelinthe Vale 6 171.43x
West Coker 6 555.56x
Barnstaple 5 46.30x
Bickenhall 5 2500.00x
Bristol St Mary Le Port 5 4166.67x
Chideock 5 657.89x
Poplar London 5 8.01x
Somerton 5 230.41x
Walton On Thames 5 67.57x
White Lackington 5 1562.50x
Curry Rivell 4 224.72x
Dalwood 4 851.06x
Dinnington 4 2222.22x
Halstock 4 800.00x
Hammersmith London 4 4.91x
Misterton 4 533.33x
Wellington 4 55.40x
Deptford St Paul 3 3.45x
East Budleigh 3 92.59x
Fremington 3 214.29x
Kirkdale 3 4.54x
Lewisham 3 4.99x
Lopen 3 750.00x
Plymouth St Andrew 3 5.66x
Portland 3 25.71x
Tiverton 3 25.30x
Askerswell 2 833.33x
Barrow Gurney 2 571.43x
Beaminster 2 82.99x
Bristol St James St Paul 2 9.25x
Chelsea London 2 2.01x
East Chinnock 2 303.03x
East Stonehouse 2 14.75x
Exford 2 384.62x
Gloucester St Nicholas 2 66.67x
Kenton 2 92.17x
Mile End Old Town 2 3.83x
Newcastle Lower 2 166.67x
St Luke London 2 3.77x
St Marylebone London 2 1.13x
Ashwick 1 116.28x
Bethnal Green London 1 0.70x
Bridgewater 1 6.92x
Bridport 1 22.37x
Closworth 1 714.29x
Cuddesdon 1 178.57x
Ditcheat 1 109.89x
Dundry 1 156.25x
Exeter St Olave 1 112.36x
Exeter St Thomas The 1 14.25x
Great Bealings 1 312.50x
Kewstoke 1 119.05x
Linthorpe 1 5.12x
Littleham 1 19.88x
Paddington London 1 0.82x
Pilton 1 78.74x
Poughill 1 344.83x
St Pancras London 1 0.38x
Weston 1 24.45x
Wolborough 1 11.49x
Yeovil 1 9.24x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 23
Elizabeth 13
Ann 12
Emma 9
Sarah 8
Eliza 7
Ellen 7
Emily 7
Susan 7
Hannah 6
Ada 4
Annie 4
Florence 4
Harriet 3
Hester 3
Louisa 3
Lucy 3
Maria 3
Martha 3
Matilda 3
Alice 2
Beatrice 2
Bessie 2
Elizth. 2
Fanny 2
Jane 2
Margaret 2
Sabrina 2
Agnes 1
Angelina 1
Anne 1
Betsy 1
Catherine 1
Clara 1
Dorcas 1
Edith 1
Elisea 1
Flora 1
Francis 1
Hagar 1
Honor 1
Ivelta 1
Janet 1
Jemima 1
Kate 1
Lizzie 1
Lotta 1
Lydia 1
Maryann 1
Thursa 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 21
William 18
George 17
James 12
Henry 11
Thomas 9
Edwin 8
Joseph 5
Richard 4
Alfred 3
Frederick 3
Simon 3
Walter 3
Arthur 2
Charles 2
Frank 2
Fredk. 2
Mathew 2
Robert 2
Wm. 2
Albert 1
Daniel 1
Edward 1
Eli 1
Ellwyn 1
Emmanuel 1
Ernest 1
Frances 1
Fred 1
Fredk.R. 1
Fredrick 1
Geo. 1
Gilbert 1
Harriet 1
Harry 1
Herbert 1
Hugh 1
Job 1
Joe 1
Matthew 1
Percival 1
Peter 1
Samuel 1
Tom 1
Wilfred 1

FAQ

Pester surname: questions and answers

How common was the Pester surname in 1881?

In 1881, 332 people were recorded with the Pester surname. That placed it at #9,058 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Pester surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 275 in 2016. That gives Pester a modern rank of #15,720.

What does the Pester surname mean?

An English surname derived from Old French meaning "baker" or "kneader of dough".

What does the Pester map show?

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