NameCensus.

UK surname

Poyser

An occupational surname derived from the Old French word "peis", meaning weigher or inspector of goods.

In the 1881 census there were 805 people recorded with the Poyser surname, ranking it #4,631 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,136, ranked #5,184, down from #4,631 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to St Peter, Ellastone and Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Derbyshire Dales, Cheshire East and Staffordshire Moorlands.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Poyser is 1,238 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 41.1%.

1881 census count

805

Ranked #4,631

Modern count

1,136

2016, ranked #5,184

Peak year

1999

1,238 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Poyser had 805 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #4,631 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,136 in 2016, ranked #5,184.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,209 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Poyser surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Poyser surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Poyser 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 498 #5,020
1861 historical 431 #5,963
1881 historical 805 #4,631
1891 historical 921 #4,487
1901 historical 1,168 #4,183
1911 historical 1,209 #3,899
1997 modern 1,119 #4,993
1998 modern 1,226 #4,792
1999 modern 1,238 #4,783
2000 modern 1,213 #4,852
2001 modern 1,178 #4,887
2002 modern 1,174 #4,989
2003 modern 1,156 #4,961
2004 modern 1,158 #4,967
2005 modern 1,116 #5,078
2006 modern 1,130 #5,017
2007 modern 1,131 #5,065
2008 modern 1,142 #5,052
2009 modern 1,185 #4,985
2010 modern 1,219 #4,974
2011 modern 1,191 #5,016
2012 modern 1,158 #5,057
2013 modern 1,164 #5,123
2014 modern 1,158 #5,171
2015 modern 1,149 #5,159
2016 modern 1,136 #5,184

Geography

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Where Poysers are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around St Peter, Ellastone, Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, St Werburgh and Manchester. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Derbyshire Dales, Cheshire East, Staffordshire Moorlands and North West Leicestershire. 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 St Peter Derbyshire
2 Ellastone Derbyshire
3 Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard Nottinghamshire
4 St Werburgh Derbyshire
5 Manchester Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Derbyshire Dales 010 Derbyshire Dales
2 Cheshire East 020 Cheshire East
3 Staffordshire Moorlands 001 Staffordshire Moorlands
4 Staffordshire Moorlands 007 Staffordshire Moorlands
5 North West Leicestershire 003 North West Leicestershire

Forenames

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First names often paired with Poyser

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Poyser

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

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Poyser 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

Poyser 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

Poyser 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 Poyser is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Poyser, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Poyser

The surname POYSER originated in England, with its roots dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old French word "poissier," which means "fishmonger" or "fish seller." This suggests that the name was initially an occupational surname, given to individuals who worked in the trade of selling fish.

POYSER is also thought to be linked to the Old English word "puddian," meaning "to make or repair ditches or ponds." This connection indicates that the name could have been associated with those who worked as pond-makers or ditch-diggers, occupations that were essential in medieval times for agriculture and water management.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the POYSER name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire in 1273, where it appears as "Roger le Poysser." This document, which recorded taxpayers' names and holdings, provides valuable insight into the name's early origins and its association with particular areas.

In the 14th century, the POYSER name appeared in various records, such as the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1327, where it was listed as "William le Poysser." This indicates that the name had spread to different regions of England during this period.

Among notable historical figures bearing the POYSER surname, one can mention John Poyser (1512-1578), a wealthy merchant and landowner from Gloucestershire, who was instrumental in the development of the wool trade in the region. Additionally, Thomas Poyser (1624-1688), a Puritan minister and author from Warwickshire, made significant contributions to religious literature during the 17th century.

Another noteworthy individual was William Poyser (1735-1806), a renowned architect from Staffordshire, who designed several notable buildings, including the Lichfield Cathedral's West Front. Mary Poyser (1787-1865), a celebrated author from Derbyshire, is also remembered for her literary works, particularly her novels that explored rural life in England.

In the 19th century, the POYSER name gained further prominence with the birth of James Poyser (1821-1898), a prominent English industrialist and philanthropist from Birmingham. He played a crucial role in the development of the local industry and was renowned for his charitable contributions to various causes.

Throughout its history, the POYSER surname has maintained a strong presence in England, particularly in the Midlands and the surrounding regions. While the name has undergone various spellings over the centuries, it remains a testament to the rich occupational and geographical roots that have shaped its identity.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Poyser families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Poyser 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. Derbyshire leads with 237 Poysers recorded in 1881 and an index of 19.42x.

