NameCensus.

UK surname

Rowse

A surname derived from a Middle English verb meaning "to whisper or speak softly".

In the 1881 census there were 693 people recorded with the Rowse surname, ranking it #5,229 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 552, ranked #9,254, down from #5,229 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Roach, London parishes and Gwennap. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Cornwall.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Rowse is 948 in 1901. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 20.3%.

1881 census count

693

Ranked #5,229

Modern count

552

2016, ranked #9,254

Peak year

1901

948 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Rowse had 693 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,229 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 552 in 2016, ranked #9,254.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 948 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Rowse surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Rowse surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Rowse 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 570 #4,463
1861 historical 516 #5,072
1881 historical 693 #5,229
1891 historical 778 #5,157
1901 historical 948 #4,941
1911 historical 856 #5,182
1997 modern 578 #8,362
1998 modern 616 #8,240
1999 modern 621 #8,253
2000 modern 608 #8,356
2001 modern 600 #8,299
2002 modern 581 #8,630
2003 modern 553 #8,802
2004 modern 540 #8,978
2005 modern 541 #8,900
2006 modern 537 #8,983
2007 modern 553 #8,870
2008 modern 544 #9,041
2009 modern 559 #9,055
2010 modern 562 #9,200
2011 modern 568 #9,043
2012 modern 545 #9,230
2013 modern 543 #9,432
2014 modern 552 #9,362
2015 modern 554 #9,252
2016 modern 552 #9,254

Geography

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Where Rowses are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Roach, London parishes, Gwennap, St Austell and St Blazey. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Cornwall. 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 Roach Cornwall
2 London parishes London 3
3 Gwennap Cornwall
4 St Austell Cornwall
5 St Blazey Cornwall

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Cornwall 019 Cornwall
2 Cornwall 030 Cornwall
3 Cornwall 041 Cornwall
4 Cornwall 031 Cornwall
5 Cornwall 039 Cornwall

Forenames

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First names often paired with Rowse

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

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Rowse

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

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Rowse is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support 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

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

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

Rowse is most concentrated in decile 4 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.

4
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Rowse 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 Rowse is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

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

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

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

Meaning and origin of Rowse

The surname Rowse originated in England, with its earliest known records dating back to the 13th century. It is derived from the Old English word "rowse," which means "a rough, coarse person." The name likely referred to someone with a gruff or uncouth demeanor.

In the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire from 1279, there is a record of a person named John Rowse. This is one of the earliest documented instances of the surname. Similarly, in the Subsidy Rolls of Suffolk from 1327, a Walter Rowse is mentioned.

The name Rowse is also closely linked to various place names in England. For instance, Rowse in Wiltshire is an old village that dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded as "Rowese." This suggests that the surname may have originated from this locality.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the surname Rowse was John Rowse (c. 1470-1538), an English clergyman and scholar who served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 1506 to 1507.

Another prominent figure was Samuel Rowse (1570-1632), a renowned English clergyman and author who wrote several religious works, including "The Scholar's Guide" and "The Soules Preparative to Prayer."

In the 18th century, Thomas Rowse (1709-1788) was a successful merchant and benefactor from Cornwall. He made significant contributions to the town of Stratton, including the construction of a school and almshouses.

One of the most celebrated individuals with the surname Rowse was A.L. Rowse (1903-1997), a renowned English historian, author, and poet. He wrote extensively on various topics, including Shakespearean studies, and was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 1958.

Another notable figure was Trevor Rowse (1920-1998), an English actor and playwright. He had a successful career in theater and television, appearing in various productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the BBC.

The surname Rowse, with its origins rooted in Old English and its links to various place names, has a rich history that spans several centuries. Its bearers have contributed significantly to various fields, including academia, literature, religion, and the performing arts.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Rowse families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Rowse 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. Cornwall leads with 261 Rowses recorded in 1881 and an index of 33.96x.

County Total Index
Cornwall 261 33.96x
Devon 171 12.10x
Middlesex 64 0.94x
Hampshire 23 1.65x
Surrey 20 0.60x
Yorkshire 19 0.28x
Lancashire 14 0.17x
Cheshire 12 0.80x
Sussex 12 1.05x
Leicestershire 11 1.46x
Hertfordshire 10 2.14x
Lincolnshire 10 0.92x
Somerset 8 0.73x
Derbyshire 7 0.66x
Warwickshire 7 0.41x
Northumberland 6 0.59x
Pembrokeshire 6 2.78x
Caernarfonshire 4 1.46x
Cardiganshire 4 2.42x
Cumberland 4 0.68x
Dorset 4 0.90x
Glamorgan 4 0.34x
Royal Navy 4 4.94x
Kent 3 0.13x
Gloucestershire 2 0.15x
Cambridgeshire 1 0.23x
Denbighshire 1 0.39x
Durham 1 0.05x
Essex 1 0.07x
Fife 1 0.25x
Northamptonshire 1 0.16x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. St Austell in Cornwall leads with 59 Rowses recorded in 1881 and an index of 224.59x.

