NameCensus.

UK surname

Rockley

A surname derived from a rocky meadow or clearing.

In the 1881 census there were 343 people recorded with the Rockley surname, ranking it #8,889 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 386, ranked #12,202, down from #8,889 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Basford, Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard and Nottingham St Mary. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Gedling and Nottingham.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Rockley is 525 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 12.5%.

1881 census count

343

Ranked #8,889

Modern count

386

2016, ranked #12,202

Peak year

1911

525 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Rockley had 343 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #8,889 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 386 in 2016, ranked #12,202.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 525 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Inner Suburbs and Small Town Living.

Rockley surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Rockley surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Rockley 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 194 #10,662
1861 historical 317 #8,031
1881 historical 343 #8,889
1891 historical 421 #8,502
1901 historical 509 #7,954
1911 historical 525 #7,551
1997 modern 412 #10,759
1998 modern 431 #10,754
1999 modern 431 #10,840
2000 modern 438 #10,669
2001 modern 426 #10,697
2002 modern 435 #10,736
2003 modern 420 #10,862
2004 modern 419 #10,903
2005 modern 420 #10,781
2006 modern 420 #10,816
2007 modern 410 #11,162
2008 modern 404 #11,374
2009 modern 403 #11,659
2010 modern 418 #11,582
2011 modern 412 #11,593
2012 modern 400 #11,726
2013 modern 405 #11,813
2014 modern 404 #11,906
2015 modern 389 #12,165
2016 modern 386 #12,202

Geography

Back to top

Where Rockleys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Basford, Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, Nottingham St Mary, Ratcliffe-on-Trent and Arnold. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Gedling and Nottingham. 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 Basford Nottinghamshire
2 Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard Nottinghamshire
3 Nottingham St Mary Nottinghamshire
4 Ratcliffe-on-Trent Nottinghamshire
5 Arnold Nottinghamshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Gedling 002 Gedling
2 Gedling 004 Gedling
3 Gedling 006 Gedling
4 Gedling 005 Gedling
5 Nottingham 006 Nottingham

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Rockley

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

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Rockley

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

Inner Suburbs and Small Town Living

Nationally, the Rockley surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Inner Suburbs and Small Town Living, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Rockley household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Families with resident dependent children (but not students) are common. Established family groups and White ethnicity predominate, as do individuals born in the UK. They are more likely than the Supergroup average to have been resident in their terraced, semi-detached, or detached houses for more than one year. Levels of multiple car ownership are high. Properties are owned and typically have surplus living space. Associate professionals and administrative occupations are prevalent, and parents are likely to be in middle age or approaching retirement. Educational attainment is above the Supergroup average. Scattered developments and concentrations are found in many small towns.

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

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Rockley is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. 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 residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Rockley is most concentrated in decile 9 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier 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.

9
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Rockley falls in decile 4 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.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Rockley

The surname Rockley is of English origin, and it is believed to have originated in the medieval period, around the 13th or 14th century. The name is derived from a place name, likely referring to a locality that was rocky or situated near a rocky area.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Rockley can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex, dating back to 1296. This historical record mentions a person named John de Rockelee, indicating that the name was in use during that time period.

In the 15th century, the surname appeared in various forms, including Rokeley, Rokelay, and Rockley. These variations in spelling were common during that era, as standardized spelling conventions had not yet been established.

The name Rockley is also associated with several notable individuals throughout history. In the 16th century, there was a Sir Ralph Rockley (c. 1495-1550), who served as a Member of Parliament for Lincolnshire in 1545. Another individual of note was John Rockley (1630-1695), an English clergyman who served as the Rector of Bodenham in Herefordshire.

In the 18th century, the Rockley surname was linked to a prominent family in Worcestershire. Notable members included Thomas Rockley (1711-1780), who was a landowner and Justice of the Peace, and his son, Thomas Rockley (1744-1814), who followed in his father's footsteps as a landowner and served as a Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire.

Another individual with the Rockley surname was William Rockley (1750-1825), a British naval officer who served during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. He was renowned for his bravery and leadership in various naval engagements.

In the 19th century, the Rockley name was associated with several scholars and writers. One such figure was John Rockley (1806-1880), an English clergyman and author who wrote several religious works, including "Lectures on the Church of England" and "The Duty of the Church in Times of Trial."

While the surname Rockley has its roots in England, it has since spread to other parts of the world due to migration and genealogical connections. However, the historical records and notable individuals mentioned above provide insight into the origins and significance of this surname in British history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Rockley families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Rockley 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. Nottinghamshire leads with 216 Rockleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 47.89x.

County Total Index
Nottinghamshire 216 47.89x
Derbyshire 23 4.39x
Hampshire 19 2.77x
Surrey 18 1.10x
Middlesex 12 0.36x
Staffordshire 11 0.97x
Norfolk 9 1.75x
Devon 8 1.15x
Yorkshire 8 0.24x
Leicestershire 7 1.89x
Lincolnshire 6 1.12x
Lancashire 2 0.05x
Kent 1 0.09x
Northamptonshire 1 0.32x
Pembrokeshire 1 0.94x
Sussex 1 0.18x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Basford in Nottinghamshire leads with 37 Rockleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 177.97x.