County Total Index
Derbyshire 237 19.42x
Staffordshire 124 4.71x
Leicestershire 97 11.22x
Lancashire 68 0.74x
Nottinghamshire 68 6.47x
Yorkshire 37 0.48x
Middlesex 34 0.44x
Warwickshire 31 1.58x
Cheshire 25 1.45x
Hertfordshire 15 2.79x
Essex 11 0.72x
Worcestershire 9 0.88x
Cambridgeshire 8 1.62x
Shropshire 8 1.19x
Surrey 5 0.13x
Denbighshire 4 1.36x
Midlothian 4 0.38x
Berkshire 3 0.51x
Hampshire 3 0.19x
Buckinghamshire 1 0.21x
Carmarthenshire 1 0.30x
Kent 1 0.04x
Lincolnshire 1 0.08x
Norfolk 1 0.08x
Northamptonshire 1 0.14x
Oxfordshire 1 0.21x
Somerset 1 0.08x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Ashby De La Zouch in Leicestershire leads with 74 Poysers recorded in 1881 and an index of 369.45x.

Place Total Index
Ashby De La Zouch 74 369.45x
Nottingham St Mary 40 14.72x
Derby St Werburgh 35 49.67x
Derby St Peter 32 82.33x
Birmingham 24 3.66x
Wirksworth 18 162.31x
Macclesfield 16 20.92x
Brightside Bierlow 15 9.90x
Mayfield 14 425.53x
Church Gresley 13 66.98x
Crich 13 163.32x
Cheetham 11 15.95x
Stanton 11 1309.52x
West Ham 11 3.24x
Snenton 10 24.22x
Bradford 9 20.79x
Cheshunt 9 47.92x
Hampstead London 9 7.41x
Leek Lowe 9 25.71x
Bradnop Cawdry 8 677.97x
Ogley Hay 8 146.52x
Sawley 8 217.39x
Stirchley 8 1159.42x
Swarkeston 8 1428.57x
Wisbech St Peter 8 32.31x
Alton 7 247.35x
Aston 7 1.29x
Bestwood Park 7 376.34x
Enfield 7 13.69x
Ramshorn 7 2592.59x
Sheffield 7 2.85x
Stapenhill 7 38.55x
Adel Cum Eccup 6 188.09x
Barkestone 6 740.74x
Hulme 6 3.11x
Mickleover 6 159.15x
Nottingham St Nicholas 6 41.93x
Onecote 6 600.00x
Stoke Upon Trent 6 2.15x
Stretford 6 11.79x
Tansley 6 331.49x
Thorpe 6 1395.35x
Tupton 6 163.49x
Aldenham 5 102.25x
Ardwick 5 5.99x
Bonsall 5 138.12x
Butterton 5 806.45x
Buxton 5 48.40x
Chaddesden 5 306.75x
Derby All Sts 5 49.07x
Eastwell 5 1162.79x
Ellastone 5 666.67x
Hollinsclough 5 537.63x
Measham 5 111.61x
Moss Side 5 10.27x
Oldham 5 1.68x
Osbaston 5 862.07x
Pentrich 5 72.78x
St Pancras London 5 0.80x
Stanton By Bridge 5 1190.48x
Toxteth Park 5 1.60x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 4 0.95x
Horsforth 4 23.63x
Ipstones 4 105.82x
Limehouse London 4 4.68x
Long Eaton 4 24.83x
Matlock 4 24.42x
Northfield 4 20.71x
Salford 4 1.47x
Shirland 4 43.81x
Stone 4 11.89x
Bromley London 3 1.75x
Broughton In Salford 3 3.55x
Burton Upon Trent 3 4.87x
Chapel En Le Frith 3 26.93x
Kingsley 3 61.22x
Kirk Langley 3 165.75x
Leicester St Margaret 3 1.42x
Litchurch 3 6.11x
Portsea 3 0.96x

Top female names

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

Name Count
William 49
John 46
George 38
Joseph 24
Thomas 22
Henry 21
James 15
Charles 13
Samuel 12
Arthur 11
Alfred 10
Frederick 9
Richard 7
Robert 6
Benjamin 5
Edwin 4
Ernest 4
Isaac 4
Ralph 4
Thos. 4
Albert 3
David 3
Francis 3
Reuben 3
Walter 3
Daniel 2
Edgar 2
Edward 2
Frank 2
Geo. 2
H. 2
Jas. 2
Jonathan 2
Mark 2
Matthew 2
Wm. 2
Archie 1
Digby 1
Douglas 1
Fred 1
Frederic 1
Fredk.Walter 1
Fredrick 1
G. 1
Gilbert 1
Israel 1
Jack 1
Janus 1
Josiah 1
Wm.Hy. 1

FAQ

Poyser surname: questions and answers

How common was the Poyser surname in 1881?

In 1881, 805 people were recorded with the Poyser surname. That placed it at #4,631 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Poyser surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,136 in 2016. That gives Poyser a modern rank of #5,184.

What does the Poyser surname mean?

An occupational surname derived from the Old French word "peis", meaning weigher or inspector of goods.

What does the Poyser map show?

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