UK surname
Of French origin, meaning ruler or prince.
In the 1881 census there were 84 people recorded with the Prin surname, ranking it #21,690 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 48, ranked #35,004, down from #21,690 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Exeter St David (including Castle Yard), Portsmouth, Portsea and Bedwelty. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Prin is 159 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 42.9%.
1881 census count
84
Ranked #21,690
Modern count
48
2016, ranked #35,004
Peak year
1861
159 bearers
Map years
3
1851 to 1891
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Prin surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Prin surname density by area, 1891 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe 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 | 114 | #15,716 |
| 1861 | historical | 159 | #14,553 |
| 1881 | historical | 84 | #21,690 |
| 1891 | historical | 111 | #22,421 |
| 1901 | historical | 89 | #24,154 |
| 1911 | historical | 93 | #23,492 |
| 1997 | modern | 58 | #31,831 |
| 1998 | modern | 58 | #32,138 |
| 1999 | modern | 63 | #31,798 |
| 2000 | modern | 54 | #32,710 |
| 2001 | modern | 52 | #32,764 |
| 2002 | modern | 57 | #32,661 |
| 2003 | modern | 48 | #33,533 |
| 2004 | modern | 45 | #33,957 |
| 2005 | modern | 45 | #34,160 |
| 2006 | modern | 47 | #34,335 |
| 2007 | modern | 44 | #34,760 |
| 2008 | modern | 42 | #34,994 |
| 2009 | modern | 46 | #34,918 |
| 2010 | modern | 49 | #34,886 |
| 2011 | modern | 46 | #35,047 |
| 2012 | modern | 48 | #34,938 |
| 2013 | modern | 50 | #34,891 |
| 2014 | modern | 50 | #34,927 |
| 2015 | modern | 51 | #34,834 |
| 2016 | modern | 48 | #35,004 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Exeter St David (including Castle Yard), Portsmouth, Portsea, Bedwelty, Kenwyn, Tregavethan and Liskeard, St Cleer. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exeter St David (including Castle Yard) | Devon |
| 2 | Portsmouth, Portsea | Hampshire |
| 3 | Bedwelty | Monmouthshire |
| 4 | Kenwyn, Tregavethan | Cornwall |
| 5 | Liskeard, St Cleer | Cornwall |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Prin surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Prin, 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
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Prin surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Prin household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Prin is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Prin is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Prin, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname PRIN originated in France during the medieval period, specifically in the region of Normandy. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word "pren," which means "to take" or "to seize." This suggests that the name may have been given to someone who had a tendency to take or seize things, possibly a tax collector or a soldier.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the PRIN surname appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, a great survey commissioned by William the Conqueror to record land ownership and wealth in England. The name is listed as "Prin," indicating its Norman origins.
During the 12th century, the PRIN family established itself in various parts of France, including Brittany and Anjou. In 1187, a knight named Raoul PRIN fought in the Third Crusade under the command of Richard the Lionheart.
In the 13th century, the PRIN name was associated with several notable figures. Philippe PRIN (1210-1278) was a French philosopher and theologian who taught at the University of Paris. Jean PRIN (1233-1291) was a prominent architect who oversaw the construction of several churches and castles in the Loire Valley.
During the 14th century, the PRIN family expanded its influence in the region of Burgundy. In 1342, a nobleman named Hugues PRIN was recorded as the Lord of Beaune, a prestigious title at the time.
The 15th century saw the emergence of a renowned PRIN family in the city of Lyon. Antoine PRIN (1431-1498) was a successful merchant and banker who played a significant role in the city's economic development. His son, Jacques PRIN (1470-1529), followed in his footsteps and became a prominent figure in the silk trade.
In the 16th century, the PRIN name gained recognition in the realm of literature. François PRIN (1524-1591) was a celebrated poet and playwright who authored several works inspired by classical Greek and Roman literature.
Throughout its history, the PRIN surname has been associated with various place names and older spellings. For instance, the village of Pringy in eastern France was once known as "Prigny," reflecting the surname's evolution over time.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Prin surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Devon leads with 18 Prins recorded in 1881 and an index of 10.95x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Devon | 18 | 10.95x |
| Middlesex | 18 | 2.28x |
| Cornwall | 16 | 17.89x |
| Shropshire | 7 | 10.26x |
| Surrey | 6 | 1.56x |
| Hertfordshire | 5 | 9.18x |
| Northumberland | 3 | 2.55x |
| Lanarkshire | 2 | 0.78x |
| Lincolnshire | 2 | 1.58x |
| Berkshire | 1 | 1.69x |
| Gloucestershire | 1 | 0.65x |
| Hampshire | 1 | 0.62x |
| Monmouthshire | 1 | 1.75x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Menheniot in Cornwall leads with 12 Prins recorded in 1881 and an index of 3243.24x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Menheniot | 12 | 3243.24x |
| Bethnal Green London | 8 | 23.31x |
| Ludlow St Lawrence | 7 | 514.71x |
| Plymouth St Andrew | 6 | 47.36x |
| Exeter Allhallows On The | 5 | 1851.85x |
| Little Hadham | 5 | 2173.91x |
| Exeter Holy Trinity | 4 | 625.00x |
| Hackney London | 4 | 9.03x |
| Lambeth | 4 | 5.81x |
| Cramlington | 3 | 193.55x |
| Kenwyn | 3 | 128.21x |
| St Pancras London | 3 | 4.72x |
| Glasgow | 2 | 4.41x |
| Great Grimsby | 2 | 24.94x |
| Shoreditch London | 2 | 5.84x |
| Bray | 1 | 57.47x |
| Budock | 1 | 149.25x |
| Camberwell | 1 | 1.98x |
| Cheltenham | 1 | 8.37x |
| Exeter St Sidwell | 1 | 26.53x |
| Godalming | 1 | 41.32x |
| Monmouth | 1 | 66.23x |
| Plymouth Charles The | 1 | 13.81x |
| Portsea | 1 | 3.15x |
| Stoke Newington London | 1 | 16.26x |
| Tavistock | 1 | 53.48x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Prin surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Prin surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Prin households.
| Occupation | Count |
|---|---|
| Scholar | 12 |
| Annuitant | 2 |
| Coachsmith & Spring Maker | 2 |
| Coalminer | 2 |
| Domestic Servant | 2 |
| Milliner | 2 |
| (Ag) Labourer | 1 |
| Barmaid | 1 |
| Beer Retailer | 1 |
| Blacksmith | 1 |
| Boot & Shoe Maker | 1 |
| Cab Proprietor | 1 |
| Cabinet Maker | 1 |
| Coach Builder | 1 |
| Coach Wheelerwright Carrieage Maker | 1 |
| Commander R N Retired | 1 |
| Copper Miner | 1 |
| Drapers Assistant | 1 |
| Drapery Warehouseman | 1 |
| Fancy Cabinet Mkr | 1 |
| Farm Serv (Indoor) | 1 |
| General Laborer | 1 |
| General Servant | 1 |
| Hair Dresser | 1 |
| Hair Dressers Wife | 1 |
| Lab | 1 |
| Laborer | 1 |
| Labourer General | 1 |
| Lead Miner | 1 |
| Lighterman | 1 |
| Mason | 1 |
| Painter House | 1 |
| Printer Compositor | 1 |
| Retired Beer Seller | 1 |
| Upholsterer | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 84 people were recorded with the Prin surname. That placed it at #21,690 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 48 in 2016. That gives Prin a modern rank of #35,004.
Of French origin, meaning ruler or prince.
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Prin bearers relative to the surrounding population.
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.