NameCensus.

UK surname

Philipson

Son of Philip, a patronymic surname of English origin.

In the 1881 census there were 836 people recorded with the Philipson surname, ranking it #4,508 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 873, ranked #6,444, down from #4,508 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Allendale and Bellingham, Wark, Thorneyburn (West Tarset). In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Northumberland, Newcastle upon Tyne and Carlisle.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Philipson is 1,069 in 1901. Compared with 1881, the name has stayed broadly stable by 4.4%.

1881 census count

836

Ranked #4,508

Modern count

873

2016, ranked #6,444

Peak year

1901

1,069 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Philipson had 836 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #4,508 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 873 in 2016, ranked #6,444.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,069 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Philipson surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Philipson surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Philipson 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 651 #3,995
1861 historical 752 #3,640
1881 historical 836 #4,508
1891 historical 923 #4,479
1901 historical 1,069 #4,517
1911 historical 1,068 #4,335
1997 modern 868 #6,137
1998 modern 877 #6,290
1999 modern 882 #6,306
2000 modern 896 #6,195
2001 modern 855 #6,307
2002 modern 841 #6,517
2003 modern 831 #6,451
2004 modern 819 #6,539
2005 modern 814 #6,518
2006 modern 835 #6,394
2007 modern 845 #6,404
2008 modern 853 #6,406
2009 modern 875 #6,413
2010 modern 889 #6,452
2011 modern 878 #6,453
2012 modern 871 #6,404
2013 modern 885 #6,425
2014 modern 893 #6,408
2015 modern 887 #6,386
2016 modern 873 #6,444

Geography

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Where Philipsons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lanchester (Collierley, Kyo, Billingside, Medomsley, Ebchchester, Benfieldside, Heelyfield, Conside, Allendale, Bellingham, Wark, Thorneyburn (West Tarset), Stanhope and Haydon. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Northumberland, Newcastle upon Tyne and Carlisle. 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 Allendale Northumberland
3 Bellingham, Wark, Thorneyburn (West Tarset) Northumberland
4 Stanhope Durham
5 Haydon Northumberland

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Northumberland 040 Northumberland
2 Northumberland 015 Northumberland
3 Newcastle upon Tyne 021 Newcastle upon Tyne
4 Northumberland 038 Northumberland
5 Carlisle 002 Carlisle

Forenames

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First names often paired with Philipson

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Philipson

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

Philipson 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

Philipson falls in decile 7 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.

7
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Philipson

The surname Philipson originated in the British Isles, specifically in England and Scotland. It is a patronymic name, derived from the given name Philip, which comes from the Greek name Philippos, meaning "lover of horses." The name likely emerged during the Middle Ages, when surnames became more widespread in Europe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Philipson surname can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire in 1166, where it appears as Philippesone. This early spelling variation highlights the patronymic nature of the name, indicating "son of Philip."

In the 13th century, there are records of a Richard Philipson in the Hundred Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1273. This suggests that the surname had spread to various parts of England by this time.

The Philipson name has also been linked to place names in England, such as Philipston in Northumberland and Philipstown in County Offaly, Ireland. These place names may have influenced the spelling and pronunciation of the surname over time.

Notable individuals with the surname Philipson include John Philipson (c. 1620-1700), an English clergyman and author of several religious works. Another prominent figure was Robert Philipson (1810-1875), a Scottish painter and etcher known for his landscapes and coastal scenes.

In the 19th century, the Philipson family played a significant role in the development of the mining industry in County Durham, England. William Philipson (1804-1877) and his son, Sir George Hargrave Philipson (1836-1919), were influential mine owners and philanthropists in the region.

Another notable figure was Hilary Philipson (1912-1988), a British actress and writer who appeared in numerous stage productions and television shows throughout her career.

The Philipson surname has a rich history that spans centuries and crosses borders, reflecting the diverse paths taken by those who bear this name. While its origins can be traced back to the British Isles, the Philipson name has undoubtedly left its mark on various communities and industries throughout the world.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Philipson families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Philipson 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. Northumberland leads with 341 Philipsons recorded in 1881 and an index of 28.10x.

County Total Index
Northumberland 341 28.10x
Durham 128 5.28x
Lancashire 102 1.05x
Westmorland 83 46.31x
Yorkshire 54 0.67x
Lincolnshire 41 3.14x
Cumberland 39 5.55x
Middlesex 18 0.22x
Surrey 13 0.33x
Cheshire 4 0.22x
Berkshire 2 0.33x
Devon 2 0.12x
Midlothian 2 0.18x
Roxburghshire 2 1.35x
Warwickshire 2 0.10x
Buckinghamshire 1 0.20x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.09x
Renfrewshire 1 0.16x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Allendale in Northumberland leads with 166 Philipsons recorded in 1881 and an index of 1475.56x.

