NameCensus.

UK surname

Roan

A habitational surname derived from places named Roan or Rowan, likely referring to a rowan tree or reddish color.

In the 1881 census there were 215 people recorded with the Roan surname, ranking it #12,249 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 308, ranked #14,479, down from #12,249 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Colvend and Southwick, London parishes and Toxteth Park. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Dalbeattie Rural, Fenland and West Neilston and Uplawmoor.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Roan is 314 in 2002. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 43.3%.

1881 census count

215

Ranked #12,249

Modern count

308

2016, ranked #14,479

Peak year

2002

314 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Roan had 215 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #12,249 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 308 in 2016, ranked #14,479.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 268 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Legacy and Demographically Mixed Communities.

Roan surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Roan surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Roan 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 226 #10,797
1881 historical 215 #12,249
1891 historical 258 #12,440
1901 historical 268 #12,553
1911 historical 231 #13,636
1997 modern 297 #13,623
1998 modern 297 #13,967
1999 modern 296 #14,081
2000 modern 295 #14,070
2001 modern 297 #13,816
2002 modern 314 #13,589
2003 modern 299 #13,850
2004 modern 289 #14,219
2005 modern 282 #14,368
2006 modern 276 #14,700
2007 modern 269 #15,123
2008 modern 277 #14,940
2009 modern 288 #14,838
2010 modern 295 #14,911
2011 modern 292 #14,863
2012 modern 305 #14,357
2013 modern 302 #14,690
2014 modern 304 #14,703
2015 modern 313 #14,313
2016 modern 308 #14,479

Geography

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Where Roans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Colvend and Southwick, London parishes, Toxteth Park, Edinburgh and Lambeth. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Dalbeattie Rural, Fenland, West Neilston and Uplawmoor, Crookston South and Northampton. 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 Colvend and Southwick Kirkcudbright
2 London parishes London 3
3 Toxteth Park Lancashire
4 Edinburgh Edinburgh
5 Lambeth London (South Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Dalbeattie Rural Dumfries and Galloway
2 Fenland 006 Fenland
3 West Neilston and Uplawmoor East Renfrewshire
4 Crookston South Glasgow City
5 Northampton 008 Northampton

Forenames

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First names often paired with Roan

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Roan

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Roan, 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

Legacy Communities

Group

Legacy and Demographically Mixed Communities

Nationally, the Roan surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Legacy and Demographically Mixed Communities, within Legacy Communities. This does not mean every Roan household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Households in these areas often include divorced or separated parents and commonly include children and young adults. The age structure is heavily skewed towards the most advanced age groups. Individuals identifying as members of ethnic minorities are not present in large numbers. Flats predominate, with some terraced, semi-detached, and detached units. Multiple car ownership is low, and housing is predominantly in the private and social rented sectors. Employment is less skewed towards traditional routine industrial occupations. Levels of educational attainment are generally low. The Group occurs principally in the Central Lowlands of Scotland and other Scottish towns.

Wider pattern

These neighbourhoods characteristically comprise pockets of flats that are scattered across the UK, particularly in towns that retain or have legacies of heavy industry or are in more remote seaside locations. Employed residents of these neighbourhoods work mainly in low-skilled occupations. Residents typically have limited educational qualifications. Unemployment is above average. Some residents live in overcrowded housing within the social rented sector and experience long-term disability. All adult age groups are represented, although there is an overall age bias towards elderly people in general and the very old in particular. Individuals identifying as belonging to ethnic minorities or Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups are uncommon.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs

Within London, Roan is most associated with areas classed as Terraced and Semi-Detached Suburbs, 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

Mainly concentrated in suburban areas, these terraced and semi-detached developments are less overcrowded than the Supergroup average, and resident households are more likely to own two or more cars. There are fewer residents aged 25-44, and a larger share of residents employed in administrative and secretarial occupations. Residents are more likely to have been born in the UK, less likely to have been born in the EU or Africa, and much less likely to self-identify as Bangladeshi.

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

Roan 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

Roan 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 Roan is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 25-30 mbit/s.

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

5
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Roan

The surname Roan has its roots in England, originating in the early medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word 'roan,' meaning reddish-brown or bay colored, referring to the coat color of horses or cattle. This suggests that the name may have been initially used as a descriptive surname for someone who worked with or owned reddish-brown animals.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as 'Roan.' This document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, was a detailed survey of landholdings and properties across England. The presence of the name in this historical record indicates that it was already in use among the English population during the 11th century.

Over time, the name underwent various spelling variations, including Roane, Rohan, and Rowen. These variations were likely influenced by regional dialects and the evolving nature of the English language. It is also possible that the name may have been influenced by the French spelling 'Rohan,' as the Norman conquest of England in 1066 brought a significant French influence to the English language and naming traditions.

Historically, the name Roan has been associated with various notable individuals. One such figure was Sir Thomas Roan, a prominent merchant and alderman in London during the 16th century. Born around 1520, he played a significant role in the city's governance and trade affairs during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Another notable bearer of the surname was William Roan, an English clergyman and academic who lived in the 17th century. Born in 1618, he served as the Master of Christ's College, Cambridge, and was renowned for his scholarly contributions to theology and philosophy.

In the literary realm, the name Roan is associated with the English poet and playwright Michael Roan, who lived from 1628 to 1700. Although not widely celebrated today, his works provide valuable insights into the cultural and literary landscape of 17th-century England.