Place Total Index
St Austell 59 224.59x
Plymouth St Andrew 36 33.07x
Gwennap 23 158.62x
Portsea 20 7.33x
Newton Ferrers 17 1036.59x
St Blazey 16 237.04x
Roche 14 358.97x
Plymouth Charles The 13 20.88x
St Columb Minor 13 201.55x
Islington London 11 1.67x
Stoke Damerel 11 11.12x
Swannington 11 395.68x
Tavistock 11 68.32x
Calstock 10 66.36x
Antony 9 121.29x
Camberwell 9 2.08x
Hammersmith London 9 5.38x
Kirkdale 9 6.64x
Mevagissey 9 176.13x
Plymstock 9 121.62x
Probus 9 285.71x
St Minver 9 384.62x
St Stephen In Brannel 9 128.39x
Holsworthy 8 200.50x
Holy Trinity 8 4.94x
Watford 8 22.05x
Dukinfield 7 10.11x
Harford 7 1666.67x
Lidford 7 110.24x
Normanton 7 77.95x
Redruth 7 32.20x
St George Hanover 7 7.90x
Bodmin 6 47.17x
Brixham 6 36.65x
Crawley 6 571.43x
Ermington 6 116.73x
Lezant 6 348.84x
St Columb Major 6 94.04x
St Luke London 6 5.51x
Tenby St Mary In 6 54.64x
Walcot 6 10.31x
Birmingham 5 0.88x
Claughton With Grange 5 73.21x
Halwell 5 322.58x
Hastings St Leonards 5 29.71x
Heston 5 22.17x
Navenby 5 224.22x
St Ive 5 101.42x
St Tudy 5 413.22x
Battersea 4 1.60x
Bromley London 4 2.68x
East Teignmouth 4 69.20x
Exeter Holy Trinity 4 72.20x
Lambeth 4 0.68x
Lansallos 4 239.52x
Llanbeblig 4 14.36x
Llanfihangel Y Croyddyn 4 68.73x
Millom 4 22.33x
Morpeth 4 33.67x
Plympton St Mary 4 48.96x
Royal Navy 4 5.78x
St Clement 4 49.88x
Swansea Town 4 4.13x
Tormoham 4 6.69x
Brixton 3 188.68x
Chiswick 3 8.09x
Cornwood 3 111.11x
Devonport 3 18.47x
Dewsbury 3 4.35x
Drypool 3 29.13x
Kenwyn 3 14.93x
Lanlivery 3 92.88x
Madron Penzance 3 10.73x
Paul 3 21.49x
Poplar London 3 2.34x
St Agnes 3 27.88x
St Gilesin Fields 3 75.76x
Tregavethan 3 2727.27x
Twickenham 3 10.31x
Withiel 3 315.79x

Top female names

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

Name Count
Mary 54
Elizabeth 28
Jane 25
Annie 17
Eliza 17
Ann 14
Sarah 12
Emma 11
Ellen 10
Emily 9
Louisa 7
Susan 7
Catherine 6
Grace 6
Matilda 6
Charlotte 5
Edith 5
Fanny 5
Beatrice 4
Ada 3
Anne 3
Bessie 3
Caroline 3
Clara 3
Mabel 3
Rhoda 3
Susanna 3
Alice 2
Bertha 2
Florence 2
Gertrude 2
Hannah 2
Harriet 2
Isabella 2
Janet 2
Jessie 2
Kate 2
Lucy 2
Lydia 2
Maria 2
Marian 2
Rebecca 2
Sophia 2
Besy 1
Diana 1
Dora 1
Eleanor 1
Elisa 1
H.B.Geo. 1
Violet 1

Top male names

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

Name Count
William 49
John 41
Thomas 27
George 18
Joseph 17
James 16
Richard 15
Charles 13
Henry 12
Edward 11
Alfred 8
Frederick 8
Albert 6
Robert 6
Arthur 5
Wm. 5
Samuel 4
Edwin 3
Frank 3
Michael 3
Reuben 3
Walter 3
Benjamin 2
Edwd. 2
Herbert 2
Robt. 2
Timothy 2
Tom 2
Annie 1
Archibald 1
Augustus 1
B. 1
Cephas 1
Chas. 1
Edmund 1
Elias 1
Enoch 1
Ernest 1
Francis 1
Fred 1
Fredrick 1
Joe 1
Mathew 1
Matthew 1
Nichollas 1
Paul 1
Percy 1
Peter 1
Philip 1
Wm.John 1

FAQ

Rowse surname: questions and answers

How common was the Rowse surname in 1881?

In 1881, 693 people were recorded with the Rowse surname. That placed it at #5,229 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Rowse surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 552 in 2016. That gives Rowse a modern rank of #9,254.

What does the Rowse surname mean?

A surname derived from a Middle English verb meaning "to whisper or speak softly".

What does the Rowse map show?

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