NameCensus.

UK surname

Roscow

An English habitational name derived from a lost or unidentified place.

In the 1881 census there were 401 people recorded with the Roscow surname, ranking it #7,959 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 119, ranked #27,704, down from #7,959 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Radcliffe, Manchester and Dean. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Bury and Trafford.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Roscow is 401 in 1881. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 70.3%.

1881 census count

401

Ranked #7,959

Modern count

119

2016, ranked #27,704

Peak year

1881

401 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Roscow had 401 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #7,959 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 119 in 2016, ranked #27,704.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 401 in 1881.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Roscow surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Roscow surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Roscow 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 313 #7,385
1861 historical 369 #6,919
1881 historical 401 #7,959
1891 historical 328 #10,348
1901 historical 235 #13,662
1911 historical 272 #12,205
1997 modern 116 #24,688
1998 modern 128 #23,828
1999 modern 134 #23,378
2000 modern 132 #23,562
2001 modern 130 #23,457
2002 modern 129 #24,021
2003 modern 132 #23,459
2004 modern 121 #24,939
2005 modern 119 #25,193
2006 modern 120 #25,269
2007 modern 117 #26,066
2008 modern 121 #25,785
2009 modern 117 #26,927
2010 modern 118 #27,404
2011 modern 121 #26,789
2012 modern 112 #28,174
2013 modern 119 #27,541
2014 modern 123 #27,206
2015 modern 123 #27,088
2016 modern 119 #27,704

Geography

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Where Roscows are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Radcliffe, Manchester, Dean, Bolton-le-Moors and Bury (Walmersley and Tottington, Heap),Middleton (Birtle with Bamford, Pilsworth). These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Bury and Trafford. 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 Radcliffe Lancashire
2 Manchester Lancashire
3 Dean Lancashire
4 Bolton-le-Moors Lancashire
5 Bury (Walmersley and Tottington, Heap),Middleton (Birtle with Bamford, Pilsworth) Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Bury 001 Bury
2 Bury 002 Bury
3 Bury 007 Bury
4 Trafford 027 Trafford
5 Bury 009 Bury

Forenames

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First names often paired with Roscow

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Roscow

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

Ageing Communities

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

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

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

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Roscow is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction 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

These scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

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

Roscow 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

Roscow falls in decile 9 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

9
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

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

Meaning and origin of Roscow

The surname Roscow traces its origins to England, dating back to the medieval period. Historically, this name is believed to have originated from the county of Lancashire, specifically the Roscoe township near Worsley. The name Roscoe itself is derived from the Old Norse words "rá," meaning "roebuck," and "skógr," meaning "wood" or “forest,” collectively suggesting a “deer forest.” This etymology aligns with the Old Scandinavian influence in England, particularly in regions that experienced Viking settlement.

One of the earliest records of the name appears in historic manuscripts and land deeds. An early reference can be found in the Assize Rolls of Lancashire in 1246, where a William de Roschale is mentioned. The name Roschale is an older form of Roscow, evolving over centuries to its current spelling. Further mentions occur in the Subsidy Rolls of 1332, revealing a John de Roskowe as a taxpayer in the region.

Among the notable individuals bearing the Roscow surname, an early example is Thomas Roscow, a yeoman who lived around 1500. Another significant figure is Richard Roscow, born in 1627 and known for his contributions to the local governance in Lancashire. By the 18th century, the name had spread to other parts of England, as exemplified by William Roscow, who emigrated to the American colonies around 1705 and established himself in Virginia. His descendants included lawmakers and military officers who played vital roles in early American history.

In the literary realm, James Roscow (1760-1838) was a recognized poet whose works were widely appreciated in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His writings often alluded to the pastoral countryside of his Lancashire home, enriching the cultural fabric of the time. Another prominent bearer was the industrialist George Roscow, born in 1835, who significantly contributed to the textile industry in Northern England during the Industrial Revolution, helping to modernize manufacturing processes.