Place Total Index
Basford 37 177.97x
Arnold 25 379.94x
Nottingham St Mary 18 15.43x
Southwell 16 487.80x
Snenton 14 79.01x
Calverton 13 909.09x
Eastwood 13 322.58x
Ratcliffe Upon Trent 13 1150.44x
Minstead 9 909.09x
Bingham 8 416.67x
Codnor Loscoe 8 192.77x
Bulwell 7 71.43x
Exminster 7 280.00x
Newark Upon Trent 7 43.18x
Newcastle Under Lyme 7 35.04x
Shelford Saxondale 7 1147.54x
Castle Donnington 6 194.81x
Rufford 6 1578.95x
Greasley 5 49.16x
Long Eaton 5 72.36x
Selston 5 99.21x
Southwark Christchurch 5 31.89x
Southwark St George Martyr 5 7.43x
St Marylebone London 5 2.80x
Cropwell Butler 4 645.16x
Farnborough 4 55.56x
Newington 4 3.24x
Ollerton 4 425.53x
Radcliffe On Trent 4 625.00x
Wimbotsham 4 615.38x
Wolstanton Knutton 4 57.97x
Barnsley 3 8.77x
Chelsea London 3 2.98x
Denver 3 312.50x
Ecclesall Bierlow 3 4.45x
Eling 3 43.17x
Heanor 3 38.31x
Nottingham St Nicholas 3 48.86x
Wirksworth 3 63.03x
Bramshaw 2 229.89x
Brant Broughton 2 256.41x
Camberwell 2 0.94x
Ilkeston 2 13.61x
Stow Bardolph 2 130.72x
Westminster St John 2 4.91x
Brighton 1 0.88x
Brixham 1 12.39x
Broughton In Salford 1 2.75x
Caunton 1 217.39x
Chatham 1 3.18x
Farnsfield 1 83.33x
Heeley 1 9.92x
Herbrandston 1 243.90x
Kensington London 1 0.54x
Kirton 1 666.67x
Lambeth 1 0.34x
Long Bennington 1 96.15x
Lyndhurst 1 53.19x
Norton 1 23.15x
Norwell 1 212.77x
Oxton 1 169.49x
Peterborough 1 4.39x
Quorndon 1 48.08x
Sheffield 1 0.95x
Sibthorpe 1 666.67x
South Normanton 1 27.17x
Spittlegate 1 13.51x
St Anne Soho London 1 5.23x
St Peterat Gowts Lincoln 1 13.30x
Stixwould 1 384.62x
Warlingham 1 75.76x
West Bridgford 1 222.22x
Withington 1 7.82x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 33
Elizabeth 19
Sarah 17
Jane 10
Ann 9
Annie 8
Fanny 5
Martha 5
Ada 4
Anne 4
Amy 3
Caroline 3
Eliza 3
Elizth. 3
Ellen 3
Emily 3
Lucy 3
Charlotte 2
Edith 2
Hannah 2
Harriet 2
Harriett 2
Louisa 2
Alice 1
Angeline 1
Catherine 1
Clara 1
Elener 1
Emma 1
Esther 1
Florence 1
Henrietta 1
Infant 1
Jennie 1
Letitia 1
Lizzie 1
Lizzy 1
Lousia 1
Margaret 1
Maria 1
Matilda 1
Millicent 1
Minnie 1
Miriam 1
Rebecca 1
Rebeckah 1
Rhoda 1
Ruth 1
Sar.A. 1
Zillar 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 23
George 20
William 17
Samuel 10
Thomas 10
Joseph 9
Henry 8
Charles 6
James 4
Walter 4
Alfred 3
Arthur 3
Harry 3
Robert 3
Wm. 3
Albert 2
Chas. 2
Edward 2
Ernest 2
Jas. 2
Miles 2
Moses 2
Richard 2
Alexander 1
Benjamin 1
Edgar 1
Edwin 1
Elija 1
Elisha 1
Enoch 1
Frank 1
Geo. 1
Isaac 1
Jesse 1
Leonard 1
Lesle 1
Levi 1
Mark 1
Mary 1
Myles 1
Owen 1
Percy 1
Sam 1
Smith 1
Tom 1
Willie 1
Willm. 1
Wlm. 1
Wm.Hy. 1
Wyatt 1

FAQ

Rockley surname: questions and answers

How common was the Rockley surname in 1881?

In 1881, 343 people were recorded with the Rockley surname. That placed it at #8,889 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Rockley surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 386 in 2016. That gives Rockley a modern rank of #12,202.

What does the Rockley surname mean?

A surname derived from a rocky meadow or clearing.

What does the Rockley map show?

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