Moving into the 18th century, we encounter John Roan, a British naval officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. Born in 1740, he rose to the rank of captain and played a role in several notable naval engagements against the American and French forces.

Lastly, the 19th century saw the prominence of Sir Jonathan Roan, a British industrialist and philanthropist born in 1812. He made significant contributions to the development of the coal mining industry in northern England and was also known for his charitable endeavors, supporting various educational and social initiatives in his local community.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Roan families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Roan 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. Lancashire leads with 31 Roans recorded in 1881 and an index of 1.25x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 31 1.25x
Cumberland 19 10.52x
Gloucestershire 19 4.62x
Kirkcudbrightshire 17 55.99x
Yorkshire 16 0.77x
Northumberland 14 4.49x
Worcestershire 14 5.11x
Middlesex 13 0.62x
Midlothian 12 4.27x
Dumfriesshire 11 23.74x
Surrey 10 0.98x
Durham 8 1.28x
Lanarkshire 8 1.18x
Devon 4 0.92x
Cheshire 3 0.65x
East Lothian 3 10.80x
Essex 3 0.72x
Cambridgeshire 2 1.51x
Shropshire 2 1.10x
Warwickshire 2 0.38x
Angus 1 0.51x
Dunbartonshire 1 1.77x
Glamorgan 1 0.27x
Hampshire 1 0.23x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Colvend in Kirkcudbrightshire leads with 16 Roans recorded in 1881 and an index of 1739.13x.

Place Total Index
Colvend 16 1739.13x
Leeds 14 11.93x
Canonbie 9 456.85x
Gosforth 8 909.09x
Chelsea London 7 11.08x
Gateshead 7 14.98x
Govan 7 4.17x
Newcastle On Tyne St 7 43.26x
Westgate 7 36.23x
Bury 6 21.10x
Edinburgh Canongate 6 83.92x
Lambeth 6 3.28x
Stainton 6 1000.00x
Toxteth Park 6 7.12x
Horfield 5 120.77x
Bredon 4 425.53x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 4 3.54x
Eldersfield 4 930.23x
Forthampton 4 1333.33x
Hasfield 4 2222.22x
Preston 4 6.01x
Worcester St John 4 122.32x
Blackburn 3 4.53x
Liverpool 3 1.98x
Plymouth St Andrew 3 8.92x
Prestonkirk 3 215.83x
St Marylebone London 3 2.68x
Audlem 2 183.49x
Birmingham 2 1.13x
Bootle Cum Linacre 2 10.12x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 2 5.16x
Camberwell 2 1.49x
Chigwell 2 51.15x
Childwall 2 1538.46x
Ely Holy Trinity St Mary 2 34.54x
Gloucester St Mary Crypt 2 317.46x
Islington London 2 0.98x
Kirkpatrick Fleming 2 188.68x
South Leith 2 6.33x
Whistones 2 101.01x
Aspull 1 17.09x
Bradford 1 1.99x
Bristol St Augustine 1 15.06x
Crossmichael 1 104.17x
Darlington 1 4.15x
Egremont 1 23.20x
Ellesmere 1 32.15x
Glasgow 1 0.83x
Hapton 1 64.10x
Horsley 1 54.95x
Hutton In Forest 1 555.56x
Liff Benvie 1 3.39x
Linthorpe 1 8.06x
Liscard 1 11.99x
Navestock 1 166.67x
Newington 1 1.29x
North Meols 1 4.11x
Old Kilpatrick 1 15.02x
Portsmouth 1 10.10x
Rickergate 1 26.18x
Shoreditch London 1 1.10x
Southwark St Saviour 1 9.28x
St Cuthbert Within 1 47.85x
St Mary Within 1 44.25x
Stoke 1 56.50x
Swansea Town 1 3.34x
Whitchurch 1 28.41x
Wigan 1 2.88x
Windle 1 7.14x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 13
Ann 6
Elizabeth 6
Margaret 5
Sarah 4
Ellen 3
Emily 3
Martha 3
Alice 2
Beatrice 2
Clara 2
Eliza 2
Elizth. 2
Isabella 2
Jane 2
Joice 2
Kate 2
Alis 1
Anna 1
Anne 1
Barbara 1
Betsy 1
Catherine 1
Celia 1
Charlott 1
Charlotte 1
Constance 1
Emma 1
Florence 1
Frances 1
Hannah 1
Julia 1
Louisa 1
Lucretia 1
Marion 1
Minnie 1
Rose 1
Susan 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 13
John 10
Charles 8
James 8
Thomas 5
George 4
Henry 4
Michael 4
Robert 3
Francis 2
Frederick 2
Joseph 2
Patrick 2
Samuel 2
Walter 2
Acton 1
Alexander 1
Austin 1
Christopher 1
Edw. 1
Randolph 1
Thos. 1
Wallace 1

FAQ

Roan surname: questions and answers

How common was the Roan surname in 1881?

In 1881, 215 people were recorded with the Roan surname. That placed it at #12,249 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Roan surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 308 in 2016. That gives Roan a modern rank of #14,479.

What does the Roan surname mean?

A habitational surname derived from places named Roan or Rowan, likely referring to a rowan tree or reddish color.

What does the Roan map show?

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