From its medieval origins in Lancashire to current historical footprint, the Roscow surname captures a vivid narrative of linguistic evolution, migration, and cultural significance. The name’s roots in ancient terms reflect a deep connection to the land and its natural surroundings, while the individuals who bore it contributed significantly to local and international history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Roscow families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Roscow 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 374 Roscows recorded in 1881 and an index of 8.04x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 374 8.04x
Lincolnshire 8 1.28x
Westmorland 5 5.80x
Essex 4 0.52x
Middlesex 3 0.08x
Cheshire 2 0.23x
Leicestershire 2 0.46x
Staffordshire 2 0.15x
Yorkshire 2 0.05x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Harwood in Lancashire leads with 46 Roscows recorded in 1881 and an index of 1893.00x.

Place Total Index
Harwood 46 1893.00x
Radcliffe 42 187.25x
Farnworth 29 104.02x
Elton 23 143.03x
Pilkington 22 124.43x
Little Bolton 18 30.09x
Darcy Lever 16 597.01x
Great Lever 16 323.89x
Bury 14 26.34x
Chorley 14 53.62x
Little Hulton 14 181.82x
Tottington Lower End 11 49.75x
Coppull 9 362.90x
Great Bolton 9 14.60x
Duxbury 8 1860.47x
Haslingden 8 41.52x
Manchester 8 3.82x
Scunthorpe 8 283.69x
Salford 7 5.12x
Ashton Under Lyne 6 5.90x
Chorlton On Medlock 6 8.12x
Castleton 5 10.76x
Lostock 5 476.19x
Pemberton 5 26.95x
Strickland Kettle 5 609.76x
Accrington 4 9.46x
Halliwell 4 23.63x
Ince In Makerfield 4 18.48x
Kearsley 4 40.86x
Little Oakley 4 930.23x
Oldham 4 2.66x
Tonge With Haulgh 4 44.15x
Turton 4 52.49x
Hampstead London 3 4.91x
Birkenhead 2 2.90x
Leicester St Margaret 2 1.89x
Stoke Upon Trent 2 1.42x
Barnsley 1 2.50x
Blackburn 1 0.81x
Bleasdale 1 181.82x
Pendleton In Salford 1 1.80x
Preston 1 0.80x
Saddleworth 1 3.34x
Scarisbrick 1 18.52x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 36
Sarah 15
Elizabeth 14
Alice 13
Jane 13
Martha 10
Hannah 9
Margaret 8
Maria 7
Ann 6
Ellen 6
Betty 5
Emma 5
Esther 5
Nancy 5
Catherine 4
Betsy 3
Leah 3
Lucy 3
Rachel 3
Sophia 3
Amelia 2
Annie 2
Eliza 2
Elleanor 2
Emily 2
Florence 2
Harriet 2
Amy 1
Caroline 1
Catharin 1
Charlotte 1
Clara 1
Constance 1
Edward 1
Elanor 1
Elizth. 1
Jenny 1
Jessie 1
Lausi 1
Lillian 1
Lizzie 1
Louisa 1
Lydia 1
Margret 1
Margt.A. 1
Margt.E. 1
Mariah 1
May 1
Susannah 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
John 34
William 23
James 21
Thomas 15
Joseph 10
Peter 7
George 6
Robert 5
Henry 4
Richard 4
Frederick 3
Roger 3
Samuel 3
Alfred 2
Frank 2
Fred 2
Jas. 2
Levi 2
Reuben 2
Wm. 2
Albert 1
Alcimus 1
Amos 1
Andrew 1
Baxter 1
Benjn. 1
Bentley 1
Char. 1
Charles 1
Chas. 1
Christopher 1
Ellen 1
Ellis 1
Emmanuel 1
Ernest 1
Handel 1
Harry 1
Hedley 1
Hilton 1
Job 1
Jos.A. 1
Luke 1
Ralph 1
Robt. 1
Rueben 1
Seth 1

FAQ

Roscow surname: questions and answers

How common was the Roscow surname in 1881?

In 1881, 401 people were recorded with the Roscow surname. That placed it at #7,959 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Roscow surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 119 in 2016. That gives Roscow a modern rank of #27,704.

What does the Roscow surname mean?

An English habitational name derived from a lost or unidentified place.

What does the Roscow map show?

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