Place Total Index
Allendale 166 1475.56x
Stanhope 60 239.52x
Egton Cum Newland 19 676.16x
Preston 18 6.95x
Wark 17 1188.81x
Levens 16 606.06x
Haydon 15 225.90x
Mickley 14 365.54x
Prudhoe 14 165.88x
Bradford 13 6.65x
Coxlodge 13 140.85x
Briery Cottages 12 4615.38x
Kendal 12 36.57x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 11 10.47x
Jesmond 11 64.44x
Kirkland 11 287.96x
Newcastle On Tyne St 11 17.49x
Langdale 10 487.80x
Elswick 9 9.29x
Scalthwaiterigg 9 989.01x
Westgate 9 11.98x
Helmington Row 8 70.80x
Hexham 8 42.60x
Tynemouth 8 12.31x
Bellingham 7 344.83x
Birkdale 7 28.59x
Crook Billy Row 7 22.53x
Dacre 7 258.30x
Heddon On Wall 7 472.97x
Ryton 7 82.06x
Barnetby Le Wold 6 253.16x
Colton 6 119.05x
Croft 6 283.02x
Hackney London 6 1.31x
Hugill 6 550.46x
Oldham 6 1.92x
Over Staveley 6 294.12x
Sunderland 6 14.00x
Thornbrough 6 2857.14x
Wavertree 6 19.37x
Whitechapel London 6 7.46x
Winlaton 6 25.77x
Barnby On Don 5 324.68x
Barrow In Furness 5 3.80x
Bermondsey 5 2.06x
Gateshead 5 2.75x
Glentworth 5 485.44x
Lower Upper Holker 5 378.79x
Todmorden Walsden 5 19.29x
Wolsingham 5 22.61x
Attercliffe Cum Darnall 4 5.31x
Auckland St Andrew 4 62.40x
Benwell 4 30.17x
Binbrooke 4 123.08x
Blackburn 4 1.55x
Brigham 4 120.48x
Horncastle 4 29.72x
Pelton 4 34.66x
Penrith 4 15.42x
St Cuthbert W O 4 11.69x
Whitfield 4 481.93x
Alston 3 23.18x
Ashby 3 73.53x
Beetham 3 108.70x
Bickerstaffe 3 47.39x
Burradon In Tynemouth 3 96.77x
Goole 3 22.16x
Great Grimsby 3 3.62x
Handsworth 3 14.04x
Hessle In Sculcoates 3 42.02x
Kirkdale 3 1.84x
Lambeth 3 0.42x
Manchester 3 0.69x
Ossett Cum Gawthorpe 3 10.39x
Rochester 3 315.79x
Skinningrove 3 60.48x
Whitgift 3 294.12x
Worsbrough 3 12.67x
Huddersfield 2 1.70x
Shoreditch London 2 0.57x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 81
Elizabeth 40
Jane 40
Margaret 35
Sarah 24
Ann 18
Hannah 17
Annie 13
Isabella 13
Ellen 7
Frances 7
Agnes 6
Alice 5
Edith 5
Eliza 5
Ada 4
Catherine 4
Martha 4
Anne 3
Caroline 3
Elizth. 3
Louisa 3
Rebecca 3
Betsy 2
Charlotte 2
Deborah 2
Dora 2
Emily 2
Emma 2
Francis 2
Grace 2
Judith 2
Kate 2
Lavenia 2
Lucy 2
Mabel 2
Margret 2
Margt. 2
Mgt. 2
Ruth 2
Susannah 2
Blanche 1
Bridget 1
E.M. 1
Eleanor 1
Elenor 1
Harriet 1
Harriett 1
Hortense 1
Tamar 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 79
Thomas 58
William 42
Joseph 28
George 27
James 22
Robert 19
Edward 11
Henry 11
Ralph 6
Alfred 5
Richard 5
Christopher 4
Frederick 4
Francis 3
Frank 3
Harry 3
Isaac 3
Joshua 3
Matthew 3
Nicholas 3
Albert 2
Arthur 2
Charles 2
David 2
Dryden 2
Harland 2
Hilton 2
J. 2
Anthony 1
Aquillia 1
Brown 1
Ephraim 1
F. 1
Fiule 1
Fredk. 1
Geo.C. 1
Harris 1
Hindmarch 1
Jane 1
Jasper 1
Jonathan 1
Jonathon 1
Leonard 1
Maddison 1
Matthhew 1
Peter 1
Philip 1
Phillip 1
Wm.Pots 1

FAQ

Philipson surname: questions and answers

How common was the Philipson surname in 1881?

In 1881, 836 people were recorded with the Philipson surname. That placed it at #4,508 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Philipson surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 873 in 2016. That gives Philipson a modern rank of #6,444.

What does the Philipson surname mean?

Son of Philip, a patronymic surname of English origin.

What does the Philipson map show?

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